Leaderboard

A cheap HF engine stand can be adapted to hold a unidrive trans fairly easily

Ditto. My metric Grizzly knockoff has a 20 mm (.787) pass thru diameter. I also have about 3X the cost of the lathe, used, in tooling and DRO. The problem with previously owned equipment is that they are similar to used cars and WH tractors. You are looking for one that is used, not used up. A bargain priced lathe or mill with worn-out ways can be very expensive and time consuming to repair. NOT a project you can do at home. The ways get worn with use; they wear on a lathe mostly near the headstock, a milling machine near the middle where the vise is. The leadscrews also wear resulting in inaccurate positioning due to excessive backlash.

It's a metal lathe, but I wouldn't invest in it. Get a more modern one with tread cutting and at least some attempt to safely cover gears and belts.