You don't need a pen press if you have a drill press. If you haven't been to the
Library yet, I'd suggest taking a few evenings, and just read about different methods. You tube has plenty of video's. They show everything they use to make pens. Pay attention to the articles on Turning Between Centers. Even though it sounds like it may be an advanced way of making a pen, it's no harder than using a mandrel. The reason I say this is because after reading those articles, I was convinced that I'd probably wind up TBC, so why not start out that way. I've been turning over 2 years, and I never bought a pen mandrel. Not that you have to do what I did, but it's an example of what you'll learn in the
Library.
Figure out what lathe you want. That will dictate what accessories to get. My short list of must haves on a lathe are morse taper 2, variable speed, and as big as you can justify. You can turn small things on a big lathe, but not the other way around. It may be pens at 1st, but you might want to do bowls later. Now you don't have to go crazy. Several of the MIDI lathes will do some respectable sized bowls and other things.
Even though I have a drill press, I drill on the lathe because I think it's more accurate. To do that, you'll need a drill chuck that fits in the tail stock. And it will have to fit your lathe. Plus you'll need either a small chuck, or a collet chuck. Frankly, I don't know how I got along without my collet chuck. I use it on every pen I make. You don't NEED it, but it makes many things easier.
A way to sharpen your tools. Unless you go with only carbide tools.
Then get one or two kits. (No More) Build those pens. You'll learn fast what you need, and what you don't.
EDIT: You beat me to it Don. I can't believe it took till post #11 for someone to suggest the Library.
Oh, and Nice Scuba Avatar.:good: