The short answer to your question- LUV IT!
Let me put it this way, my better half calls it "the other woman" LOL. I'm not an old timer machinist or metal worker but for me it's a fantastic machine. The SM9 is a great machine as well but the SM1120 is at the next level of refinement. D1-4 spindle, 1.375 thru hole and the list goes on. As for the noise of the gearhead, I don't find it noisy at all. Yes it's abit over the belt drive but it's not like standing next to the shop-vac or compressor. I've had three belt drive machines and the two SM gearheads and I don't see myself going back to a belt. There is a belt to change from fast/slow range at the motor but I seldom need to go there.
I did a lot of research before buying the 1120 and don't recall ever reading a bad word about them. The one I have is actually a 13" swing but it was sold as an 11" swing, no I don't know why.
@RobinHood (he has an 1120 as well) and I had this discussion and the only thing we could figure was that it was a misprint that was to much trouble to fix.
If you know someone close that has an SM try and get a tour of it and then you will have a reference point. Or if you get out my way let me know, the coffee will be on and we can make some scrap metal.
I don't know if you saw the thread from when I got my 1120,
https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/sm1120-finally-found-one.2887/
but it is in great shape.
Around here it's not too often that a lathe small enough to man-handle into a basement, and comes with a wide range of threading options, power feeds on both longitudinal and cross feeds, threading dial, and enough tooling to get started. I've had fun with my little South Bends, and if I decide to change brands it will be because I am looking to add more Canadian content in my shop....
