[Dave Paine]

+1 on a local turning club if there is one within driving distance.

Unlike hand planes, I do not think "vintage" turning tools are better than the best of todays offerings, such as Doug Thompson tools. His steel holds an edge longer than most.

For reading material, take a look at this thread.

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f2/suggestions-reading-material-54458/

For preparation, take a look at this thread.

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f6/where-start-53053/

Forum member John Lucas has a YouTube channel and excellent videos

https://www.youtube.com/user/john60lucas

Bob Hamilton has even more excellent videos on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/user/bobham5

 

[Dave Paine]

I will investigate the newer offerings though my main concern would be cost; vintage is fairly plentiful around here. I will check out newer prices.

Starting with the vintage is a good way to find out which tools you like to use.

There are many different kinds of skews, spindle gouges, bowl gouges, scrapers. If you can get a selection cheap it is worth doing. You will find some you like better than others.

You will need equipment to sharpen whatever tools you buy, unless you go for the replacement carbide tools.

Gary Gardner has a 6 part series on sharpening many types of woodworking tools. This is the first part, you should be able to find the others on YouTube from this one. Highly recommended.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ljhd_WbAOw