I've recently bought my first lathe. Based on the recommendations here, I got the Jet 1220 and the HF tools (pics to prove and satisfy the police below). I also bought Alan Lacer's Skew videos, Bill Grumbine's bowl video, and Richard Raffan's Box video.
With the knowledge gained from these videos, I have released the inner toothpick hiding inside many larger pieces of wood. But only have a few ideas (from the videos) on what else to do.
This thread is to allow everyone to post their pictures of what they consider a good project for a newbie-style spindle work. I only have the lathe, those 8 tools, but no chuck, so please try to keep it with in those guidelines.
With your help, maybe I'll be able to produce something better than what my kids are calling, "The Magic Wand".