Hi David
On a lathe the size of the Jet mini the VS speed is nice but not as important a feature as VS is on a larger lathe. Still it's only $100 more and once you work with VS you will feel you are missing out when working a multi-speed lathe.
Where to start? Hands on instruction is a great place to start. Take an introduction to the lathe class and ask a lot of questions. There are three woodturning clubs in and around Chicago which meet on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays (each club meets once a month) of the month. Make a point of attending a meeting and make sure they know that you are looking for the safe way into the vortex. The primary mission of the AAW (American Asscoation of Woodtruners) of which these clubs are local chapters, is to promote the teaching of woodturning. Most clubs have mentoring programs which will pair you up with an experinced turner near where you live. Many clubs also have vedio librarys where you can rent a woodturning vedio for a month at a nominal cost. Most meetings include a demonstration of some aspect of woodturning. But mostly you will find a group of people with all skill levels who are in the vortex and eager to help you join them.
Chicago Woodturners
<blockquote> Serving: Cook & surrounding counties
Meeting Date: 2nd Tuesday
Chapter Web Site: http://www.chicagowoodturners.com
Contact:
Paul Shotola
115 Allentown Ct
Vernon Hill, IL 60061
847-816-0864
p.shotola@attbi.com </blockquote>
Northern Illinois Woodturners
<blockquote> Serving: Northern IL & Southern WI
Meeting Date: 4th Tuesday
Contact:
Gary Hubbard
5182 Crofton Dr
Rockford, IL 61114-5424
815-877-2882
gshubbard@earthlink.net </blockquote>
Windy City Woodturners
<blockquote> Serving: West & South Suburban Chicago
Meeting Date: 3rd Tuesday
Contact:
Don Johnston
240 S LaGrange Rd
LaGrange, IL 60525
708-482-7628
donsuej_2000@yahoo.com</blockquote>
Good Luck