[sanddrag]

You can get a used Fadal for about $17k, but, you don't want to buy a $17k can of worms. You'd really have to have someone who knows machinery check it out. Also, as a note, I have no personal experience with Fadal, but I'd like to think it's a heck of a lot more machine than a Tormach. That said, I'd read of tons of people who absolutely love their Tormach and make some impressive pieces on them, and I'm considering a Tormach lathe if they ever finish it and release it for sale.

I know it may be out of your budget, but originally, I was looking at a Tormach, and ended up going with a HAAS, and I cannot even begin to describe how big of a difference it is, and how glad I am that we upped the budget for a HAAS. See if you can sell the school district on safety. The HAAS is enclosed and has safety interlocks and is "industry standard equipment."