Thanks Kurt, that's what I was looking for.
Tried good ol' wikipdeia and they weren't much help.
I'm trying to decide what I should be saving up for realistically comparing wood and metal lathes.
The Micro II Taig lathe is a viable option financially, but damn it's small.
I also get what Simeon was saying about starting with the plan to upgrade later on, it usually becomes malarki in the end.
I do know that if I go with the wood lathe, I'll go for a mid-high grade lathe. On the flip side, given my $300-$450 price range, the metal lathes in that price range are so small.
Hell, there's a wood lathe on amazon with 40" between centers and a 14" swing over bed for $90, now THAT, has got to be a quality product
Cursed choices and indecisiveness! If my ol' lady ever finds a job, things of this nature will be much easier to afford.