MIT BASIC LATHE TRAINING VIDEOS:

LATHE ONE:

http://techtv.mit.edu/genres/24-how-to/videos/144-machine-shop-8

LATHE TWO:

http://techtv.mit.edu/genres/24-how-to/videos/134-machine-shop-9

LATHE THREE:

http://techtv.mit.edu/genres/24-how-to/videos/172-machine-shop-10

SMALL LATHE ELECTRONICS:
http://crevicereamer.com/Page_71.html

WHAT SMALL LATHE TO BUY?

This depends on what you need and what you want to spend. This is my website, so I'm going to give my opinion--but it is only my opinion.

HARBOR FREIGHT:

You can buy some real low-price items here--Mostly because of the widely available 20% off coupons. (In Popular Mechanics Magazine for instance) However, I see much evidence that you get lower quality machines this way. You also get a warranty that only allows swapping the machine if it fails during first 90 days--or first year if you buy the extended warranty--THEY WILL NOT
SEND YOU WARRANTY PARTS.

For purposes of this discussion, I will define all lathes with 3/4 spindle bore as mini lathes.

MINI LATHE:
http://crevicereamer.com/Page_73.html

The following lathes are much heavier--which is a GOOD thing if your shop can handle it:

8x12/14  MINI LATHE PLUS:
http://crevicereamer.com/Page_76.html

8x16 C4 MINI LATHE ++
http://crevicereamer.com/Page_79.html

9x20 SUPER MINI LATHE:
http://crevicereamer.com/Page_82.html

10x20 SIEG C6 SHOPFOX M1016 MAXIMUM MINI LATHE:
http://crevicereamer.com/Page_98.html

10 X 22 SMALL LATHE:
http://crevicereamer.com/Page_85.html

My recommendations are:

(If you must save a buck) HF 8x12: $549, ($439 with coupon) and no shipping if you pick up the 275 pound box at local store.
Hands down, this is the most mini-lathe bang-for-your-buck if you are lucky enough to get a good one and can find accessories for it. (And are competent to repair its deficiencies.) Bear in mind that accessories raise the price closer to LM price.

Lathemaster 8x14 $1069 shipped. Not a bad price for quality and accessories--But still a mini-lathe.

Or MY recommended BBFB lathe: the nicely larger & more capable Grizzly 10x22. The 34" of 10x22 exposed bedway is almost as long as the 37 1/2" TOTAL LENGTH of the 9x20.

This is a LOT of lathe for the money. Some are selling it for TWICE that price:

http://www.tegstools.com/products/metalworking-machinery/lathes/86719

CR.