There is no doubt that better lathes, better tools, and better techniques
can all contribute to more efficient turning. But we should not get caught
up in the idea that it is the ONLY way.
I spent five years teaching myself all the wrong ways to sharpen and use
tools before I discovered that there were instructions available. I still
use many of the old methods which seem natural.
I have several other turning friends in the area. One turns only on a home
made lathe powered by a belt sander. It looks like something out of Fred
Sanford's front yard. He owns only a very cheap set of Chinese turning
tools.
One has an old Sears lathe and uses only a large screwdriver as a turning
tool.
One has a 'Big Momma' Oneway lathe and probably as much money tied up in
turning tools as he does in the lathe.
Guess which one of us consistently turns out the shoddiest work.
A bunch of years ago, I saw a sign in an automotive repair shop that very
aptly captures the essence of workmanship,
"A determined man with one rusty wrench can do more work than a slackard
with a box
full of tools."

Ron Robinson
East Texas