Robust American Beauty Lathe Review (is it worth over $10k)

[@robohippy]

I got one of the early ABs. Mine had 3 speed ranges, which I actually prefer, and wrenches for the nuts on the sliding headstock, which Brent ended up making standard on them. He did have a kit for them, so I ended up going that way. I did have him help me adjust the speed range down to almost 0 on the low range wheel. I need that for sanding my warped bowls. I also had a 'problem' with the spindle lock. I called Brent, and he said some thing like, "Reed, I know you are an experienced turner, but check the spindle lock and make sure it is all the way down. Yup, that was the problem. Mine wouldn't even turn on.... A very nice piece of machinery...

[@bowlreveal]

Thanks for the comment. Really enjoy your videos, content, voice, cadence and confidence when teaching. Matter of fact way of presenting, and that’s the way it is. Have fun turning, I do. Did 176 bowls last year, just gave them away. Don’t want it to become work. Kevin

[@edwardcohen6517]

Another nice add-on is the adjustable lamp made just for the AB. It is available as a single or double and is infinitely adjustable.

[@bowlreveal]

That’s funny I was just looking into lights. Will check that out.

[@carsonwells1785]

If you're thinking of doing another video, I for one would like to see the vacuum chuck used and discussed. I am completely unfamiliar with when where and how it should be used. Thanks for your time and enthusiasm in this video. I am already sold on the Robust line, the American Beauty in particular. I sold my motorcycles some years ago so I can't take away the sting that way. And on top of lacking the funds, I have the back from hell which currently gives me about two minutes of standing time before I'm laying on the ground. But I do love to dream about it and in my dreams it has a vacuum chuck. Thanks again.

[@bowlreveal]

I had another request for information of the Vacuum Chuck and its use. Will be making a video on that this month. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@NBCRGraphicDesign]

Perfect timing..... Retirement is about 5 months away and I have some funds squirreled away just for this purchase. I am going to order the long bed version, which adds another $1K, but I need that capacity. I have looked for ways around the shipping costs, but they will all cost money, too, plus add dicey logistics. BTW.... My wife has already given me a greenlight...LOL

[@bowlreveal]

You will really enjoy it. Just picked up a what they call a Live Oak from the side of the road. Some beautiful wood.

[@nfix09]

not sure if you pulled the trigger yet Dave but robust is currently running a sale

[@NBCRGraphicDesign]

Mailed my check out today! Woot Woot!!

[@bowlreveal]

Congrats Dave

[@giovannizunino6046]

Certamente un tornio di grande pregio a mio avviso x quello che costa un copiatore incorporato sarebbe il massimo della qualità completezza 😮 davvero il massimo

[@alexandersangster7137]

Oh no! You should have got a oneway

[@bowlreveal]

Don’t think so I received a banjo from oneway. Not at all impressed with the banjo or the people I dealt with. But thanks for the comment.

[@bowlreveal]

So pleased with my American Beauty bought a second one for my Florida shop.

[@Amybaumgart]

I just got myself this lathe. I too love it. I used to use the Holdfast system for my vacuum chucking and it is clear I need a different set-up. Do you use a vacuum pump? I have one for my vacuum chamber but don't like to use it in my shop because it emits an oil mist while running. What system/pump do you use? Thanks

[@bowlreveal]

You will love the lathe! As for the vacuum pump, I bought a system from Super Frugal Vacuum II. He retired this year. But it is a simple system. All you need to do is change out your pump. The most expensive part, to a dry vane vacuum pump. It's the kind used in the medical field. If you can find a used one they a very easy to repair. Can purchase a repair kit seals and metal vanes is all. No oil in the air system. I have made 3 different size chucks for my 1 1/4" x 8 tip 2", 3" and 4" also use them as jamb chucks work great. Only thing I needed was a proper sized tap for the threads. I will do a complete video on my vacuum system 1st week of January. I use my system 90% of the time except for small items, ole Jaws then.

[@Amybaumgart]

@@bowlreveal I'll look forward to your video in Jan. Thanks so much for the reply!

[@bowlreveal]

Video up and running

[@billc.6381]

Just one question…how do I convince my wife that I need one 😉

[@bowlreveal]

Now that’s the ultimate question. A friend of mine and I always use. But hun it’s so much safer!

[@ronaldcumpsty5605]

Tell her you will make her a salad bowl or a trinket box and she will buy it for you

[@drabusharr]

"Hon - i'm going to make all presents for future holidays, just think, if I make 20 gifts for the next ten years, and each gift saves us $50, thats $1000 in savings. Over ten years we save $10,000 and all our friends and family will receive such useful gifts!!!! Deal?"

[@billc.6381]

@@drabusharr Great! I’ll let you know how it works out. She is a very logical person 😄

[@johnbauby6612]

I have really been struggling on my new lathe purchase. I was considering the AB and the 16 but the PRICE is outrageous. Perhaps someone out there can tell me how one justifies spending literally double on a Robust when there are Lagunas and Rikons out there for half the price that seem to have many if not all of the features of a Robust. Serious question. I know Robust is made in the US. People talk about customer service, I get it. I started on an inexpensive Delta and still love it but I have run out of its' capacity and need a larger lathe for large bowls. I have heard so many stories from owners of other brands that love their machines, very few horror stories so to me, in my mind they are all pretty similar - aside from the price. I fully believe in buying quality but faced with $5000 vs $11,000 it is extremely difficult to justify. Any constructive advice appreciated.

[@bowlreveal]

My wife just bought me my 2nd Robust American Beauty for my 70th Birthday. We are snowbirds have an American Beauty in Orchard Park NY and one shipped yesterday to Palm Bay, FL. I don’t golf but I do turn wood 5 times a week almost crazy the time I have on my lathes. Spent a lot of time thinking about Powermatic, Vicmarc, even Rikon’s expanding lathe. I currently am using a Nova Galaxy DVR 1644. Good lathe it’s for sale. Don’t have room for 2. The American Beauty is in a class by its self. Smooth as silk in every way. I like the sliding head stock and the ability to turn large projects. 25” max don’t own the outrigger. Now on to the real reason I feel good about my purchase. I have never served in our Armed Forces but I respect and support our past and present servicemen and women. I know of no better way to vote for my country then when possible to buy Made in America. I am not pro union just pro American. Fair wages. Off my soap box. Love the American Beauty.

[@johnbauby6612]

Great. I'm in Connecticut. I'll be by to pick up the AB. I started on a very inexpensive Delta and I still love it but I and my projects have outgrown it. I only have 12 inch swing over bed. I have been looking at the AB, 16, Vicmarc, and the Rikon 70 3040 expandable. I understand quality and reliability but the AB is still over double the cost of the Rikon 3040 and on paper they both seem pretty similar. I own a Toyota because it is the best, most reliable and maintenance free vehicle I have ever owned and the price is comparable to any competitor. I can't say I would still own one if it cost twice the nearest competitor. Unfortunately I don't have a money tree in my backyard so I have to be as frugal as possible in all things. Maybe that means something used, something new but less than ideal or maybe even forgoing an upgrade altogether. Reality sometimes sucks. Thanks for your input.@@bowlreveal