NOVA 16-2444. It'll do just fine in a small footprint, and you don't have
to turn outboard to go 15.75 inch diameter, but can turn with your tailstock
until you develop enough proficiency to go without. If you care to, which
seems sort of silly to me. For another 400 you can go 25 inches or more in
diameter, but you'll want to be pretty proficient with a gouge before you
do. No support from the tailstock.

You can get 6x1" wheels for your grinder, as most lathe tools take more time
than it's worth to hone, and are used from the wheel. I wouldn't buy a
white wheel. They're too soft. I got one and watched it deposit sand under
the grinder at a frightening rate. Sterner stuff for harder alloys seems
advised. I'm using SiC wheels from Woodworkers Supply, have been for the
last five years, and may replace my first one some day. Already bought a
replacement, but with nearly 5" left, can't bring myself to put it on the
mandrel.

Harbor freight is fine after a bit of fiddling to remove the rough edges.
After you learn the tools, you can decide if you or the tool is doing the
job and spend what you like. Basic bowls are well served by any of the name
chucks, with some risk by no-name chucks. Here I'd go with one that has a
large stable of jaws and not bargain-hunt. I'm NOVAs, like 'em a lot, and
turn a lot on them. Not the current models, which may have a convenience or
two over my old ones, but use the same jaws if I ever decide I need
something new and allegedly improved.

I don't do pens, but they seem to be jig-dependant, so don't skimp there.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Well, I looked at the Nova 1624, but as I said I am low on space
between the table saw w/ router table, chop saw, planer, joiner,
bandsaw, belt/disk sander, scroll saw, 2 work benches and a DC, all in
a 18X24 shop and I also have a stair case going to my loft. This is
also my first try at turning so I'd rather take a chance on about $400
than $1200. From what I can tell, a lot of people keep their mini and
add a full size also. If I like it, maybe I'll turn the loft into a
turning room, nothing there but my drawing board now. The Nova Mini
looks to be the one to buy and I will definatly keep the Nova full
size in mind if I move up.

Thanks for your advice on all of it.