Over the past several months, i've drifted from turning mostly pens to an assortment of small bowls. 12" machine was great on pen blanks, but a 5" bowl blank that was a bit out of balance was an adventure. Several months of watching forums, CL, FB and newspapers--i was about to give up. 3 weeks ago i saw a FB ad about 10 minutes after it was posted (i haven't made a post on facebook in probably over 5 years). Robust Sweet 16, in our small town. Way out of my league, and budget--but i sent a message anyway. Turned out that i was acquainted with the owner who is downsizing, so i went to look the next day. I'd seen one at a penturners gathering, and met Brent at that time--and turned a bit on one. Told him i'd "sleep on it", but ending up calling him on my way back to the office. They had a skid-steer with forks and a trailer so he dropped it off two weeks ago today.
Included the Sweet 16 Standard bed, 12" & 24" rests, inside bowl rest, 14" J rest, tilt for tail stock, Robust steady, second banjo, couple of G-3 chucks, Longworth chuck, assorted centers, a few face plates, assortment of tools, and an HF pressure pot. Brent was most helpful with a few questions before i bought--including letting me know that the remaining 27 months of warranty came with the machine. Mine was made before they switched to digital tach--so he also suggested a $15 handheld unit instead of trying to retrofit.
Spent well over what i should have, but i believe the seller could have gotten 20% to 25% more than what he asked. I'd have never dreamed that i would own a Robust--quite a step up. That said--it DID NOT improve my tool control!! But it did reduce vibration. Still adjusting and getting a feel--the tool rests are great, but different than what i've know before so it's still feeling foreign--in an awesome way. A few pictures of the "haul" are below--now to get turning and try not to shame a beautiful machine.
Thanks,
earl
Included the Sweet 16 Standard bed, 12" & 24" rests, inside bowl rest, 14" J rest, tilt for tail stock, Robust steady, second banjo, couple of G-3 chucks, Longworth chuck, assorted centers, a few face plates, assortment of tools, and an HF pressure pot. Brent was most helpful with a few questions before i bought--including letting me know that the remaining 27 months of warranty came with the machine. Mine was made before they switched to digital tach--so he also suggested a $15 handheld unit instead of trying to retrofit.
Spent well over what i should have, but i believe the seller could have gotten 20% to 25% more than what he asked. I'd have never dreamed that i would own a Robust--quite a step up. That said--it DID NOT improve my tool control!! But it did reduce vibration. Still adjusting and getting a feel--the tool rests are great, but different than what i've know before so it's still feeling foreign--in an awesome way. A few pictures of the "haul" are below--now to get turning and try not to shame a beautiful machine.
Thanks,
earl
