Hi folks, first post, been lurking awhile. I am currently setting up a workshop in my garage, in fact i'm insulating and lining it this week. Once the place is dry and warmish i will be looking round for a lathe. initially i was thinking of a warco geared head (and may still go this route ) but have recently been considering a chipmaster after reading some of the threads on this site and also after recently buying a couple of english bench drills which i am in the process of refurbing and just like the look of the old machinery. What i'd like to know is at what point does a lathe become a lost cause, I have little experience with lathes but think getting a doer upper for as little as possible and spending a bit on getting it sorted may be an alternative to a brand new one. I don't want the lathe for building any particular model just general use and repair to vehicles, other machines etc. I have been on lathes.co.uk quite a bit. I have no particular aversion to imported machines but i do like something with a bit of character. Cheers