I have been a big advocate of removing the compound on the little 7x lathes for quite a while now. My experience had showed it to be a huge weak link and the source of much flex and chatter. In my quest to stiffen it up (no snickering) I have done just about everything possible. I fitted tapered gibs, lapped the ways, built a QCTP and holders, and yes, removed the compound in favor of a solid plinth. The lathe ran well...really well. Parting on it is a pleasure, and that is good as I often make 100+ parting cuts a day in 4140 steel. I am planning to build an er32 chuck for my little lathe and as such need the ability to cut a short inside taper. I was going to build a replacement for the factory compound, just a basic dovetail arrangement with a leadscrew so I could run a tool in and out, maybe an inch and a half or so would be all the travel I need. On a lark I decided to try the original bits again and they absolutely work a treat now! I guess all the other mods have helped cure the underlying issue. I turned a couple of short tapers in aluminum, and did the very first single point threading that has ever been cut on that machine (and only the second I have ever done!). Needless to say I am a happy camper today!! Go hug your mini lathes guys, they really are good little bits o' kit.
