I  finally go to go to the Learn to Turn class at the Tulsa Woodcraft.  Got lost going through Tulsa, though.  Too much construction, and the road signs didn't correspond with Google maps.  Got to the class an hour late, but they were very gracious about that.  Got credit for the class, which is a pre-requisite for the Beginning Bowl Turning class, which is next Saturday.  Now that I know the route, getting there from Wichita will be a lot easier.  I came back from the class with two big take-aways.  First, I brought home a basic bowl, next Saturday will be !  more in depth, and second, Easy Wood Tools are kick-arse!.  My first experience with them.  The wood used was poplar, which was pretty easy to work with.  My only other experience with trying (emphasis on the trying) to turn a bowl ended up with pieces of maple spread around my lathe on the floor.  Major fail.  Going to have to save up some money, though, those tools aren't cheap.  Good quality usually isn't.  Which brings up a question.  Which one first?  I assume a rougher is first, but what size would be best?  I see from their web site that they have more than one rougher. 

You are absolutely right about the EWTs! I like the Mid-size EWT as I don't turn really large pieces.

 

If you don't have any turning tools, I'd start with the "rougher". If you already have s gouge then go for the "finisher". 

Keep in mind also, just because it's called a rougher, don't mean that's all you use it for, I reach for the rougher for many finishing projects as well. They are very universal.

Oh ya, the Mid-Size tools are fine I feel, specially for bowl turning. They are mid-size, but to me they feel full size. I would choose the mid size rougher @PostalTom.

OK.  Lew and John, thanks for the feedback.  I have the beginning bowl turning class this coming Saturday, and we get a discount for taking the class, so maybe I can pick one up then.  Thanks again guys.