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MikeT, just thought I would add my two cents. I have turned wood for many years. I would buy a good book before buying anything else. A good book should discuss the uses of all the different tools, the basics of turning, and have a few simple projects. A basic set of turning tools generally includes between 5 and 8 chisels.
The 3/4 inch gouge that Jigman recommends is good for roughing out the blank, you will have to decide between the roughing gouge or a spindle gouge. For small stuff like plugs, I find the spindle gouge to be faster and more versatile. It is also more expensive. 1/2 inch will work just as well.
The 1-inch skew is good for final shaping and finishing.
You will also need a parting tool to separate the plug from the scrap wood on each end. A skew chisel will do this, but not nearly as well as the parting tool. You can also use the parting tool and a set of calipers to establish the diameter at key points on the plug. Then you can make exact copies of any plug.
Make sure all tools you get are high speed steel. Carbon steel works fine too, you will just have to sharpen it more. Which brings up another point, you will need a way to sharpen the chisels.
DO NOT USE GLOVES!! As you get better at turning, you will be able to put your hand on the spinning wood. This will allow you to feel the areas that need more work. Some turning techniques require that you support the spinning wood with your hand.
Lastly, there is lots of free wood in pallets, just make sure to remove all the nails. Green wood is also fun to turn and its free too.
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