i've always done my own gunsmithing, now i have some spare cash saved up to by a lathe. i'd like to have at least a 12x36 but a 13x40 would be better. at least 2hp single phase. any sugestions? links?

Mike
I'll suggest this for ya, as this is the path I have taken.
1: the lathe MUST MUST MUST have a slow speed around 50-70 rpm for threading

2: over 1 hp is fine... you get past 2 HP and it's a monster. This sounds like your first personal lathe... don't worry about it being huge

3: new chinese is "better" than worn out major name...

4: I have, more or less, this lathe
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2592112782&category=57033

it's an oil bath gearhead, which means like vibration, higer preceision. this is CHEAP CHEAP for this lathe.. you can make or buy the motor mount.

This lathe CAN be put in a trailer and driven home...

jeffe

There are a couple sites that have faqs on what to look for in a used lathe.

My brother's 13x36 GHL JET produces some beautiful pars.
My Clausing 5914 produces ugly parts.
It is more the operator than the lathe.