Hi Trev,
As of the end of March LeBlond sold the South Bend business to an outfit in Washington state that is now calling itself South Bend Lathe http://southbendlathe.com/ so I don't know whats happening there. I just found that out. This machine is sure not the Colchester 2500, this one is at least 1100 pounds heavier just for starters. It sure may be made in China for all I know at this point. I'm with you on the beer cans from the ditch budget. I wouldn't have this lathe if the insurance company hadn't bought it. I'm retired with Social Security plus working at my old job as a consultant two days a week. Get all my health care from the Veterans Administration. Don't have much to play with money-wise anymore. So if I want something I have to make it. At least that way I get it made the way I want it. Ha, ha.
Jim,
Sounds like you have the same machine I had. Mine was a 64, model 8015 series 8000. It did have the Gamet bearings. I hope you're right about this SB. Will keep you posted on how it does. It seems really nice according to the inspection report that came with it.
Cheers,
Phil