Hi Fred,
I bought one of those that lifts, (the Americana 2)
http://www.bikelifts.co.uk/ the bike from under the frame, only problem the exhaust gets in the way, I sorted that by making a wooden cut out on top, Still means you're working low down.
If you have the money and the space get a full lift table , you've seen american chopper, my mate has one, it's great, your ride on to it, jack it up with a handle (after getting off - you never know who's reading).. and work on the bike standing up, great for oil changes.
My advice, Full table, I wouldn't trust anything that lifts a 1/4 tonne in one point, especially if you work on your own.