I got two of them last year for the high school shops that I teach at. They are holding up great to date. As Sawduster said the only real problem with them is the tool rest working lose when putting a lot of force on it like roughing out a bowl. I think they are about as good a lathe as one can buy for $600.00. The penn State 12" commander is another option, but I'm not sure if it is ready for sell.
Jack