Dr. Deb wrote:

Like, Gimp, my frist set was the 8pc set from Harbor Freight. I still use
them for spindle work and they are holdiing up well (had then about 7/8
years) For your bowl gouges, buy individually and I would recommend Crown
for your first couple. They are good quality and will get past your
learning stage. You may wind up being perfectly happy with them and replace
with the same when you do replace. The 3/8's is a good all around gouge,
but I prefer the 1/2". Stay away from the Penn State Benjamin brand or any
other off brand. I was curious about the quality of the Benjamin's Best
bowl gouge and you get what you pay for. Its half the weight of the Crown
and really not even worth the $19.95 the charge for it.

As for the Stone Mountain, you have two choices. Get ONE and see what you
get. Get a Crown and develop your skills.

In any case, a grinder and jig are a necessity.
snip

A minority dissent:

I have been turning for about 10 years, mainly bowls. I own three
"grinders" but have never used one for sharpening turning tools. I
use a 1" belt sander with a blue zirconia belt with the small sanding
rest set at the angle I use. Has always worked great for me.
Incidentally, no lessons either. Maybe that is the reason I do things
differently.
--
Gerald Ross

Don't start comparing yourself to me.
It'll just make you crazy.