You're doing a great job on all this Mitch! I'm enjoying watching your progress mate. It's a shame the teacher doesn't want to let go the lathe, you could always guilt him into it by using your youth to your advantage, just occasionally pass by him and the lathe with a pathetically wistful expression, glancing at the lathe, and don't forget to sigh every now and then! In all seriousness, if there's any possibility of buying any tools or machines from there, don't feel at all awkward about holding back in letting him know you really, really, really want it. Your display of genuine keenness might be the tipping point.
cheers, Ian