Hello, I am not a woodturner (yet) but I am getting very interested in the craft for which I have been lurking in this NG for few weeks now. There will be an auction of a bankrupt business in my town and one of the items being auctioned is a "General 160, 12" swing" no sub model# is given. I will not have an opportunity to actually see the item until few hours before the auction starts. Here are my questions: what should I be paying particular attention to when inspecting this lathe? Is this a good lathe for a complete neophyte like myself? is it a good lathe, period? The lathe was used by a mid size kitchen cabinet making business, so I assume it has seen its share of spindles being turned on it, having that in mind, assuming good working conditions, how much should I set the top ceiling of my bidding at?. BTW, I understand there are many variables that can affect that $$ ceiling, but pls make assumptions, give me some $$ figures, I am totally clueless as to prices of second hand woodworking devices. Many thanks.
I forgot to mention that I am mainly interested in getting into bowl turning.
Guillermo