At the price of the Bailegh 1236, there are much better made lathes at similar cost. You are in the price range where there are a number of Taiwanese lathes that are better built and have more flexibility/quality. I would recommend the PM-1340GT (Taiwanese made) in 3 phase with a basic VFD install, PM-1440-2SM-V (Chinese mainland lathe, factory VFD model), or something like the single phase Eisen 1440E (Taiwanese made, you also may have some negotiating room on the price going directly through them). I also feel you would get better post sales support with PM/QMT and Eisen. DRO's that come with these lathes tend to be a ($200-300) models, the packaged chucks on the Chinese mainland lathes tend to be poorly made, often get replaced after you get some experience using the lathe.
Features Digital readout (DRO) unit with X- and Z-axis optical scales included for ease of operation Bed is made of high tensile cast iron FC25. Hardened and ground bed ways Heat treated headstock gears Lubricated headstock D1-4 camlock spindle 18-step spindle speed High quality machine. Made...
eisenm.com
-NEW- Eisen 1440E Precision Engine Lathe 3-phase motor driven by phase converter which can run on 220V single-phase W/ DRO included High quality precision lathe, Made in Taiwan. Features 14" swing x 40" distance between centers Hardened and ground bed ways Hardened and ground gears in headstock...
eisenm.com
www.precisionmatthews.com
www.precisionmatthews.com
www.precisionmatthews.com