Look into what it is going to cost for other items that you will need. 4-jaw and faceplate would certainly be items I would want along with the fixed steady. Prices for these Emco parts can be expensive and possibly hard to find.

It depends on condition to some extent but does seem a bit high considering what I sold my larger and far better Emcomat 8.6 for

I had one of these machines when I started many years ago and had great fun with it for a number of years. Like all small lathes it has its limitations but it has a much better quality of manufacture than the equivalent Chinese machines. If it is in good condition it would be worth £300 and a bargain at £200.

I converted my machine bed for another purpose some time ago but still have a number of bits from the machine including various original Emco chucks etc. If you do buy the machine and are looking for any bits let me know as I'm sure we could strike a deal.

Doug

Owen – I bought a Compact 8 over a year ago now and am very happy with it. I paid almost £500 for mine, so £300 or maybe less for the 5 sounds like good value providing it's in good condition. As others have said, accessories can be expensive, but you don't need Emco branded ones for the most part and cheaper ones will easily do the job. My only 'wish' is for a fixed steady, but I'm sure one will turn up before too long.

Don't hold your breath Gordon, I waited about 20yrs for one to turn up for my Emcomat (geared head version of the compact 8) and still cost me £60. it wil also depend on how old the Compact 5 is as to whether it was Austrian or far eastern made.

I'm not sure. I don't think there are any charts of serial number vs. date made. An Orange one could be either, the later red/silver ones are not Austrian made as far as I know. Either way they are still built to a high standard,