I guess it kind of depends on what you plan to turn.
For pens you need a mandrel, basic lathe tools, drill and bits, sander or pen mill.
For bowls you need a nice chuck. And those are not cheap.
For spindles, a dead center spindle chuck will get you started.
Stock up on sandpaper starting at 120 grit all the way to some micro mesh 12000.
Good luck and have fun!
While you can turn a bowl without a chuck, I feel much safer with a chuck.
Also, those tools will need sharpened soon after use. I have a set of them and they are definitely not hss. But I do use mine all the time for pens. A grinder is a great investment and you can get an el cheapo. I use a home made sharpening jig as opposed to the wolverine. (Only because I couldn't afford one at first, but now because it works flawlessly).
As for cheap blanks, I started with a piece of teak I have had for a long time. By you can use oak, maple or any other hard wood. Home Depot has some cheap oak you can cut to blank size for practice and it is cheaper than buying blanks online or at the local woodworking store.
To start, slim lines are inexpensive and help build skill. I think I paid $1.70 per kit from csusa online for 20 kits of different colors. Rockler sells them for $3.99.
As for a pen press, I don't own one. You can use clamps to start. You can get inserts (or turn them) for the lathe to become a pen press, or build your own. I made mine from wood from a video I saw on YouTube. Made my own centering jig for drilling too.
Good luck!
I did get some tools with lathe.
I have a table saw and my wife has a scroll saw.
I was hoping to drill my blanks on the lathe, should be cheaper than buying a drill press.
Seems like Nova g3 is the way to go.
I also saw a video on a mandrel that was unique all I can remember that it cost $110.00
Sandpaper and I am looking for cheap blanks to practice on.
Super glue to finish forgot other finish options.
I have safety glasses, shop Vac I hope to use as dust collector
What about a pen press?
Bushings? Not sure what to look for
Pen kits how do you tell a quality kit at a fair price?
Pricing want is fair? I was thinking my cost x 4.
1/4 for parts, 1/4 for overhead, 1/4 to reinvest and 1/4 for beer
I thank everyone for your input
Can the tail be adapted for easier changing out of parts with out breaking the bank?