Hi Jeff! As a new turner myself I'll share what I found to be the best way to get started: Take a class in wood turning. The instruction on the proper sharpening and use of turning tools, general safety guidelines, and some hands on time with a qualified instructor made all the difference for me. Turning is a wonderful hobby, but getting started can be an exercise in frustration and wasted money, too. Start slow, spend carefully, and when you're confident, jump in with your large lathe purchase. Used lathes can represent a great savings, so haunting your local Craigslist is always a good idea.

There is a Woodcraft store down the road in Ventura - I'm seeing some classes in Bowl and pen turning on their list. For $85 you'll get a nice start. http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/580/...a/classes.aspx

Welcome to the hobby!