I've had my TC Pro w/extension bed for about 2 years now. Great little lathe, and the price was right. In addition to lots of pens, I have turned a few small bowls and a couple baseball bats on it without any problems.
Only complaint is that the motor doesn't turn well when it is cold (i.e., below freezing). Perhaps the bearing lube in the motor is the culprit. I make sure to warm up my shop before running the lathe in cold weather - it runs fine then.
Cheers.