If he doesn't want one, you are not likely to get the right one (even if he really did).
I've got it wrong so often I have virtually given up on buying J things like that (beading/enamelling kiln was one problem). It won't get used or will be too big, too small or something else. I wish J would not buy me cheap tools, as they are almost invariably superceded by 'proper ones'. This last crhissy it was allen keys (I needed to replace a couple of mislaid sets, which I have done since). I have enough carppy jubilee clips to last a lifetime (they will unless I use them or dump them, because they will need two to new do the job - and I like to use my better quality ones)
I'm inclined to agree with you RAB - I tend to buy second hand, often old, British or German tools - many of my machines are nearly as old as I am !!
But - I have to say - places like Axminster Tools do some really good machinery and hand tools which, whilst clearly made in the Far East, are excellent value and well made for what they cost. I've been to Axminster on a visit with my woodturning association and they really do have a proper quality control procedure in place - and, if something doesn't perform as it should, there's a no quibble guarantee. Technical back up is good and they are always helpful on the phone - and they deliver at a reasonable cost (and No- I don't have any connection with them).
Ideally, I'd always prefer to buy a British lathe ... but .. in the hobby class - who makes them anymore in the UK ? Myford - gone, Harrison Union -gone (the Graduate now made under licence with the castings coming from you know where !), Boxford - gone, Denford (Viceroy) - Gone, Winfield - Gone ... Record - still going but it's all made in the Far East and just branded Record. The list is endless. Hundreds of small manufacturers of machine tools gone -mostly in the 1950's and 60's.
I have a Myford ML8 (1964 vintage British) and a Hegner (1980's German) - both brilliant lathes and parts still readily available but if you want a new Hegner like I have then you are looking at £2500+ for the basic lathe. Myford - well, no more new ones there.
So ... what, within reasonable costs for new, are you looking at ? The choices are very limited.
JET Lathes are very good - put together in the USA from (I suspect) Far East castings and motors ... and then exported. But they are expensive ... There are some other good lathes made in the USA where the market is much bigger but not too many of them make it over here and if the do then the cost doubles compared to what they sell for in Harbor Freight in the US.
Fortunately, some of our hand tool manufactiurers still survive - Ashley Isles, Hamlet, Sorby, Henry Taylor - all still chisel makers going strong and made in the UK and they are a joy to use - but, the cost is astronomic if you buy new and even second hand tools fetch a premium.
We've let it happen ... and you can't blame successive Governments - if you buy foreign then the UK manufacturer somewhere has to lose out.
which he says he doesn't want.
You beat me to it Tom. For stick chair legs a pole lathe is the answer.
