I plan on using it quit often. In that case is it better to part out the machine and make the 150 i spent on it and buy a newer lathe? The most metal working i would be doing is say metal shavings in some epoxy. Wood would be my main work on the lathe. Also i live in paso robles so i have access to an abundance of wood and almond wood. (i have a friend with an old almond orchard)
Trade you some CA Almond for some East TN - xxxxxxxx?
You can use the Atlas for wood turning no problem. But as Bob mentions you just have to keep it clean.
I've used my Logan 10" quite a bit over the last 20+ years for wood. I feel that I have more control over what I'm doing on the Logan than I ever had on a wood lathe. I use fixed tooling as well as freehand.
I do how ever have a hefty jerry rigged dust collection setup on it.
I grabbed several pieces of air intake pieces at the local pull-a-part and I use those when I'm doing wood. Walnut needs to be sucked up no matter what equipment you use.
A couple of the air intakes were rectangular and I have one down under the ways, one up where the chips come off and then one near the motor.
Plus I drape the ways with towels while working.
Then after you're done, just wipe 'er down and give 'er a coat of oil.
As I've probably mentioned all too many times, I been in a lot of pattern shops that had metal working as well as woodworking equipment in them.
It all comes down to how clean the machines are kept.