Frank, I'll get back with you on this one - just don't buy one of those cheapie starter kits from WallyWorld or whatever.

IMHO the most important piece of equipment is the vise, and the sky is the limit on this.
In the long run it is better to buy good equipment than be sorry in the long run.

I recommend a true rotary vise and there is a new one on the market made largely from thermo plastic (?) that is low mid-range in price - I'll check my catalogue and email you.

Good qualty materials are available from many sources on the internet and I'll email some ideas when I get a chance.

I'm sure ML will chime in on this - he has lots of experience.
George

ps: My favorite vise is the Dyna-King "Barracuda" for about three hundred bucks, but definitely not a starter vise...