I am a machinist, but my specialty is CNC milling, I do know how to run a lathe and have made some pretty interesting parts. A lot of tools are hand ground from tool steel blanks, (sounds like a pain, it can be) but, the cost is minimal. Inexpensive tools which use a carbide insert to cut threads can be obtained readily. my advice is to consult people on this forum and or buy books on the subject of machining to learn about what you are getting into. Another idea would be to check into your local Vo-Tech school, alot of them offer evening / weekend classes on running machine tools, some even have CNC machinery. It can be a good way to learn and get some machine time after class to work on the addiction. BTW: I used to work at a shop where we had the NICEST lathe I have ever ran, and it would be perfect for flashaholic work. It was a Hardinge toolroom lathe, Not to big, very precise, a pleasure to use. Since then all I have had to use were these big pieces of crap. oh well, someday I will buy my own. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon23.gif