I think there is some confusion here?
I think he is mixing the buyer up with my call yesterday, I called as a speculative buyer concerned about a forum post I'd read . He basically said if I were in Gillandrea's position now my only recourse would be to buy the replacement for the faulty part and fit it myself. I may have been a bit harsh with my previous description of the rep on the phone but my decision not to buy hasn't changed if the above post is correct and the lathe was bought online from them.
I would be indignant, you have have had quality issues before it packed up, the fact that they won't stand behind the product speaks volumes.