Hi.
A lot of members are advocating the rebuilt 'Union Graduate' as the pinnacle of lathe hardware. Sorry I can't agree with that unless you have the space to use the machines full capabilities.
1/ The 'rebuilt' Graduate has only a 6" spindle height over the bed, say 11 1/2" max dia. If you want to turn bigger you must use the outboard end and you need a lot of space to work there. This is where a swivel head comes as a bonus, you can have the lathe up against a wall, and to run big just turn the head.
2/ Cost, the 'New Graduate' is a tremendous price. It has a lower bed than the rebuilt machines, but for similar readies you can buy some spectacular machinery, and they come with the afore mentioned swivel head. Which I admit to being a advocate of.
I like the design, and build of the Graduate, but I believe it was designed for schools and other teaching facilities, and the ideas the modern turner has for his work just doesn't fit easily with the Graduate.
Although if I had the room I would buy a Graduate bowl turning lathe tomorrow, but I think the rebuilt long bed one has had it's day really. As seen by LRE who have modified the new ones they are producing by lowering the bed quite substantially to try and fit in with modern trends.
All just my personal opinion! :wink: