I can appreciate your frustration. Looks like the designers did not pay attention to clearances all around.
If you purchase a 1in x 8 tpi Spindle tap, then you can make deeper faceplates to get the bowl blank to clear the motor.
http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Mer...Code=packard&Category_Code=lathes-acc-spintap
Turn a spindle of whatever length you need so you clear the motor, drill and tap, then glue into a wooden faceplate, and true up the faceplate.
If you purchase a 1in x 8 tpi Spindle tap, then you can make deeper faceplates to get the bowl blank to clear the motor.
http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Mer...Code=packard&Category_Code=lathes-acc-spintap
Turn a spindle of whatever length you need so you clear the motor, drill and tap, then glue into a wooden faceplate, and true up the faceplate.