3 different ones, actually. " Delta Dawn", the Delta 46-460 does most of the turning work, as the belt speed change slot is in the front and makes changing speeds effortless. Additionally, it has reverse and simplifies sanding wood pens on the rare occasion that I make a wood pen. Also, it "mics" out as the truest lathe in the shop when the Beall collet chuck is attached.
"Bennie the Jet " 1014 VSI is used almost exclusively as a dedicated drilling station these days, as it has made over 10,000 pens and has proven itself worthy of semi-retirement". Additionally, Bennie's belt pulley change access is the back. Since I never come off the slow speed pulleys, he is perfect as a drilling station.
Third is Rudy Ricon. Rudy never could really eliminate the " shakes", and is a PITA to change belt speeds, he is a dedicated buffing station. His "wobble" is a plus at the buffing table, and I bought him for $199 on a Woodcraft sale that threw in free shipping.
There's also a Microlux Metal lathe in a cabinet, SOMEWHERE that comes out on rare occasions when "Delta Dawn" can't perform on a custom build.
There's also a Beall Pen Wizard that has never been out of the box ...... SOMEDAY
Without being a smartass, it's not the lathe that matters, but instead, the"interlink that attaches the cutting tool to the tool rest".
In a cut to the chase, the best lathe is the one you can use best to do what is is that you want to do.
Respectfully submitted.
