Hi folks I am new to all of this and am looking to set up a workshop in my garage. I have recently taken early retirement and for the first time in my life, have the time, space and money to do so! I'm not from an engineering background at all but have always been interested in things mechanical (restored a couple of classic cars, rebuilt my own and other peoples engines etc). I live on the Wirral in North West England (over the pond from Liverpool). I would like general advice on tools etc. I am looking for something the size of a Colchester Bantam or a Boxford lathe and decent mill. I already have one of those Chinese mini lathes which I have rebuilt with better gears and bearings (after breaking the plastic gears!). I have lapped in the slideways etc and it is now reasonably accurate and chatter free but it has given me a taste for something bigger and better made. Any advice and help will be most welcome, thanks folks.

Thanks for the welcome folks. Hi Mike, I have spoken to a couple of the lads up at Roydon Park. Not sure what I wish to make just yet but I like the look of the 7 1/4 gauge locos (steam of course!). I could do with picking some of the members brains about setting things up. I am away for a week in Scotland, so, if I don't break a leg on the slopes, I will check in when I get back.