Well, Gentlemen, that's a great and swift response to my post. Many thanks indeed.

Perhaps my initial query was not sufficiently specific or focussed, so here goes again with what I'm looking for ....

I have had it in mind for more than 10 years to make a Contra- Rotating Gearbox ie 2 props on 2 coaxial shaft driven by a singl;e engine and not using belt drives. This would be for something like the Spitfire at Chino Planes of Fame Museum.

In my student apprenticeship, I worked with industrial lathes and milling machines in fully equipped production machine shops. When I went from "blue" to "white", I thought that was it - no more "suds" for me ! Now, in my sunset years, I find that working with lathes and millers would be a very appealing project.

My limitations may be space, finances and availability. I have a very firm work bench which would support 500 kilogrammes (1100 lbs)with an available space of say 1.20 X 0.60 metres ( 4' X 2"). I would prefer not to pay more than $1000.- for a lathe and miller. Availability here in Thailand may dictate machines from Taiwan or mainland China - and Japan ?

As to the machines themselves, my ultimate aim at present is to make the aforementioned C-R Gearbox. I don't have machine drawings but I do have a general layout sketch based on the examples of two other peoples' work in this area. Neither has drawings available. Also, I have made up a mock assembly from model car (robot ?) gears and crashed heli parts (don't ask !) and brass tubing and plywood and CA glue. It works when I spin it between thumb and forefinger.

The overall size of the Gearbox itself will be approximately 50 X 50 X 75 mm maximum (2" X 2" X 3 "), made of aluminium. I anticipate buying commercial gears. Machining would be the box itself from block aluminium, steel shafts of c. 10 - 12 mm O/D (1/2"), plain bronze bushes (perhaps, if commercial sintered bushes not available). Prior to the C-R Gearbox project, I would hone (!) my skills on simpler subjects to get my eye in again.

With the above in mind, I would greatly appreciate your advice about the type and size of machines I would need.

Of course, if anyone is interested in this project - or has knowledge of someone else who is - I'd like to hear from you.

Many thanks again. MalcolmL