apart from the variatorthey had one at college and 6 Harrison's we just used the Harrison'sChipmaster is the best lathe ever made.
Originally, I was looking for a Clausing 4900 series lathe to replace the 14" x 48" one I sold overseas. Couldn't find a Chipmaster either that was in decent condition when searching a few years ago, but was lucky to come across a Boxford which was in great condition; so settled for it as I was retired, and felt it would cover most of my future needs.
Finding related accessories was the difficult part, as it's always been rare to find a lathe for sale with all the original equipment offered. If you do, calculate the value, and even if it adds up to the going rate, buy it, otherwise you can expect a long wait, perhaps months or even years to acquire what you need or want.
I was looking for about a year for a decent model A boxford, but it was during the pandemic when I think prices went silly.
Gave up in the end as they fall into the kind of hobby range and so command higher prices, in the same way as Myfords do.
Eventually I picked up a Smart and Brown 1024 for the same price as a 1/2 decent model A and it's in a different league.
Of course being a more professional lathe it has its drawbacks of being significantly heavier to move, 3 phase and alot less spare parts available, but can't see me ever needing to upgrade again and it will turn out far higher quality parts than the operator can manage.
A good turner will turn out better work on an old clapped out machine than a novice on a brand new lathe!Agreed on the highlighted above. But just as true that high quality parts can be made on a lesser quality machine - just needs a better operator!