Wow... That is something I wasn't aware of. You're right. The cost could of repairing could really hurt you. Kinda pointless to rebuild something when you want to build something else. The bubble was busted with me seeing I always look for a smaller Cman lathe even though that's a little hard to...
Look for an older Craftsman/Atlas, Clausing or Hardinge lathe. They are always on Craigslist. Wish I had the room for one. Not too many ChiCom tools I would buy. Never a lathe or welder. My $.02 . What's your location-ish?
I agree with you on "some of that chinese stuff is o.k."
There are alternatives without dropping big coin. Sometimes ChiCom sometimes used domestic made. Hf tools do have thier place. I prefer them NOT to be in my Hf cabinet. Yes I'm serious. I have one of those 41" combo set-ups. They are...
Actually all ages. These guys are dying by the thousands every day. Be happy with what you have. They my look old and frail but, they saved the world.
http://www.wimp.com/secrethero/
Seeing you're local.. Start looking here.
http://www.estatesales.net/estate-sales/IL/Chicago.aspx
I see dozens of U.S. made ones within the past 6 months at various sales. I would start going to these. You can find 100% American made tools and equipment. I can only go on Saturdays to various...
Nice carnage.... Now that you're out a compressor. Have you given any thought to buying a used one at half the cost? Ton of smaller speedair and craftsman out there. Made in the U.S.A. too. I know you're from Toronto so, I'm not sure if that makes a difference. I'd start checking Estate sales...