Hi Roohster,
Welcome.
In addition to the above, stick with the lathe you have for the time being, I would suggest.
When I wanted to start turning I spent a good while gleaning info. from anywhere and everywhere, but particularly from the 'professionals' at exhibitions and shows - extremely friendly and helpful fellows. Learned a lot about equipment before I started. Important tips included: yes, it can be, and for me is, addictive; buy the biggest and best lathe that you can manage within your budget - you can't beat quality and on a small lathe you can make small things, but on a large lathe you can make big things and still make the small things; don't try to amass a large collection of gouges/chisels/scrapers, etc. You can do almost anything with five good quality HSS basic tools to start with, then add to them only when you find you need to - you could otherwise unnecessarily spend a fortune on tools you don't need and rarely use. A decent grinder, preferably one designed for woodturning tools, is essential, as is the skill to be able to sharpen properly. If you do take to turning( :roll: ), before changing your lathe give some thought to variable speed facility (IMO worth its weight in gold), swivelling headstock, size of swing over lathe bed(i.e. the maximum diameter you can turn),outboard turning attachment, type of stand or bench you want it to sit on (I built mine to suit my height - important). My 'research' helped me a lot and, although my kit did add up to quite a few £££s, unusually for me I was quite patient, saved up a bit while I was 'researching' and, four years on, although I have added to it, I am still happy with what I started with!
Good luck with the new venture - be interested to hear how you get on.
MMD - many congratulations on the new arrival. All sleepless nights and mustard plasters at the moment, eh? :wink:
Cheers,
Trev.
