I took a three day course a month or so back and really enjoyed turning. The next step is to plunge in and get a lathe, a chuck, some tools and start making shavings. The advice I was given and intuited from my course was to get the largest and heaviest lathe you can as the small stuff can be created on a large lathe but large stuff can't be done on a small lathe. Unless the collective wisdom of the forum convinces me otherwise, after a lot of internet searching the Laguna 1836 seems to be at the price point that won't ruin the marriage. The Super Nova 2 appears to be a chuck that would keep me occupied for a while although I am confused as to the threading. The Laguna is a 1 1/4 x 8 TPI and I am not sure I know the threading of the chuck. I know I'll need the 50 mm jaws and cole jaws. I'll have to decide on tools but am inclined to bite the bullet and get the best I can at this time.
So, what am I missing? Any advice re: the lathe?
Am I missing anything regarding the chuck? Although there are a number of packages with the Super Nova 2, they don't seem to include both cole jaws and the 50 mm/2 inch jaws.
Finally, I'm looking around the shop and the house for things I can make round. I'm struck by the large stack of pecan firewood that I have dry and under cover. Although not "square" is there any reason that I can't play with smaller pieces of that pecan even though not symmetrical? A faceplate could easily secure such a piece, I think.