Variable speed is an asset as I'm sure you will find out the more you turn. There are kits on the market which might enable you to convert a non variable speed lathe to one which has more versatility. If you're looking to buy a lathe though, a decent used one from a renowned maker will be far better than the rubbish which comes from the Far East. Even Record products are manufactured there though often assembled in the UK with better attention to quality and detail. A good used Myford, Coronet, Vicmarc, Woodfast etc. will be far better and respond well to restoration.if necessary. A personal view, but don't be sucked in to buying a small lathe supposedly suitable for pen turning. You can turn pens just as easily on a large lathe but you can't turn a decent bowl on a small, pen turning lathe!
