You have picked a couple of nightmare pens for a beginner to start and turn to be honest. Not difficult but if you get them wrong you will be throwing money down the drain .
In my opinion you would have been better selecting a simple sierra, slimline, streaming line or similar kit as they are reasonably cheap and get the basics of kit right to send you forward to the more expensive kit.
e bay is an expensive way of buying blanks but if you Don't have the gear to cut your own then it might be the only way
Yew, olive and ash and walnut are good starters. Olive, bocote and kingwood is ok too. Avoid oak, and some of the continental hardwoods.
