Hi Chris
Welcome to the forum, i am a noobe also and not to far away(Barrow)
Think Eddy Current is in your area and i think he is building a unit now, there's loads of top guys on here that will help you out regarding a new purchase, but there's also some *rap about, have a look through the build logs and it will give you a better idea regarding decent construction, and if have a particular machine in mind just post and Dean or one of the boys will offer constructive advice. Enjoy
Regards
Mike