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As James said, please do not buy one of those Clarke etc (lumberjack, vevor etc) lathes with 2 square bars for a bed. They really are rubbish.
You need to careful about such generalisations to a beginner.
It's true that there are a lot of dirt cheap generic Chinese lathes with square tube bars that are best recycled into tin cans.
However there are some fantastic old British built lathes with solid square bars that are absolute bargains secondhand. The Myford Mystro referenced above is excellent, also the Tyme Avon and Cub are great lathes that change hands now for less than a round of drinks.
 
There’s a set up being sold on the forum just now which might suit you. Good price for what’s included. As previously stated, you’ll need to think about dust protection and sharpening, but it wouldn’t you started.
 
Also, a really good way to start would be to find a local turning club and go along for a few weeks/months. You’ll get to try different equipment, get some cheap/free instruction (important for safety tips, if nothing else) and members often offer things for sale cheaper than you’ll find elsewhere.
 
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However there are some fantastic old British built lathes with solid square bars that are absolute bargains secondhand. ....
Yep i got an Arundel J4 Senior with a 6ft bed and extras for £100. It's a brilliant bit of British engineering and a pleasure to use. Only 4 speeds but there's nothing you can't do. The J4 Junior is also excellent.
There's a J4 here looking good but overpriced perhaps. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335747479505
Another one on Ebay is wrongly titled as J4 senior. I'd wonder about £100 perhaps.
 
You need to careful about such generalisations to a beginner.
It's true that there are a lot of dirt cheap generic Chinese lathes with square tube bars that are best recycled into tin cans.
However there are some fantastic old British built lathes with solid square bars that are absolute bargains secondhand. The Myford Mystro referenced above is excellent, also the Tyme Avon and Cub are great lathes that change hands now for less than a round of drinks.
Thanks for your very much for your advice. I am taking it in.tyvm
 
With that budget I would definitely suggest second hand. Also, consider what size items you are likely to wish to make. Fixed head machines can be very limiting. The myford ml8 will only manage 8 inch over the bed and 12 outboard (which will need a left hand threaded chuck / faceplate). If you only want to do spindle work this may be of no consequence. If you want to make bowls, this will feel really small really fast.

I learned on a version of this (axminster m900 and clones) and always suggest it as a decent balance between cheap, sturdy and capable.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/17678723...gcasv-DSI6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

With patience, you should be able to pick one up for around £200 which leaves you a bit for tools + sharpening
 
Thanks for your reply I am grateful for your help and all the other people who have given help as well .tyvm
 

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