I've found used iron is being dumped on the market for pennies.

I bought a Hardinge HC chucker in excellent condition for $500. Coolant system- 5C, and electric power feed, that you can set and walk away from. Stops itself. Put $175 into with and 3 days labor, and it runs like a new machine. It will put a mirror on steel if you want it to.

As if that wasn't a deal enough-

I just bought a Hardinge CHNC that had a $20,000 FAGOR control with new computer and spindle drive motors retrofit 5 years ago for $2,000 . THAT'S a FULL CNC automation, air collet, full enclosure, coolant system, CNC Hardinge for 2 grand ..!! The machine only cut brass it's hole life and no visible wear on the ways. 8025G Fagor computer controll doesn't even have a scratch on the keys.

Point is is I've seen deals on every kind of lathe you can think of, - good american iron. In the California Bay area everything is dead. That's where I picked up the CNC and I've seen engine lathes down there that would make your jaw drop for less than a grand.

The Hardinges are perfect for me with a small shop, and my small parts.