Started with RC far back in the 80's and started with 1/8 in 1990 I can say that I have seen much. I had the right people arround me who were into creating things instead of endless buying and I did grow up with them as me myself had already some technical sight on things.

For many years I had the wish to get my own lathe and today they can be found for very good prices and so I did get one a few months ago and I am very happy with it but until that time (and still) I can go to a friend who has also a milling machine on his lathe with all kind of tools.

This is my lathe:
http://buitelaar.nl/comasy/templates...productid=4379
I did get it with digital distance meters and some tools.