I have the Shop Fox 1704. I ordered it from Stebar in New Jersey and got it in a bit less than a week. While the appearance is a bit different, functionally it's about the same as the HF. I've used mine for pens, tool handles, tea lights, napkin rings, small mirrors, small cups, small boxes, plates, and even a dibble (look it up).
Pros:
- the price is right
- compact, doesn't take a lot of space
- relatively quiet
- comes with a 6" faceplate, spur drive, live center and two tool rests
- 3/4"x16tpi spindle with MT1 means that accessories are a bit less expensive
- the fit and finish are better than the HF
Cons:
- the motor is rated 1/3 HP. That's fine for pens, but it's a bit anemic for bowls or for drilling on the lathe
- it doesn't have a handwheel on the headstock spindle. That's not a fatal flaw because you can easily make one (there is a tutorial on the web).
- the tailstock mechanism is OK, but it's a bit fiddly. I find that it is periodically necessary to take the tail stock apart and realign the pin that makes the quill advance.
The other thing you can do is look at Craigslist to see if there is something used in your area.