Dale,
I went to see Christian. He told me that he once had a Vicmarc mini lathe in stock, and it took him over a year to sell it because it was so expensive, at about $2,500, for that size lathe. I am somewhat reluctant to buy a lathe that is only sold at one place in the USA, and that one place does not even have any o these lathes in stock to view. He has no plans rot restock the lathe.
I do not have much room in my garage to house a big lathe, and I really do not need to make bowls larger than 12 inches in diameter. I just want a high quality smaller lathe that I can put on rollers and move to the side of my garage when I am through turning. Since I am only 5'7" tall and 66 years old, all the full size lathes, except for the Robust, which has adjustable legs, are too tall for me and too heavy for me to move. Robust makes a real nice short bed and smaller height lathe, called the Sweet 16, that I could buy. However, it costs nearly $7,000 out the door, plus shipping.
There are some problems with my Delta mini lathe. Although the quality and power are OK, the tailstock locking mechanism is small, so it won't stay put and the tool rest post is only 5/8" thick, so it does not hold well.
I see many ads for large lathes that are being sold by "older" folks who have to downsize. Are the manufacturers missing a niche market for sales to older people who want a quality lathe? Even Oneway stopped making their 10-18 lathe, perhaps for a lack of demand. All the small lathes are made overseas.
I wonder if I am the only "senior" citizen who thinks this way?
Jerry