Archie, check out this article from American Woodworker. Granted, it's a few years old, but it's all I could find and I'm not sure much has changed since then. It's still being listed on their current Buyer's Guide website anyway. http://www.rd.com/americanwoodworker/toolguide/TT_Lathes.pdf
Both they and Workbench magazine give the Craftsman 15" their stamp of approval (in your price range). The Delta 46-715 was rated Editor's Choice and the Craftsman got Best Buy. I've had mine since April and have been satified with it thus far. If I'd had the extra $300, I'd have probably gone with the Delta based on how happy I've been with my table saw. Just my two cents. And remember, advice is free and often you get what you pay for. [
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