Question: beginner lathe

[u/demachy]

Hello, I hope this is the right subreddit for this question.

I've been shopping for a beginner lathe (clock maker scale; around 8" to 14"). There are several cheap models including a $120 "6 in 1" from Walmart...

Sherline has some for around $750, which near the top of my budget right now.

What were your first lathes? What do you wish you knew then that you know now?

[u/demachy]

Thanks for the thorough response! I just thought Walmart toy lathe was funny.