Retirement Gold Watch
Doug Reynolds
I posted in March stating I was retiring soon, July 1st following 34-years in law enforcement, and was looking to upgrade my Jet mini-lathe with something more versatile. In the post I asked if there was any reason not to buy a Powermatic, Vicmarc and Oneway. Some folks suggested a Robust which I said was outside my price range. Brent English posted that if I did an apples to apples comparison, I would find the Robust competitive with the Oneway 2436. I made a spread sheet, discovered Vicmarc no longer makes a long bed and, has no bed extension. Spoke with Alan Lacer during two turning classes at Marc Adams School of Woodworking regarding his experience with the above lathes. Knowing the Sheriff's Office was not giving me a gold Rolex for my retirement I opted for the Robust American Beauty Long Bed. It arrived late last night after about a three-month wait. Got it uncrated, leveled and plugged in this morning. Have not turned anything yet but surely looking forward to it. It sure is quiet and, very heavy. Deb English was a pleasure to work with on every phase of the purchase including a little glitch with home delivery - steep driveway. Robust looks good in my shop. Now, I need to find some really big wood to take advantage of its potential. Who needs a watch in retirement anyway.
