Thanks for the link. That reminds me to check Grizzly for stuff like that as well.
http://www.grizzly.com/
If you can work with hardened steel, I presume you'll have no trouble with mild steel, whether cold or hot rolled.
Like you, I'd like to get into boring one day. I'd also like to learn flycutting, along with lots of other stuff. I've only just aquired my lathe, and all I've done so far is buy a quick change tool post for it.
I've hijacked your thread more than I should have.
Looking forward to more bike updates.