Thanks all. There seems to be a concensus of sorts: start learning with what I've got and upgrade as possible; buy used; budget for tooling; get a machinist to look at a tool with me before purchasing

I do have one counter balance to my small shop space, lack of experience, and tight budget...

I have a friend who is a machinist and he has recently decided to start his own shop. Sounds like it's full of some nice stuff, including a Bridgeport with a 42" table. I think he would let me use them and give some instruction. He might even be willing to let me use the shop on regular occasions as needed.

If so, I could add to my shop the tools that I get sick of driving downtown to use.


Jim