After getting used to the 5200 I will say go with one of the other versions out there.
I feel like the cross slide is flimsy and the readouts are barely held on.I do not recommend the machine.
I really wanted a vintage machine and would have payed as much for a good one but it became clear that the vintage bench top machines have some pretty small Pass-Thru, and Pass-Thru to me is King.
I don't understand the manufacturers reluctance to making large pass thru, its the number one best easiest way to work but is hard to come by. I passed up a beautiful machine on EBay do to shipping and size issues that had a 1.25 pass thru!
The LMS mini has a 20mm thru hole so that 3/4" stock goes thru no problem.
FYI Shop Organization tip: I'm using a Shoe organizer for scrap metal storage
I made this custom bench for it that includes a drawer and a shelf with a drop down door.
I wanted the lathe at a height that would be comfortable sitting or standing
The optional chip tray is about 14" x 35" so the bench top was an easy 16" x 36"
05.12.18
After a few hours on it I would not recommend it, try your luck with another version of the same machine. Its a great size just a little flaky, the speed control is in the wrong place, the tail-stock is not repeatable, and the cross-slide assembly is annoying to name a few.
11.02.18
Another issue is the DRO; not very reliable, and lets face it that's all we ask of them.
06.30.19
So reading and trying many things, buying tooling here and there I came across a quote that I will put into my own words: You can think of a lathe as a "kit" machine Always requiring fix and repair; FIAT... Fix and repair daily!
If take this approach the disappointment of the the "out of box" experience can be mitigated.
