You can assemble one yourself with a little knowledge. That is what I did.
Get this first
http://www.taigtools.com/mlathe.html
Get the l1017 because its already assembled and it will save you a lot of trouble.
Next get a 3 or 4 jaw chuck from taig also. It's like 70$.
Then pullies, when you talk with them over the phone tell them you want the largest bore they have.
After this you need a motor.
Call Bassel at custom cue lathes because his motors a good , good price and most important they come with the mounting bracket and pulleys. I can't stress enough the money saved in the pulleys and bracket.
Then you will need bits, collets, and other stuff. You can find pretty much all this on eBay, not super quality but it will do for now.
Finally you will need a steady rest to hold the other end of the cue.
Multiple designs are available here on az. I like Chuck Philgris's design. But others are good to. A well mounted ball bearing in a wood plate go's a long way.
Use common and assemble everything. If you have questions pm me.
Now this is the way I did it because I did not have money to just buy a already made one. If money is a issue yes try this. You will get a decent tipper and ferrule for about 600,700$. If you have the money yea go with Bassel, Hightower, Todd and so forth. All of them are good choices.
Welcome to the club and say goodbye to that nest egg.
Let me know if I can help you further.
