Talk:Open Source Lathe

What is the first product of market value that can be produced on this lathe? Is there a demonstrable need for that product in the market place? At what point will the lathe investment pay back?

I ask, knowing that machinists are critical in the manufacturing world, but what will Factor E be manufacturing to support the costs of this tool? Are there better ways to spend the money?--Dennis 11:03, 8 March 2009 (PDT)

Seems to me that the ways need to be made much larger. The single bar shown for carying the compound and cross-slide are rather insufficient for a lathe of any critical size. The link provided to the antic Drummand lathe had a 4" diameter bar as the ways. Lesser bars are going to be insufficient. I would suggest either two or three bars of the size currently shown spread out to give more stability, or a flat set of ways as used in more standard lathes. The work required will be much more but the product should be substantially better.