Hi Jonny,
I did a "C" a few years ago. To strip the paint off, use Nitromos + cheap angle grinder with a metal brush fitted. Works a treat !
Just make sure you wear eyes protection, Nitromos is not forgiving!

Here is a pic before and after:
Click image for larger version.  Name: before.JPG  Views: 16063  Size: 294.5 KB  ID: 6064Click image for larger version.  Name: after.JPG  Views: 13728  Size: 207.2 KB  ID: 6065

And some pics of the lathe fully de-assembled! And I do mean FULLY!
Click image for larger version.  Name: des_1.JPG  Views: 4497  Size: 179.9 KB  ID: 6066Click image for larger version.  Name: des_2.JPG  Views: 4040  Size: 137.1 KB  ID: 6067

If you need help to put it back together, give me let me know... I can re-assemble these in the both eye shut... ;-)

RNR

RNR