seriously considering lathemaster 8x14

[whelzorn]

I have been looking at a small lathe and mill for some time now, and I have come to the conclusion that the lathemaster 8x14 is the best I can get for under $1,000 in quality and support. I e-mailed lathemasters' sales dept. yesterday afternoon and I haven't yet recieved a response (doesn't bother me, but I am just wondering since it seems nobody else has heard from Bob lately) but I am just looking for quick pros. / cons. about this machine. I have read all the reviews about it scattered around, but I have only seen good things about it, and no complaints, which of course is a good thing, but come on, it can't be perfect, right?

WARNING: This section contains some ultimate NOOB questions.
When a lathe says it measures 8x14, I assume that means 8" from center to bed, and 14" from center to center. Am I correct in my assumption? Also on that note, if the 8" really is center to bed, what is the largest size stock I can work with? are the jaws on the supplied chucks reversible, allowing larger stock sizes?

thank you,
Justin W.

[gmfoster]

I think he was located in or near the path of the huricane. I haven't heard what effect it had on him or his business. I hope for the best.

[ViperTX]

He is in Baton Rouge.....his ebay site was off-line for a week or so. I would call him.

8 inches is the max. diameter that it will swing, which I believe would really be pushing it....besides you have the cross slide to contend with.

I think it's an excellent machine...I upgraded to a QC toolpost on mine, got a live center and indexable carbide tools, center drills. The jaws are reversible.

It's an excellent machine...nicely finished...wish it had power feed for the cross slide.