I have had this lathe for 5 months now and have experienced nothing but enjoyment and ease of use. Works right out of the box with no set up or...Today I made a bicycle rack for my Jeep and a welding table yet some how I wind up watching someone making a pop-corn dish....WTH!
Heavy duty construction makes for no wobble on the bench top without any screws to hold down even on larger bowls. Great variable speed, and reversible for sanding if you like. have turned pens, stoppers, bowls, goblets and just about anything I can think of this tool performs well.
I have not tried the outboard side for turning yet, but plan to make a heavy duty tool rest stand from the floor and try turning much larger bowls. Seems like it wood work, but will not know until I try.