HF mini lathe warranty question

I'm looking at getting into a basic lathe and have spent months checking craigslist with no luck.

Basically. Should i even remotely consider buying the HF mini lathe without the warranty? I could get the 7x12 for just over 500 without the extra warranty, but with the warranty it would be over 600, in which case I would just go ahead and get the grizzly. It appears the main difference between the grizzly and the HF is the Customer service though.

I am, however, a cheap bastard. I am willing to put work into something to save a few bucks. I am also only into this as a hobby. I am just trying to get into this for a relatively low price.

thanks and I promise I searched!