In article ,
Ed Peddycoart wrote:

Lathe - What to buy? Small mini lathe? Something like people use to
turn pens? Can you buy something reasonable for $300?

Do a newsgroup search for "mini" and "midi" - specifically looking at
the Jet and Delta brands. These are fine, solid and well-respected cast
iron lathes that serve their owners very, very well. I've had one as my
sole lathe for 4 years now and am just now at the point of moving up.
Many long-time turners who have expensive machines buy one of these
mini/midi's as a second or traveling lathe. Their only drawback is 10"
diameter max turning but you can learn a lot and do a lot within this
size - plus you can turn up to something like 37" long with the bed
extension.

For online sources look at: Packard Woodworks, Craft Supplies (Utah, not
England), Woodcraft and Rockler. Sears used to carry the Delta Midi but
I don't know if they still do.

Tools - Which ones (gouge, parting tool etc.) to buy first? From what I
understand the good stuff ain't cheap. I'd rather buy fewer good tools
now than have to replace them later on.

Keep in mind that no matter how much you spend, with use, you'll have to
replace every tool you ever buy. Doesn't matter how much it costs, tools
are consumables. The Harbor Freight high-speed steel set has gotten
pretty favorable feedback here as a good starter. The thing about such
sets is to use them, practice sharpening them, use them, reshape them,
use them, alter the shape again, use them, etc. It's this exploration
process which will tell you what kind of tool you might favor when it
comes time to replacing the inexpensive tool with a higher quality one.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Safety Tip'o'th'week: Never grind aluminum and steel or iron on the same
machine or workstation - Thermite.
http://www.hanford.gov/lessons/sitell/ll01/2001-36.htm