Hi all - I'm looking into a Standard Modern lathe that's for sale (13" x 40" with a 17" gap). I have not actually seen this one yet. I have never heard anything bad about SM's, and the ones I've seen seemed solid. However, they were all pretty old. This one is mid 70's. (not so old in 'lathe-years' in my book anyway). There is one on eBay (not the one I'm looking at buying) which is also 1970's vintage, and it looks alot like the far east lathes I'd prefer not to buy if I can find something better. That is, from the photo it looks a bit 'tinkier' (short, not very massive gear box) than the SM's I remember.
So the question is, can anyone tell me if the quality of these lathes changed drastically around or before this time frame, or all things being equal is this still liable to be a decently built lathe? (Normal wear etc on this particular specimen taken into account of course.)
TIA
Mickey