Also interested in this - I've read quickly back over the thread and I *think* (I could be wrong) that you are designing something around the 50mm centre height? (ie. Myford compatible?). Price is king of course - as a hobbyist that sometimes wonders if he needs a lathe, much above £500 starts getting a bit sweaty... I appreciate the material, effort and NRE on these things but have to balance desire vs need.