It looks like it can be ordered from China still. I liked some of the comments about the major parts and it looks like it's stood up to use well. I had wondered how the Chinese got on with twin V beds – cheats, they mill clearance on one of them on the saddle and locate the tailstock on the other and probably the head. Being fair though the gear needed to make the saddle match perfectly with a twin V bed is specialised and very expensive. I'd guess that the speed change via a belt would put many off especially as it's not so easy to as on a conventional older rear countershaft lathe.

Trust Oz too come up with a good review. If I'm thinking of buying a dslr I generally look there as they don't seem to pull any punches about them. It's all there in the reviews.

Opti has been slated but as far as I know they are the only ones offering a "conditioned" bed. At least 6 months old, enough ??????. Also mention of what bearings they use but this is on a bigger lathe than Brian for instance wants. If I remember correctly it's mini lathe size, maybe next one up. It's in their catalogue anyway. The other thing that struck me about Brian's is maybe it's a one piece saddle – no front bolt on part to carry the feeds etc. If it is like that distortion is far more likely.

Anyway Hopper after what you have done to it I suspect he might find a shereline is a step backwards.

John

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Edited By John W1 on 10/11/2015 23:56:26