Metal Working Lathe

[IanParkin]

well thats a similar spec to a colchester student and a similar footprint but just look at the weight difference 385 lbs rather than 1300 lbs
the spindle hole is only 1" a student is 1.5"
everything looks a little weedy on the seig

as an example this one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Colchester...item2a528dae0d

looks good but depends on what other bits there are to go with it
that one may go for £7-800 ish
A inverter for £200 ish will get you a very nice machine with 8 spindle speeds all with variable speed and full screwcutting and feed speeds...no messing around with loose gears and or belts
a quickchange toolpost transforms it too at £170
a good clean and a new coat of paint will make it gleam