I have the Delta gap version of that lathe. the gap gives a little more room for bowls. When I was using that lathe for most of my turning I setup a Delta midi lathe mounted on a plank and clamped to the ways on the end past the tail stock. I could go from drilling to turning without any setup changes. Vibration is not a problem with that lathe and for a pen turner it has room to spare.
If you set it up for outboard turning you get a monster size bowl lathe. But I can tell you slow speed is real fast when turning a 30 plus inch item. A freestanding tool rest can be bought for about 250 on EBay. With that lathe the limit is what you decide it is and that is a great find.
