Quote Originally Posted by 32t View Post
I have a cheap lathe that works much better than my ability.

It is suppose to be able to cut threads but that is well above my skill level at the moment.

That got me thinking especially at a hobby level how many people actually cut threads?
Me? Its been a while though, and my current lathe is missing the various gears needed to cut a number of thread sizes. Would love a quick change gear box, to eliminate all the sprocket changing needs. But that can cost as much as a new lathe! (current lathe is an old Atlas 10 Atlas 10-inch lathe Catalog)
My advice echos that of every other machinist out there.. Buy the most lathe you can afford. The cheapest lathes have weak headstocks, and it wont take much to bend the shaft while turning something and making a mistake. Bump the headstock with the tool post, accidentally dig into the work too deep etc.
Be sure to read as many online reviews as possible to see if others have had complaints with jaws going out of alignment, etc.
That said, a good lathe, can make almost ANYthing! Bushings, pins, collars, with the right attachments, you can mill too