Thank for you valuable input.

Here's my strategy for now...

1. Order up an MT2 Tailstock ER32 collet holder (on account I already own a full ER32 collet chuck & collets for the spindle....not essential I realise, but they're only £20 inc shipping from China & will be highly useful for some of the small intricate things I want to finally make)

2. Check tailstock alignment!!!

3. Order a full set of centre drills (the one I had was a bit piddly)

4. Order up some new 8mm drills (ie abort the concept of drilling a smaller hole & boring until I become more lathe savvy!)


thanks once again!