IMHO consider getting a metal lathe if you are considering a lathe and can spring for the extra $. You can do metal, wood, fiberglass on a metal lathe, but on a wood lathe anything other than wood is pretty much a no-go. The disadvantage of a metal lathe turning wood is that the sawdust gets into everything and is a bit of a pain to clean. In wood lathes it easily drops through.
The other advantage of wood lathes is cost. For the same cost you get a much larger machine.
The other advantage of wood lathes is cost. For the same cost you get a much larger machine.