Thread: Good training lathe for a novice.

That is an AL51G. Better known as "the Chinese 9x20". You can learn all about it by joining the Jahoo group "9x20lathe". Depending on your expectations, this lathe may need a good portion of TLC (tender Loving Care). You get what you pay for. Essentially this is a copy of the Austrian Compact 8 lathe, but with a (half) norton box and raised headstock and tailstock, and a worm drive automatic feed that unfortunately can cause a lot of grief...

I like the idea that you are now thinking about a lathe to learn on. As I said in your other thread, it's a good idea because by the time you work out how to run a machine you will probably have different ideas about what you want to do on it.
As for that specific machine, I can't comment although I will say that mass is your friend. More weight = more rigidity. Assuming that it is mechanically fine you will still be limited in what you can do - not necessarily badly but things like run carbide, take deep cuts, machine titanium and so on.

I work around 10 minutes down the road from General Tools who carry the H&F range in SA. If you think it may be of benefit I could meet you there one lunch time and spend 10/ 15 minutes looking at that one with you (and some of the others that they have; new and second hand). I don't want to push you one way or the other but seeing machines in the flesh with someone to field questions may help you. PM me if you are interested.

Michael