Thanks Irving - some really helpful input you've given there.

So it seems that I'm going to have to shell out a bit of cash ....& here was me buying a lathe to save a few bob!

Audio Andy has kindly offered me the loan of a small boring bar - so unless Ebay turns up a cheaper option to the Chronos Route (having to buy a boring bar holder as well as a suitable boring bar is frankly just taking the p***!), then I'll likely take Andy up on his kind offer.

Many thanks to all who chimed in!