Hey everyone,

I am seriously considering a Bolton 12x30 gear head lathe.

The price is very attractive, and it can be run at either 110 or 220 which I like a lot, as I only have 110 now but can change to 220 when I get around to it.

My first question is does anyone have any experience at all with any of the Bolton 12 x lathes?

I have done a ton of searching and cannot find much info.

My next question is, if I do buy this thing, how do I assess how accurate the lathe is, particularly the spindle?

I am wondering if there is a standard set of tests that can be run?

Im a bit nervous about it, and I am pretty much torn between the Grizzly G4002/G4003 and this Bolton, and I feel pretty confident that with Grizzly I will get all the support I need, not sure about Bolton.

I probably should go with Grizzly, but the price difference when I factor in having to right away have my shop wired for 220 is very significant.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.