I'm relatively new to mini lathe thing and have been looking into them for use in Gunsmithing and Reloading. But, after looking at what is available and searching Ebay for possible used machines and such, I have found some of the older, smaller Atlas/Clausing lathes available in the same price range. I'm wondering, and I'm looking for advice from those more knowledgeable and experienced than myself, would not these units be a better alternative? I would think that these Atlas machines would be more dependable, heavier and therefore more accurate that the imports. Am I wrong? Now I'm referring to units that are not in need of a complete rebuild and missing parts, etc. There are still parts available for them and American made from a time when that meant something. I am specifically thinking of an Atlas Model 10100, 6 inch. I realize they don't have all the latest bells and whistles, variable speeds, digital speed displays, etc. But, I'm thinking of dependability and accuracy here, not convenience. If upgrades become valuable necessities, they could be added. Now what am I missing, what problems I'm I not seeing? Thanks for any help and suggestions.