Besides a bigger distance between centres the 305 has a bigger motor. Both lathes can be fitted with an extention. I would try to buy the 305 in your position; sooner or later a small engine is something that will get in your way.
Try to find a local dealer, in greece its sold less than 300
https://www.e-unicut.com/site/product/%CE%9E%CF%85%CE%BB%CF%8C%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%81%CE%BD%CE%BF%CF%82-RECORD-POWER-DML250?prdId=26-15002&extLang=
The proxxon woodlathe was the first lathe i used and it was quite capable for small tasks like penturning. (Priced at ~180 its not that cheap maybe in italy its cheaper). Have a look at rexord power, there is a sale going on, cheers.
Yes you can "half" turn it now and finish it off later when its dry. In this case if you plan to make a bowl you must turn it with thick walls so that it doesnt warp ( unless you like it like that). You put it aside untile moisture falls below 10% or so and then you finish it. The other option...
thats a lovely box, well done! It depends on what you want to achieve: lacquer is glossy and film forming whereas oils are more sublte and have an impregnating result..i would use a few coats of oil highlight the grain of the wood and leave it like this. Shellac is also easy but time consuming...
Hello all, i am new to this forum, just sharing some pictures of projects i ve done recently. I mostly turn pens but the last few months i ve been trying to turn bowls and small boxes. Cheers
Hello there, i am mike, i am a woodturner for the past few years; i turn mostly pens but also some bowls, vases etc. with mixed results...:) Hope to learn some things from you and also contribute to this forum. Cheers