Started turning after retirement (didn't dare start earlier because I knew I wouldn't get the flat board stuff done!!)
Learned initially in a well equipped woodshop at our local senior center and had a few more experienced turners teach the basics of using carbide tools. However, few even attempted to use traditional tools.
That experience showed me that I needed a good strong lathe. I selected and recently received my Laguna 1836. What a great machine! Now I am slowly learning traditional tools. Still a bit unsure but doing better gradually. The FUNdamentals series is helping greatly!