I've got a chance at a 15"x50" C.C. geared head lathe in like new condition. Your thoughts, comments and experiences with this lathe, please.

Many Thanks,
Ben H

Ben, I am no lathe pro, but given that I am envious of your position. I have a belt drive Jet lathe and bought mine just before an old gunsmith friend offered me his Clausing. I have used a few of them and from my experience limited as it is, they are very nice lathes. Now don't tell me you are getting it for next to nothing,

The forum that has lots of "what to look for in a lathe" experts is rec.crafts.metalworking the newsgroup. On the web I can get it at
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=rec.crafts.metalworking&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search

Searching for your topic:
http://groups.google.com/groups?as_q=Colchester%20%20clausing%20lathe&safe=images&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&as_ugroup=rec.crafts.metalworking&lr=&hl=en