Hi,

Wondering if there is anyone currently using the Craftsman 15"
Professional lathe from Sears and would be willing to share their
experience with it?

The one I am considering purchasing can be seen he
"http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B000HU3AMS/qid=1158434256/ref=sr_1_2/102-9537809-2388151?ie=UTF8&searsBrand=core&mqnodeid=APS"

Bit of background.... started out last Dec. with a BusyBee Craftx since
I was new to turning and wanted a low end unit to learn on. The lathe
was worth what I paid for it, but I soon discovered it would be soon
time to upgrade to a slightly better model.
Well, I turned the lathe on this morning, and the speed control was
stuck in place, put a small bit of pressure on it and heard gears
stripping - turns out the shaft that controls the pulley distance is
stripped. Perfect excuse to go buy another tool! (yea I know its still
under warrenty, but I'd much rather use the motor to power my Beal
Buffer!)

I went to the local Home depot and rona's, to see what they had -
nothing! Only thing I seen was a small Delta midi. I can't seem to find
any local tool stores here in Brampton Ontario that stock lathes, so
thought I'd check sears as a last resort.

Have not purchased a craftsmen tool in many a year so have no idea of
the quality - searching the archive for this group gives mixed reviews
for the lathe in question, so figured I would request info from folks
currently using this lathe.
Have no need for the tools supplied with the lathe since I am a tool
junky and have the usual "amount' of turning tools : )

All comments on this unit Welcome!

(note to Darrell - we exchanged comments early in the year, and I
continue to check your website on a regular basis - well done!)