[davidimurray]

In terms of lathes I would generally avoid Myford as they tend to command good prices for what they really are. Harrisons are great lathes although watch out for the nose fittings on some like 140s - can be costly to get L00 and similar fittings. Smart and Browns are fantastically well built and sturdy lathes but tend to not carry a great throw. My personal all round favourite is the Colchester Student - a good do everything machine, particulalry a long bed version. Plenty of them around and easy to get hold of parts for them. In terms of the mill there is not much around that beats the versatility of a bridgeport. There are better machines out there but the bridgeport is just an amazing piece of engineering. If you can get a varispeed head and power feed on the table.