I started using Joe back when I first started with Linux and Emacs took forever to load just to make a simple edit to a config file, this was back in '95 and Linux kernel 1.1.59, Later I was involved in something called LRP (Linux Router Project) which was basically a small footprint distro loaded to a RAM drive via 3.5 floppy, usually formatted larger than 1.44 mgs, that setup a NATing router on something like a 486 class machine, this was before all the usual suspects were making 'Internet routers'. Joe's small footprint was especially helpfull then.
I believe that project is dormant at this time but even then things were possible that you don't get with todays home class routers.
That's not a bad idea, tooling up for just this small job might be prohibitive, but now that I think of it there is a local printer that used to do silkscreens and etched aluminum data plates of a drive company I worked at long long ago. I should see if they still survive.
Reversing is only part of it, one of the features on this lathe was a mechanical clutch and brake actuated via a lever on the right side of the apron (don't know if yours has that). I'd feel better with a spindle that comes to a rapid stop when told to do so, not only for impending crashes but for errant stringy chips interfacing with body parts, or body parts interfering with spindles, chuck, work, etc :)
Gas stove here also, and I also figured cold resistance would be fine considering the duty cycle and amount of power dumped into it, it's not like its continuous are anything.
That's basically my MO as well, even if I kill the power, letting the lathe coast to a stop and pulling the chuck the last half a turn by hand:)
Fry's (at least the one here) has everything from electronic components to computer parts to TV's, washers, dryers and everything else consumer electronics. I don't know if I'd exactly call it Mecca, but definitely worth having in the area.
Regards Paul