Hi Kev, and welcome to the forum.
If you're not sure about which lathe to get it may be best to go down the second hand route, then you don't lose so much (if anything) if you have to sell your lathe on to upgrade etc.
I have 2 quite old lathes, a Myford ML8 and a Union Graduate. Both were very well respected in their day but things have moved on and the Myford is quite a dated design, although still very useable and very well made. They go on ebay for £150 or so depending on what comes with them. Graduates are very much sought after, and expensive, so I bought just a bowl one - no bed.
Take a look at the Axminster website (order a free catalogue) - they do a wide selection and if you see a second hand one then you'll be able to check the spec in the catalogue.
I would definitely stay well away from some of the far east imports such as Clarke, Nutool etc (having said that, I think many of the big names are now made in such countries, but at least they probably have a decent quality control system to protect their reputation). Also stay away from cheap turning tools - go for known brands and yes, they are expensive but they will keep a decent edge and won't bend as soon as you look at them.
Perhaps the best advice I can give you (and I'm no expert, far from it) is to go along to a turning club. Post a message asking about a club in your area and see what replies you get - then go along. You'll get advice and possibly hands on experience, possibly also a chance to see what's available in second hand kit from other members.
K
