So I ran across a CL special (that probably wasn't that special, $400) that was in my budget. Mid American lathe with a 4 foot bed. Lots of tips, paper, glue, practice shafts, etc. Also came with heavily used Willard tip shaper and Hightowers book and CD on cue building. I don't have any aspirations of building cues. Just tips and ferrules. I would appreciate any guidance from the forum on anything else I should watch/read. It might just be like playing. Hours and hours of practice but I look forward getting started.