Just getting caught up on my reading. Mark, have you looked at the Lathemaster 8x14 to CNC (
www.lathemaster.com)? You mention you want something solid and rigid, and this one is truely head and shoulders above the 7x12 or 8x12 lathes (no affiliation, blah, blah, blah. Just a very satisfied owner of one.) I used to own a 7x12 but recently sold it.
This is not totally altruistic, as I'm contemplating CNCing mine, and would surely like someone else in the same boat so to speak.
Larry
New Orleans