So, I bought a HF 34706 in 2011 for 75 bucks off of Craigs list. It lasted until 15 months ago. I bought a Nova 1624 last week and it was delivered on my Anniversary. (31 years). I happened to get hit by kickback from my table saw on Sunday, so I have 7 stitches in my thumb, and I'm not supposed to use my hand. But, who can resist a new lathe. I set it up today and happened to have a couple of Cigar kits and Olive wood blanks, so I turned out a pen, just to make sure it works like it should. And it does. Looking forward to healing and trying segmented turning on this beast.