Uncrating a Robust American Beauty and My First Turn on It

[@robertwinkers2603]

Brent English, the creater of Robust and was a young lad that lived across the street from us and it's been fun watching his successes over the years. I love watching woodturning videos but never seemed to have the time to experiment with it. I was impressed with this video to watch someone with such talent to take a piece of wood and create such a beautiful keep sake. This piece of equipment looks to be one of the best lathes that I have ever seen and will provide many more beautiful art pieces. Congrats to all.

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thank you Robert! I have spoken with Brent many times. He is a great guy! Thanks for watching and the kind words!

[@jackgetzler3451]

Good to see another American built lathe

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Jack! I love it!

[@hbwoodturning17]

Congratulations on your new lathe, it looks great, and I hope it turns as good as it looks. Cheers, Hans Stay safe and keep turning

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks for watching! So far it does turn as good as it looks!

[@brianstancel4497]

I enjoyed the video Mike. Looks like you are going to have a lot of fun!

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Brian!

[@IrfanSehic]

Nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@RayWhitbyCreations]

Hey Mike, the lathe looks rather imposing and Robust! The maple turn looks stunning!

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Ray!

[@WoodWithD]

I watched EVERY minute of that video! Brilliant! I so want one of those lathes! It looks awesome! Your video skills are dramatically improving, that was 26 minutes of enjoyment right there! ❤️

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Richard! I am trying!

[@jackwagon4313]

Awsome machine! I love your shop!

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Jack!

[@Woodturningwithbarry]

Lovely new lathe my friend the hollow form not bad either

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Barry! I am very happy with the lathe!

[@bradstooks6181]

Awesome looking hollow form! Congrats on the new lathe! It sure looks nice!

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Brad!

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Very nice work! 😁🛫

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks! I have to ask... with that name, are you an F16 pilot?

[@RJSalso]

The lathe looks really neat, I do not know that much about wood working and turning but with your videos I am learning more about them and enjoying the crafts you create. Awesome machinery definitely 👍

[@WoodWithD]

Yup, Michael’s videos are fun to watch. Take a look at my Woodturnings/woodwork too. 😁

[@RJSalso]

@@WoodWithD Will do, I was actually checking it out now :)

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks RJ. I am glad you are enjoying them!

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Richard!

[@emgiwoodworks]

Its a Beast! Congrats. 😎

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks! I am very happy with it!

[@DiemenDesign]

Very nice piece Michael, oh and the Lathe is ok too I guess, haha. Would have gotten one myself over the Laguna 24/36 if they were more readily available in Australia. Looking forward to the run down on features. Thanks for sharing.

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

I hope to do that video next week some time! Thanks for watching!

[@normakers5632]

Congratulations on the new lathe! Beautiful bowl,looking forward to many more videos!

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Norm!

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Mike, Congrats on your new lathe. It is a BEAUTY, pun intended. Nice hollow form Mike and looking forward to seeing this lathe put through its paces in future videos. Take care my friend and Happy New Year to you and your family. Cheers, Huw

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Huw! You will see a lot of it!

[@NBCRGraphicDesign]

Great to see.... Retirement is on the horizon for me and I am treating myself to an AB whale that happens. I already filled out my build sheet, but did not consider the steady rest.... I will reexamine. Looking forward to your follow-up.

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Dave, it is expensive, HOWEVER the steady rest is a beast! It must weigh 40lbs!. I am getting ready to do a large segmented vase and I am really looking forward to trying it out. I think it will be well worth it! Thanks for watching!

[@joelspring2487]

Just found your site! SO --- my American Beauty is supposed to be delivered TODAY!!! It is cold here in central Va. - but a friend and I have to take the lathe apart to get it into my basement shop and then put it back together again!! Wish me luck!

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Good luck! Get yourself several burly millennials. That baby is heavy! You won't be disappointed!

[@spindlesworkshop9744]

Congratulations

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks!

[@jimbaker745]

Received my AB last month! Sweet machine, beautiful hollow form!

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Jim! So far I am very far from disappointed !

[@kenspears7159]

Congrats Mike on the new lathe. It was hard to tell if you were excited about it or not though (LOL). Enjoyed seeing the shop pup as well.

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Ken! I am sorry to be so ambiguous...I will try to show my feelings better! My little Freya is getting big fast.

[@CJPhillips6648]

You and Tim Yoder have the same lathe😀

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Yes we do!

[@stephenwalker4040]

Sure wish I could afford one, keeping on with my green machine

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@treyrobinson15]

Congratulations on the new lathe. Looks awesome. I'm interested to see how you like it compared to the old laguna... I was hoping to see you ride that mini dirt bike waiting 😂.

[@WoodWithD]

Me too! Re the bike 🤣👍

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

I actually edited out me riding the bike. So far I can tell a difference, the new lathe is much smoother. Thanks for watching!

[@oldmanriverwoodturner]

nice hollow form. I have to admit I'm jealous as I will never be able to afford any of the high end lathes. I'm stuck with my PSI Turncrafter.

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

thanks Dale! I was fortunate this year.

[@tomclark3986]

no i don"t have a robust lathe yet but i am happy for you and enjoy your video"s.

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

I do recommend them! Thank you for watching!

[@davidnickell9381]

One question: What will you ever use your old lathe for now?

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

I am putting an addition on my shop and I am going to have a total of 5 lathes so I can teach turning. Thanks for watching!

[@davidnickell9381]

@@BrailsfordWoodworks I can't wait to see the video for that.

[@jimbalz3017]

Great video! How'd you get it off the pallet?

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Jim! I used my tractor!

[@Amybaumgart]

Thanks so much for this video! I am VERY close to upgrading from my Laguna 1836 to this lathe, once I can get all the money in order! Was it difficult to get off the pallet? Or to get the wheels on? Is the thread and live center from Robust? I have had a hard time fining a 1 1/4” one? 8 months in what are your thoughts on using the foot switch? Thanks for the video and sweet first turn!

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

I am glad I could help! So I used my tractor to lift it off the pallet, so no it wasn't hard. Next, they live center is Robust and 1 1/4x8 threads are common. Look on Amazon, or the Wood Turning Store, or Grizzly or Woodcraft, they all have them. Your 1836 is 1 1/4" I have the same lathe. I have Hurricane chucks from the Wood Turning Store. Lastly, I LOVE the footswitch! It was an afterthought for me but I am glad I did it! I hope this helps!

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Very nice hollow form. I love all that figure. I understand this is a first turning, but did you find that the turning was easier?

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Thanks Doug! It is a noticeably smoother machine, and it will allow me to do larger pieces as well. My other lathe will move into my new shop addition when finished and I intend to teach turning.

[@thomaskila3801]

So how do you like your American Beauty after a year of use? Have you had any issues? Did you order any new accessories? I would be very interested in seeing a one-year review (if you have the time and desire). Thank you, sir!

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

I am still loving it! You have a great idea and I will likely do that!

[@AlexGarcia-ly9fq]

I just found this video. Great vid BTW. I do have a question, though. Given the amount of money you spent, do you still believe, after one year, that it was a good purchase? Have you had any issues? Love your channel. good content

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

Oh heck yea! I love my lathe! Brent English is great to work with. Quality product from a quality company!

[@AlexGarcia-ly9fq]

I am glad you are still excited by the lathe and turning in general. I guess trying to justify the cost is the thing for me. I am looking for a forever lathe now since I am retiring soon and the AB is on the list

[@thefish5861]

Timely video - I ordered one today, and I only have to wait 18 WEEKS for mine. Rat farts.

[@BrailsfordWoodworks]

you are going to love it! It is worth the wait! Thanks for watching!