dserigson,
Regarding:
Clausing 12x24 Variable Speed 5903 220 volt single phase $2495.00 (at lostcreekmachine)
"based on your 1000-2000 range, their price seems high. if you have the time can you tell me what your opinion is? I know prices vary by location."
This is just my personal opinion, but I wouldn't be hung up on the single phase lathe. (3 phase makes a significant number of shoppers sweat, and so if I may speak broadly, on this board you don't have to worry, because the knowledge is here to get past such inconveniences) The short bed is nice if you have a small shop and really don't need the extra bed space.
With only 1 chuck that I see in the photo on the 12x24, I'm thinking the $2495 a little steep. The 12x36 that lostcreek has for the same price with collet closer might be more my style. Of course condition is hard to judge in a digipic.
I'd also be willing to pay a little more for a machine I actually cut metal with, having firsthand ascertained the condition and tested out the vari-drive.
Otherwise my personal theory says that there should be some risk-reward phenomenon at work (i.e. the risk of knowing the condition AFTER it is fully paid for and has arrived in YOUR shop should be offset by a lower price).
Ironically there are several "perennial" 5900s on eBay that I've seen for about 6 months or so, with prices I deem way too high. I've done enough ebay finger pointing for a couple years in another post so I won't call out the specifics but I'd be somewhat shy of a high reserve price and a buy-it-now about $100 more. Seems like those are just bait out there to snag someone who hasn't done the research.
Another angle might be the delivery. If you can avoid shipping charges, then this again opens the price window.
Maybe better advice would come from those like DT who attend auctions regularly and can tell you more. Otherwise, I would look here...
http://www.locatoronline.com/locator/
This will tell you what other dealers nationwide are asking, and let you evaluate additional tooling thrown in to the package. (Search under Lathes, and L3000 engine lathes).
So, my post is somewhat obscure. I want you to be objective rather than providing a gung-ho convincing post that "broke the camel's back". Research eBay and the Locator above. Search google under "Clausing 5914" and other 59XX model numbers, phone the dealers where they are, and request photos. It's work but fun work.
Sorry for steering the thread OT. DOH!
-Matt