I'm a relative newby, been turning for about a year and slowly getting a
little better. I'm working on a used Rockwell 11" lathe (Model 46-140) that
I bought from an experienced woodturner who was moving up. Now I think I'm
ready to move up, at least to something with some more modern conveniences.

Can you point me to any review(s) of mid-priced lathes, which for this
purpose, I'll define as between $800 and about $1500. I would like a full
size lathe with electronic speedcontrol that doesn't require rewiring the
shop, i.e., stay at 110V, which I think limits it to about 1.5 hp.
Everything else I think will be pretty standard everywhere, like lever locks
for the tool rest support (mine uses a wrench, and I have only scraped
knuckles once or twice), Morse #2 tapers, reasonable weight or the capacity
to take a shelf for sand bags.

I've searched and found a review from this price range on up, in FWW, but I
haven't been able to find anything comparing lathes in this price range.

Individual reccomendations on ones to look at, or avoid, will also be very
welcomed.

I think I am currently attracted to a Jet 1642 with the 1.5 hp motor.

I'm still experimenting and finding out what I can turn successfully. I am
working on bowls (of course) of various sizes, including miniatures (for my
wife's collection of miniatures), lidded boxes, goblets, small vases, etc.
I want to buy one lathe to last me indefinitely and don't want to limit my
options.

Thanks.

George