I'm new to the forum and need some advice/input. Brief background: I took a bowl turning course at the local Woodcraft in 1/2017, and got the bug, then bought an old Jet 1236 the next year. I used it only a couple times then had a couple surgeries (knees and shoulders) and had to stop. My Dad died end of last year, and my split of the pot is enough to enable me essentially to get what I want. I want to be able to do bowls, hollow forms, and spindles/pens/ornaments/etc. My shop is not air conditioned and being in middle Tennessee humidity is an issue (so rust is an issue. I've got fans running 24/7 in the shop to keep the air moving to minimize rust on my hand tools [planes, saws, spokeshaves, etc.]). I've got 220 w/in 30 ft of where the lathe will go.
So, what I'm considering, and I'd like to hear pros/cons for each, are a Robust American Beauty or Powermatic 4224b or Robust Sweet 16 or PM 3020c (or who would recommend a Vicmarc?). The lag time on delivery for a Robust is about 4 months (16 weeks). Two things I really like about the Robust is the made in USA and the 7 year head-to-tail warranty. I'm especially interested in hearing from anyone who went from a PM to a Robust or the other way around--and why. Also, I'm in no rush or hurry. I want to get the best bang for the buck (no more than $10k for the lathe), and I want to cry only once. Being nearly 60, this will be the last lathe I buy.
So, what I'm considering, and I'd like to hear pros/cons for each, are a Robust American Beauty or Powermatic 4224b or Robust Sweet 16 or PM 3020c (or who would recommend a Vicmarc?). The lag time on delivery for a Robust is about 4 months (16 weeks). Two things I really like about the Robust is the made in USA and the 7 year head-to-tail warranty. I'm especially interested in hearing from anyone who went from a PM to a Robust or the other way around--and why. Also, I'm in no rush or hurry. I want to get the best bang for the buck (no more than $10k for the lathe), and I want to cry only once. Being nearly 60, this will be the last lathe I buy.