I have the Harbor Freight gear head mill. It works for me. Of course I am not an expert. I also have a Smithy lathe, mill, drill. It was nothing that I would recommend to a friend. I removed, the mill head, and have good luck with the lathe. I also have looked at the mini lathe that you are looking at. In your situation of not having a used equipment outlet handy. It may be the way to go.