Get off at 7 so don't have too much time after work but went out to shop, grabbed a piece of 2" thick cedar I'd been thinking about making a platter or something with. Cut a 12" blank on the bandsaw, mounted it and very carefully started turning it. Kinda scary as fast as it was turning on low speed, so I took it very easy until I got it round with no wobble. It all went very well, had only one ouch (major catch) that I was able recover from. Like working with cedar as it sands very easily, though I have to wear a dust mask or I'll be gagging afterwards. It turned out very nice.
Now I'm looking for a way to turn the tenon off the back without destroying my hard work. My first thought is using a 3/4" piece of plywood cut round and screwed into my faceplate, but I realize I have a 12" lathe and a nano meter of room from the bed so bolts with rubber or vinyl on the outside isn't going to work very well. It still has the center hole from the live center so centering it shouldn't be a problem. I can pick up some of that cushion material I've seen turner's use, which is like drawer cover from Dollar General. Then take most of it off, sand that down and use a Dremel or something to take the rest off. If anybody has suggestions, I'm still learning. Oh a Harbor Freight lathe in case you're wondering, though I'm getting jealous looking at what folks are doing with their Lagunas with reverse direction, LOL. I'll need to turn a bunch of bowls to pay for one of those.