Save your self a lot of hassle and save up and buy yourself one of the small lathes most have like delta, jet, etc.. IMO worth getting something that is built good and will be a pleasure to operate into the future and not have to fix and repair weekly. I own an old clunker and I can make what ever I need but i am sick of screwing with it and will soon get into the modern age. I see you live on cape maybe? I can't believe I am going to say this
but if you still feel like you have to save this project drop by my work some nite, I work on cape, and I can see what I can do, but IMO not worth it. Save and get something new. They are not that expensive and you will be a lot happier in the end. Paul