For me, I regret buying a "belt changer". Some may say that changing them is no problem, and that is true, to an extent. But when you want to add a finish, slow the lathe at the start, and then speed it up, you just don't do it. You make compromises (at least I do). I bought the Rikon 70-100, primarily because it was on sale for $75 off, and while I think it is a decent entry lathe, I wish I would have spent the money for a more upscale model. I could add the VS kit, but you still have pulleys, just half the number. Not really appealing to me, since belt changes are still required, just a little less often. I'll invest in a Nova or Oneway in the future, more than likely.
I can empathize with pen turners who were not into woodworking previously. LOTs more than a lathe and the pen making tools to buy! I've had a shop for 35 years, so up until I got my lathe, I've acquired almsot anything you'd need -- table saw, radial arm saw, compound miter saw, bandsaw, jointer, planer, drill press, scroll saw, router table and numerous routers, plus hundreds of accessories like bits, clamps, cordless tools, commercial and homemade jigs, etc. (And a very understanding wife ...)
