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Anyone know of a cheap lock with an interchangeable core
a cheapskate can afford to play with ?

why don't people ask their local industry professionals these things?

It seems as if you are looking for a lock to play with/pick. Am i right? If so, I think it is perfectly acceptable to ask here in the random banter section and would expect that someone will be able to steer you in the right direction. However, if you are looking for a lock to use on your home or any other personal property, then seeking advice from a professional is probably the better way to go. But, like I said, it looks like you are looking for a toy. Perhaps a little more info could clue us in as to what price range you consider cheap and what type of interchangeable core you would like (something that uses a control key like a Best SFIC or a core that is held in by a screw like an American 1105). If its the latter you are looking for, let me know and I may have something used laying around that I could send your way. However, be warned that I am in the US so shipping could potentially be cost prohibitive for a 'cheapskate' . Good luck! I hope you find what you are looking for.

Many thanks Jruther , any lock which i could even swap the order of
pin length would be a serious toy for me as i have no padlocks
with this facillity , but it has dawned on me that i can buy
cheap yale door locks (copies ) and interchange the pins with
a little effort !
As for dealing with my local Locksmith to gain information GC,
he seems to feel that my interest in his livelihood is sacreligious
and although polite , gives me zero information.

Cool...I'm glad you found something you can practice with.

Ahh, your lockie sounds like an idiot then. If I could make money from just selling locks to someone, without fitting or repairing them, I'd be right onto that!

Question GutterClown: What would be the best way to approach a Locksmith in this regard? I figure that a guy working and running a business may not be too excited about digging through his junk to make just a couple of bucks off of me. So should I stop by the shop or give him a phone call? I'm thinking that if I call, then he may be skeptical about whether of not I would actually come in and buy something. But if I go to the shop, then he may feel as though I want him to stop everything he is doing right then to find some junk for me and just blow me off.

Well if he's going to be like that, you're probably going to have to spend money. Maybe buy a few middle of the range padlocks or cylinders. Just build up a relationship with him, bring cylinders back to be rekeyed, whatever.

just don't give off the impression of being a know-it-all, you won't get anywhere

Some guys can be really iffy about the general population having the knowledge and skills of the trade, so don't expect any tips on things straight up. But if you mention things like you can't decide on weither or no your should do the F-B locksmithing course (or your local trade certification) it might help him be a bit more comfortable with what you do.

Very good approach GC' thanks , i may try and tweak my own
PR skills and make another visit to my "Master Locksmith"