Just wondering how many of you experienced turners out there started
out or are using a small metal lathe rather than a min wood lathe to
make small turnings like pens, peppermills, etc.?

I'm thinking of playing around with turning stuff like this, and have
used metal lathes over the years, and wondered if there was a drawback
other than the dust ? For instance, a little Unimat or Atlas metal
lathes should be able to turn pens... right?

Pros and Cons?

If you plan to make small items of wood and metal parts then a metal lathe
is the way to go. The trick is going to be making a tool rest for hand held
wood turning tools that is satisfactory. I can imagine an attachement you
could have welded up that you clamp to the cross slide.

I would not get one of the original Unimats unless it is their Maximat. Any
of the Sherline or little countertop lathes should work for you.

Dan