[Linear Thinker]

Rich,

YCL920 looks identical to most Chinese 9x20 lathes as sold by Horror Fright, Enco etc. I used to have the Enco version, got it on sale for $700 or so. AFAIK, they are all made in the same factory. Birmingham version looks to be nicely tooled, which probably explains why they want more $$.

Nice things about it:
It's very light. I was able to install it without help.
You can either bolt it to the bench or get a metal stand
It has a gearbox, no more messing with gear charts

Not so nice:
It's very light. Light cuts only. Don't expect tenths accuracy.
I am not so sure the leadscrew was inch. My threads felt just a hair off. Didn't matter as I always chased with a die afterwards.

The build quality was typical Chinese - indifferent, but functional. With light cuts, it produced nice finishes.

As small lathes go, it's good value for the money.
I wound up selling it. It was too big for small jobs like trimming/neck-turning brass and too small for barrel jobs.

LT