1. Crap.
2. Benchtop.
3. Cabinet mounted (also includes the ones that have legs as part of the casting).
4. factory use
more determined by there weight/width and length
yes any lathe could be used just as a hobby all depends on the cost of the lathe you buy also I have noticed anything that is heavy or ackward to move usually has a lower price compared to these small and easy transportable lathes
Most lathes you can remove a lot to move it around. Mine is 120kg or so fully assembled, probably 80kg with most removed, I was just about able to lift onto bench myself from ground and round a corner.
Saddle, apron, leadscrew, tailstock, easily removed. Gears motor, drive, easily put back. Good idea to clean and oil everything...
Headstock probably should not be touched - not tried, but could cost a lot of time getting the alignment perfect.
I am on my 4th lathe, move them all my self at one stage or another, engine crane couple of small ply squares with castors. And either a trailer or a tail lift van hired. The current one is 14 inch swing and 40 inches between centers, for hobby use.
Some dealers will send you a smaller sized lathe boxford etc, on a pallet for 60 quid. I bought my current mill, and it arrive on one pallet stacked instead of two, wouldnt fit under the garage door. Rushed to machine mart bought engine crane and got it in my self.
If you want the machine, and want to move it, there is usually away, if you give it some thought.
This guy will send lathes on a pallet, only issue he doesnt advertise his prices, quite annoys me, buts hes actually sensibly priced and fairly genuine. http://www.bedetools.com/page19.html
Some say the lathe shouldn't be taken off the bed but that's just because there's a risk of coolant draining through the bolt holes after you've reassembled it... nothing that can't be sorted with a couple of pats of sealant, that's how the factory did it after all. Those lathes don't rely on some interaction with the cabinet for their accuracy.
I've been lucky in always having a van handy so not had to split either of the Boxfords I've had but it wouldn't worry me if I had to.
Even the big Colchesters are just lathes bolted to cabinets.
I have a people carrier and also access to a transit. Its intented location only really allows for a bench mount without a huge move around and it will have to be man handled in there.