Having both a basic Cowells and 2 Sherlines, I agree.? If you are willing to spend, you can purchase a 3C collet head for Sherline.? You can put 1/2" through the head.? However, on average, Cowells lathes sell in the UK for prices higher than Unimat.? Cowells are not often for sale in the US.? So for US, we are back to Sherline.? No comment about Sherline availibility outside US.