Theorycraft: Which lathe for cnc conversion?

[Deviant]

Ok, so I currently have a 7x14 lathe that can handle most of what I currently do.

However, I don't really like the fit and finish of the machine. Also, there is a bit of effort involved in having the machine make repeatable parts. I'm looking to graduate into something larger, more precise and less maintenance. I'd like to stay in the realm of a bench lathe at this point. But that is not a requirement.

Short term, space is a premium, but I should have the shop built next summer. ((Unless the wife decides there is something better to spend the money on.))

However,
I can push the motorcycle farther into the corner of the garage if I have to.

Knowing that I want to cnc it from the get go.

I've been looking at the G0602 10" x 22" from grizzly. It's "close" to what I'm looking for, but there might be a better option out there.

I'd like...but haven't seen in a hobby level machine.

24" between centers.
1.5" spindle bore or larger for oddball work.
5c chuck optional.
Quick tool change with standard tooling.
Turrent or gang tooling would be cool, but I don't think I'm at that level of cnc prowness yet.
110/220 single phase.

Price is a concern, but not a huge one.

I'd like to keep the machine below 2 grand. I've looked into used machines, but I'm slightly concerned about buying someone elses problems. Also, from what I have seen. Replacement parts on the older machines are almost as much as the used machine itself.

It will be cutting mostly aluminum, brass and plastic. But I want to have the option of turning steel etc. Boring, reaming, and threading of rifle barrels on the list of todo projects.

Mostly this will be used for prototyping/one offs. But I'd like to get a machine than can handle small production runs.

(Less than a thousand parts)

I'd prefer a machine that can stay adjusted for the length of the run. I don't mind doing maintenance/adjustments prior too a run/part. I don't want to have to fiddle with the machine during a run.

I'm sure that I'm asking for too much out of my 2k bucks, but thanks for any theorycraft...

Also, I'm just looking for the base machine in that price tag. The cnc controller/ballscrews etc would be extra. Feel free to include those in the suggestions though.

Thanks,
-Deviant

[Deviant]

Noone loves me... *sniffs*

I figured at least someone would tell me that I was crack... or that I should do 1 2 and 3.