Guys---
Thanks again for the information. I have been aware that the lathe is the "cheap" part of the equation---that by and of itself, it won't do more than rotate wood.
As far as trying different machines: I'd probably have to go down to Louisville to really do that---that's where Woodcraft is. In any event, I've just about decided to hold off and get the HF---I'm seeing more and more of these beautifully turned bowls, platters, and hollow forms, not to mention homebuilt chucks and hollowing rigs, that lead me to believe that a pen lathe just won't do the job for me.
Thanks for the support, folks! I'm still open to suggestions if anyone wants to add on, however I do believe the choice is made.
That's not a light at the end of the tunnel; It's a naked singularity.
Henry C. Gernhardt, III