Northernneil, Hiya there!
I think every person who buys an initial pipe making kit of any sort fantasizes about the idea of making pipes and selling them. Maybe not for a living but still, selling them. So far I'm enjoying the process and learning. Will I ever get beyond making shop pipes? I'm hoping so, but only time will tell. I don't really have any equipment yet, just a drill press or even a belt sander other than a 4"x36" CTC bench sander. I guess I will have to cross the 'should I buy a lathe' bridge sooner or later. Even a wood lathe is several hundred dollars so (well I've more or less selected one from KMS tools) I'm waiting to see. I guess I'll know inside when that point is reached if it is ever reached. Does that answer sufficiently for you?