I'd be tempted to pick up an 8x12 next time the planets are aligned (meaning it's on sale and I have a 20% off coupon that can be used on sale items). That's how I picked up my 7x10 for about $320.
<a href="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/mini-lathe/82871-7-x-10-project-started.html" target="_blank">7X10 Lathe conversion</a>
<a href="http://www.cnczone.com/forums/open-source-cnc-machine-designs/335846-cnc.html" target="_blank">Custom X-Carve router</a>
<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tooldesign" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>