Michael,

Yes we're local - I'm towards Mackworth...
Thanks for the offer - I may just take you up on that... It'd be good to hear the router running! Also, i'd be interested to see how the properly built machines deal with the leadscrew thrust. There seem to be various options and a look at your machine and a chat would be gold-dust. I'll PM you, maybe meet up sometime after the bank holiday if that's convenient...

Cheers for the kress link John. One part of me is saying you don't get something for nothing, and another is saying OUCH! :)

Trend T4 is £70 incl collets
Kress 800FM is £126 + £26 for a couple of collets