I want a small lathe and mill. The prices are just too high to justify with my limited use. Instead, I use a 3D printer and I'm making a CNC router.
You may have already ruled it out, but many communities have maker spaces where expensive equipment that might normally be out of reach is available on a shared basis. Some universities may also have ways to use their maker spaces on weekends or when classes are not in session.
My local maker space exists, but it turns a 30 minute go if I have time to something I need to plan for. Most days by the time I'm done with work, supper... there isn't enough time before bed to go to the tools I have. If I had to go to the makerspace it would be even less time because just to touch the tools and go home I've already used nearly an hour. When I work on my own I can leave a part in the lathe for next time, or skip cleanup (for a small mess this is okay), that isn't allowed in the maker space (for good reason).
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