I've received solid advice so far - yours included so thanks for that. And I'll take perspective from anywhere I can find it at this point. I have friends that are both pro and hobbiest woodworkers but none that really know how to use a lathe "properly". I've joined my (most local) club so we'll see what I learn there. I've taken 2 classes (not great ones but got my feet wet). I've also purchased some material (the Ashley Harwood classes explained a lot the Stuart Batty concepts in a different way which gave better perspective - for instance). Why wouldn't I asked experienced people such as yourselves for input? Learning on my own is challenging enough.