I'm almost 73. Started turning about 6 years ago when a friend practically forced his Craftsman 12" mono-tube lathe on me. Got hooked and bought the Jet 10" VS, then the DVR-XP and last year the Delta 46-460 because I couldn't get to my other lathes for awhile due to a move. I haven't taken any classes but have watched a lot of demos by good turners and I have met Wally Dickerman, the Dean of the Turning World, several times and wish I could spend some time with him looking over my shoulders........Ron