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John Zimny and I wrote an article on this for the Planing Forms a few years back. The Atlas/Craftsman lathes made after 1959 are fabulous for rodmakers. They were made sturdier than before and had back gearing, belt driven head stock, quick change gear box, and a power cross feed on the saddle. Sears badged these the Craftsman Commercial. So many of these were made that a well tooled cream puff can be found with regularity in many parts of the country. South Bend Model A's are also great, but South Bends have a bronze bearing in the headstock that requires a factory replacement if it is worn. A skilled machinist can determine if there is any error in the headstock runout. Logans are fine lathes, and parts are still available. Logans were also sold by Montgomery Ward. Emco Maiers are superb lathes, but tooling can get quite expensive. This is my only reservation about the German made Prazi/Wabeco line of lathes. The English made Myford Super7 could possibly be as close to the ideal rodmakers lathe ever built. Myfords are equipped the same as the above Atlas/Craftsman but in a slightly smaller package. British hobbyists are fanatical about their love of Myfords. Clausing and Rockwell both built great lathes that were a staple of high school and vo-tech shops for years. Joe Bergamo at Plaza Machinery in Vermont can help with used equipment and is a great guy to deal with - I have no financial interest. If you want to go to with the Jet/Grizzly route, realize that they are made by the same companies, and that problems can occur with these Chinese made products. I would buy from the closest retailer regardless of brand solely for the need for customer service. Where are you located? Remember, always buy more lathe than you think you need - you will probably need the greater capacity some day.