Shopping around will be a hobbyist trying something new????? I’ve got saws and planers and wood working stuff. A good $$$ starter cause it may set and collect dust. (Harbor freight ridged dewalt Rockwell) any advice is appreciated.

I have a Craftsman you can get cheap. It’s not as nice as the new one I bought but I learned how to turn on it. There was a thread a few months ago someone on here’s son made a baseball bat on one just like it.

Ive got the HFT lathe. Works great for me making turkey calls. Make sure you get variable speed.

I got one from Harbor Freight. It works great. Excellent choice for a beginner.

I’ve built a BUNCH of turkey calls on an old Rigid lathe. I’d look at PSI, WEN, Jet, Rikon, or Grizzly. WEN is probably the cheapest variable speed lathe and it gets solid reviews.

I got a small harbor freight for turning pens and such. It's very limited for size. They don't make that one any longer. I've got my grandfathers larger lathe. It's very old. Both work just fine. I'd almost consider selling the small harbor freight one. I really don't need two lathes.
When it comes to a lathe, you gotta know what you want to turn. Buy a lathe that will handle the largest thing you would consider wanting to turn. That's the key. You'll spend more in the long run if you buy a small lathe, then realize you want to turn larger..
I see used equipment on Facebook marketplace all the time.

Variable speed is best.

Thanks

They are cheap and come up regular on gov deals

I would get one with 1-8tpi headstock with mt2 taper. Much easier to find chucks, drives and centers. Variable speed is very nice.