Unless you need a portable lathe (moving it between rooms on every use), I would go with the 7x12 from Homier @ $299. It is actually 4 inches longer than the 7x10 from HF and much cheaper.
The weight is not that bad - I carried mine up and down stairs quite easily. Just remember to pick it up from the back side to avoid bending the lead screw. If the rear chip shield is removed it is compact and easy to hold (the chip shield is off mine as it only gets in the way.
You can also mount the unit on a rolling utility cart if you want to move it around.
If you truely need to store on top of the fridge, then you may need to go with the Taig - more expensive but definately lighter.
Aaron |