Hi Weasel,
I cannot comment on the CL3, but I have owned an Axminster AWVSL1000 for just over a year. I have turned bowls and platters up to the maximum height over the bed (approx 14" diameter), without any problems. I have weighted the lathe down by placing two 25kg bags of sand on the shelf (which collects a large amount of shavings anyway, so not really usable as a shelf). I have been very pleased with the after sales and technical support from Axminster - I had to have a new motor (my fault - don't ask!!), and was guided through the (not too complex) installation and wiring procedure. All in all, I have been very happy with the lathe as a beginners lathe, particularly if you want to do mainly bowl turning. The only issue I have is that I do not believe that the straight tool rest supplied with the lathe can be set low enough, but the Axminster curved tool rest (not standard) is much more versatile and also gives better support when turning inside the bowl.
Hope this helps.
Mike.