First, apologies for yet another, 'help me buy my first lathe' thread. I have spent about 15-20 hours scouring this forum's past new lathe threads, reading other forums and watching a ton of YouTube videos on lathe reviews. As a long-time member of the Creek's laser engraving forum, I feel this is home, so with my new interest, comes a new sub forum of the Creek. Thank you in advance for your patience.
I've had about 18 years away from turning. My last access to a lathe was as part of a furniture design course at the university where I work. The lathe was a vintage powermatic with a reeves drive system. I used the shop's tools and safety equipment. I've taken the course multiple times and while having access to the shop have enjoyed turning bowls and plates the most of any of the things I've done, even to the detriment of the other course assignments. It's time for me to focus on what I enjoy at home with my own lathe. I know I will be mostly focusing on bowls and other 'face plate' type items so variable speed with a slow minimum is pretty much a must have. I'd prefer a 12" swing but I'm sure I can fully enjoy turning with a 10" swing. Considering my overall budget I'm in the $500-$600(max) range for the lathe itself as I'll need to also buy tools, sharpening and safety equipment. I also know that since I'll be turning bowls I'll want a chuck, pretty much right away.
In the "new lathe" category I had settled on the Nova Comet II Midi since Tools-Plus has the lathe/chuck combo on special for $479. The included chuck makes this a very good deal in my opinion. The next step up from this would be the Jet 1221vs which is unfortunately over my budget, particularly after adding another $100+ for a chuck. The other new consideration would be the Delta 46-460 which looks really nice, but conversations here on the Creek about parts availability have soured me on this lathe. So unless my research about new lathes has serious flaws, my new preference would be the Nova combo. I'm willing to hear opinions otherwise.
Before I actually ordered the Comet II I've been scouring eBay and the local Craigslist as I'm also quite open to having my money go further by buying used. I have found a Used Jet 1014VS that is local and priced at $600. This includes the stand, which is something that I desire as if I buy the Nova I'll have to build or buy an appropriate work bench for it. The Jet also includes some wood blanks and a set of the low-end Delta turning tools. Yes they're not good tools, but I'll be learning to sharpen and if I'm going to learn by grinding away steel, starting on some less expensive tools may actually not be a bad thing.
So if it were YOUR money, would you buy a Nova Comet II with chuck new, or a Used Jet 1014VS with stand?