Is this lathe worth $50?

I have one of those lathes, that said, I am FAR from being a turner, I don't do a lot of turning, but it works for me with what little turning I do, I also got a bed extension for it if I have do longer pieces.
 
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Any lathe that turns smoothly, and has all its parts, is worth$50. You can certainly turn spindle work and small bowls. Pens may be a little fine for it, but you'd have to see. I just sold my HF lathe. I did some good stuff on it, but I never tried anything long or fine.
 
I'm usually hesitant to recommend HF lathes, but for $50, I'd probably get it as long as it runs smoothly and all the parts tighten up like they're supposed to. I bought and sold a very similar Steel City lathe (probably from the same Asian factory) about a year ago for $200.
 
Despite the fact it's HF...if it works well and doesn't scare you when you turn it on...grab it. Hate to see what they gave the guy who pawned it.
 
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