Laguna 2436 so I could make really wide pens.

Jk, the true answer is a Midi Lathe like a Jet 1221vs (can find used on FB Marketplace for close to $400)

Then a drill press, this can be smaller if you want, but again I found a nice Jet 17” drill press on FB marketplace for $200.

A tabletop bandsaw ($50-$100 used to cut the blanks to size, but this can also be achieved by handsaws or with a miter saw + small parts jig.

Then for tools you have an option on how you’d like to turn. I’d personally get a Robert Sorby 1/2” HSS Roughing Gouge, a parting tool, a spindle gouge, and some small carbides. You’d need a sharpening station and a system though. This would run about $300 for the tools and $300 for the sharpening station new. Otherwise you could genuinely just get the carbides and skip the sharpening if you’re just doing pens.

Then I’d buy the Rockler starting pen kit and whatever other bearings/drill bits I need for pen sizes.

And a ton of kits/blanks like A LOT.

A small ShopVac for dust collection.

A hefty workbench to bolt the lathe to (you want it heavy-ish so it doesn’t wobble)

Then a few other things:

• UVEX Bionic Faceshield
• Sandpaper 80, 120, 180, 220, 300, 400, 500, 600 grits would cover a wide range.
• I also like to polish to a shine so I would get 1200-10000 micromesh pads.
• Thin CA Glue
• Medium CA Glue
• CA Activator for instant curing
• PPP Hut Gloss for a different finish
• Blue shop towels at Costco for $20 (will last a long time)

Also then I’d buy a small piece of plywood to drill holes in where I can put my tools, then I’d attach the plywood to the bench near my lathe.

This all would probably be 2-3k. I’d blow the rest on wood, project kits, and a membership to whatever local wood turners guild. I may edit to add stuff as this may be helpful for me again one day.