Alright let's pick a first lathe for this guy. Spending budget is kinda wiggly somewhere between $800-$1300 with stands included. I've narrowed it down to 3 and I'll give my reasons. The finalists are Jet 1221vs Jet10-15vs and Laguna Revo 1216. After spending time around my wood turning groups it seems very rare that I see pieces produced that these lathes can't handle. Most of the veteran woodturners are still turning bowls of the 8-12" range regularly. I've also become very interested in pen turning as for a new Turner it allows one to step into the shop and produce something you can walk away with in short order. I was concerned about bed length for a while but it seems that's less of a concern considering most things I've seen turned are less than what these lathes could accommodate. So my reasons for these 3 choices. I like size of each of these. I figure I'll get a smaller lathe to whet my appetite and gain experience as I save money and grow in skill until I get the big "forever" lathe. The jet 1015vs is my budget lathe, I like it's price but I have reservations on the size of the motor. Also it lacks reverse. I would also have to configure and purchase a separate mobile base for it as I plan on turning outdoors. The 1221vs seems the best all around in length and swing but seems the most cumbersome in making it into a mobile platform. The Revo 1216 while lacking reverse has an overall final fit and finish that I really appreciate. Would I be just as well served for my money going with jet1015vs $830 the 1221 and 1216 are $1100 -$1200 give or take. My heart is set on the Laguna simply because of the final fit and finish of product. My question being is that a ridiculous price considering I could get a similar out of the box package in the 1015vs for about 400 cheaper. Also the1216 is still new and I'm not sure if all the bugs have been worked out. Any advice on customer support between these 2 brands and if there are other lathes I should consider in that price range please sound off. Keep in mind this will be a mobile lathe. I have a small shop space and I prefer to be able to roll it onto the apron of the driveway when I turn. Abundant apologies for the long post and plenty thanks for your suggestions and wisdom.