So it was between the WM180V and I think quite a few other chinese machines, but I went with………….a Myford Super 7

I went to Harrogate and had a play, and while the Chinese machines that were £650-850 were nice, they're not for me given that I seemed to be in the 2nd hand "not so clean" ML7 price range. I then stumbled upon a 1953 Myford Super 7, as new, no accessories, no chucks or changewheels, but no rust and in its original paint. The saddle has a nice smooth resistance and glides right to the end of the bed with the tailstock removed – smooth as silk, – really chuffed to bits with this, It's going to be with me a while =)

I've also found an ML7, modified left right and centre, but exceptionally well looked after and I know it's history to day dot – it comes with a whole host of accessories used but as new, so I might just buy the lot, and keep it as a loaner (I need to recruit some of my mates!!)