Yes, they may be the same item. I've bought one for $6.09 including freight, but I noticed that immediately afterward the same seller increased the price to $12.18. A volatile market?
Meanwhile I've repaired the only damaged oil cup I actually had, on my power hacksaw, so I'm happy for now. Just glad I didn't pay a high price for one from an Australian or US supplier.
One of the advantages you will find in owning a Hercus lathe, is that there is an active community of owners. There is endless debate between them and the Sheraton fraternity as to whether the original or the copy is the better and more practical machine, of course. I have the impression that the Sheraton, and perhaps the earlier Hercus copies, had a white-metal bearing at the chuck end of the spindle - that might be one of the things that fell victim to cost cutting along the way. Or I could be wrong.
