big lathes

If you have the space then no lathe is too big! It is very very unlikely you will get a through spindle diameter of 1 1/4 "!!!

For large diam tube or rod stock you have to turn between centres and need at least a fixed steady. Remember the tooling you will buy should last a lifetime and you can shop around. Buy a good quality machine above all. There are alot of real good South Bend US made lathes around and even a 40yr old lathe in good working order will be what you want.

Learn to turn and mill. Educate youreslf as there are a wealth of resources and you will never stop learning something new.

Metal turning is addictive,..soon you will be searching the scrap bins for metal to try on!