Jack,
JD here, I plan on retiring the end of Jan 09, perhaps as early as next month, wife having major surgery, and I plan on turning, starting at my retirement. I will support it with funds from retirement account and from income from other major projects that I build from my wood shop. I too plan on stocking up on a lot of pen kits, blanks, have all ready bought over 200, grinder, etc. Will make a few changes in my shop to support new lathe etc. Hopefully $200 will cover the material changes I will need in shop excluding tools etc. Have moist everything all ready that I think I will need, except for lathe and basic start up and the company I presently work for is buying that for me for my retirement gift. Yes, I work for a great company!!!