Cheers guys. Some food for thought there.

Yep, I've considered second hand - it's being in the right place at the right time and knowing exactly what you're looking at with that market. When it comes to lathes I'm a total newb, that's not to say I wouldn't have a go at cleaning up and fettling something that's had a run - so long as it's not a basket case!

Thank you all for your advice thus far, I'll keep you posted...

Wal.