So I'm thinking about getting a lathe, but I don't know what type would be good to start with. Any recommendations?
It's a fun and expensive hobby. Remember in addition to a machine, you will need knives, a grinder, a chuck, and most importantly some safety gear. Books and classes are also highly recommended. Most machines work well and are fun to use. Your budget will likely determine the model you choose, size is important. Learn about how the size limits what completed pieces you're able to make. Please use a face shield and a nice filter mask; do lots of research on lathe safety (YouTube). Good luck turning!
@Christian Schuster nailed it. You'll need more than just a lathe, and safety is VERY important. If you check through some of the other threads in this forum, there has been some good discussion about lathes and other tools
I know that sounds like a lame answer but all the info I could possible type out here about getting started could take me days but only take you a few minutes of learning hands on with an experienced turner. It's like asking "I want to paint a Mona Lisa, what paint brush should I get?". I'm stoked kendama is getting people into wood turning. Good luck!
I'm not sure if I would actually super get into this other than something cool to say that I have done, but at a club, would it be very open and friendly to someone who has done nothing and seen nothing other than a couple YouTube videos? What is the general process to get into wood turning?
Well, that'll just depend on the club, I don't think anyone will be able to answer what the vibe of a meetup they've never been to is, and I'm sure they vary depending on the location and nature of the meetup. To be frank, I could see some guys rolling their eyes at someone showing up and saying 'I watched a youtube video and now I want to make a kendama!', but at the same time, some people might be super hyped that you're excited to try it out. You won't know until you put yourself out there. If you just want to try making a kendama, ask around your social circle to see if anyone has a lathe / knows someone who has one, and see if they are willing to teach you how to work on it. Or, maybe a community workshop or something similar to it. There isn't really a 'follow these steps to be a woodturner'. If you really want to try, then you just have to send it and find a way to make it happen for yourself. Just FYI: with NO prior experience, I would guess you'll spend at least 4 hours to turn your first ken, if you are working under someone that knows what they're doing, and can quickly figure out a half-decent process for some of the more involved pieces (ie: turning the cups). That is assuming you don't completely destroy a workpiece or two, which is something that shouldn't be unexpected when you're learning. What I'm saying is, someone will have to make a pretty decent time and effort commitment to teach you the skills required. I would say if you walk into a meetup as an absolute new-guy beginner, it would be silly to expect someone to spend their whole day babying you along, unless it was some sort of situation in which you were paying for their time and expertise. Its entirely possible to find someone stoked and friendly and willing to help you out for free, but I wouldn't go in assuming this is what you'll find.
without kendama I wouldn't be woodworking at all. But everyone ^^^ABOVE^^^ already gave the info you need.