very modified harbor freight mini lathe

[-Q-]

Hello, i have been relearning shop class on my mini lathe, and realized its' limitations quickly. first thing to go was the plastic internal gears, all steel replacements, the motor board died about a year after i got it, and i repaced the whole thing with a treadmill motor. it is also mounted on an old 17 inch radial arm drill, for use as a sometimes mill, works great, uses the bed and carriage for linear movement as a mill, nice for cutting keyways in shafts, etc. i would like to hear from all who use a setup like mine, or want to do so. Any tips or tricks for this type of budget build would be appreciated.

and now, my shop: