just saw this thread
Having been a diemaker for 30 years I guess I know a little something about lathes.
I've seen them all and the onlt ones I wouldn't reccomend are the ones with the ball bearing guides. The rest will all do a very good job when used properly.
The problem comes when you try to use the included carbide bit. There is absolutely nothing wrong with carbide but it won't work the way they ship it to you. They just throw a "blank" in the box and go.
The best thing to do is find an older machinist, show him your lathe, and have him sharpen your tool to the proper geometry. You need an older guy who knows how, kinda like finding a guy who knows how to set the points on you '62 buick.
Once the tool is properly sharpened it will last a lifetime. If you do get copper built up on the edge you can remove it with abrasive stone.