ok so here goes. at that end of the range if you are trying to do large
cutting you will generally get problems, and the older machines may
well need alot of work.
i notice you live in didcot, why not wander down to the railway centre, and ask one or two of the guys there whether they know of any secondhand ones, or even the local model engineering club. often older members,
or those unlucky enough to have had to stop will have machinery
and tools available looking for a good home.
course you could always try williams!!!!
it's also worth looking for a floor standing pillar drill, and any measuring tools that may be available. often sadly when someone dies these tools
just get dumped, so even with ebay around it is worth asking.
i would think from what you are looking at a 3 jaw self centring chuck
would be the ideal, but a four jaw is actually useful too. a lead screw
would be useful, and names like boxford are the ones to go for,
not least because they are almost bullet proof for new users, since
they were often used in schools.
make sure you hear it running, and check the gear change.
good luck
paul :wink:
