Becoming an accomplished turner requires practice and a deep knowledge of the properties of many different kinds of wood, the constant refinement of technique, understanding of finishes, and a strong sense of form.
Lathes range tremendously in size, from a watchmaker's lathe that can be held in the hand to lathes over a hundred feet long for making masts. Lathes can be motor, water, or human-powered, but they all perform the same task: spinning wood so that it can be carved. From this single machine, through the hands of the skilled turner, comes an infinite and breath-taking variety of forms.
Lathes can be expensive so before you commit to buy one why not come to veteran’s woodcraft for a go, learn the ropes in a safe environment.