The small lathes would not exist if there wasn’t a market for them...............or the lack of money!
More power to those that can squeeze their machining needs into a small room and out of small power tools. I have over 1,500+ SQFT of shop space between my 2 shops and it is full of power and hand tools and multiple work benches. But I also have friends that run their small tool operations (model making) literally out of a double door closet in their bedroom!!!! Everything stores & folds away to make room for the next tool operation needed. Reminds me of the old ShopSmith I started out with over 45+ years ago. Bought it and ALL the attachments ever made for it for $65 at a garage sale. Changing tool set-ups took more time & work than making the actual project itself. That is why I made it a goal/vow 40 years ago to have individual separate stationary tools for each and ever step of a project (metal & wood)....and the space to put & use them in.
But whatever it takes to keep a person happy is good! Very good.
I know I am happy.
Happy Machining!
banger