Been turning about 15 years now. I teach some at home in my shop. I'm also retired from the USAF after 20 years. I have a General 160 that I put 18" riser kit on and a 2hp 3ph AC drive. I also have a Vega 2600 bowl lathe 2hp vfd along with 4 mini lathes, 3 metal lathes and a metal benchtop mill. Just rebuilt a Harrison Graduate( from England) Bowl lathe put 2hp 3ph AC drive,bearings complete rewired. I do mainly bowl work and some hollow forms. I am also a very very outstanding TOOL JUNKY, I think I have one of almost every tool. I know you only need six tools but that's no fun. I now have 29 Doug Thompson tools and handles and a CBN 180 grit.