I've wanted to give turning a try, but didn't want to spend a wad of cash not knowing if I would enjoy using a lathe. I've had my eye on a very cost effective, but low quality "Tool Shop" lathe at my local Menards. It was their last one and had been on the floor for some time. I figured if I could wait them out, and if no one else snatched it up, they would liquidate the lathe at some point. Just after Christmas, they did just that. For $110 out the door, I picked up the lathe, a set of 'cheapo' turning tools, and a face shield.
After set up and a few practice spindles, the project below is the result. No mechanical fasteners here. The top is affixed with a wedge and some epoxy; the feet are mortis and tenon. This is not exactly "fine" furniture, but I like the "folk art" feel that resulted.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this project on my sub-par lathe. I did go ahead and spend a few more bucks on a set of Lee Valley's low end turning tools which are a VAST improvement over my initial set. I've also begun saving for a better quality machine.
Constructive criticism welcomed. Thanks for looking!