Taking the plunge

[Stephen Kuznicki]

After 5+ years of excellent service my little Delta 46-460 gave up the ghost. Speed controller just couldn't take it any more. So do some research and find out that it is no longer available. So have to get a new lathe. I have been drooling on a Robust AB for several years but the nearly $9K price tag just never seemed to be in the cards. So after my Delta died, unable to resurrect it, I went through the same conundrum that so many have. Spend $3k for one to get by, or spend $9k and be happy for years to come.... The wife made this decision for me. I placed my order for a standard bed American Beauty with all the trimmings. 3HP, tilt away with gas shock Aux outlet box handful of different tool rests. Now I just have to patiently wait for it to be delivered.

[Steve Eure]

You dog! I know you can't wait to drive that puppy. I had looked at a used 46-460 and passed for the same reason you mentioned. Lack of parts support. Reminds me too much like Craftsman tools. Get your money and never support the product long term.

[Keith Outten]

Robust Lathes are an advertiser here, I'm sure they are very happy to have your business.
I would like to say thanks for patronizing our sponsors.

[George Troy Hurlburt]

You made a good choice. Now you have to keep it feed. Maybe better than another car or boat to be taxed away. Congratulations.

[CHARLES D Richards]

congrats on you AB. I ordered mine in Feb and have been turning on it for the last 8 months. Love it, coming from a PM 3520, the AB fits me better than the PM. You probably got it, but be sure to get the light kit. Sure glad I added that on my order.

enjoy, you're going to love it

[Jeffrey J Smith]

enjoy - you won’t regret the decision. I’ve been using mine for 6 years now - got one of the first with the new 3hp motor and revised headstock. It seemed a stretch when I ordered, but it performs even better the more I use it. I call it my stealth lathe - when turning the machine disappears and I can concentrate completely on what I’m doing - cutting wood. That’s good design and efficient ergonomics. The hardware gets out of the way.

[Al Launier]

Color me green with envy!

[Barry McFadden]

You dog! I know you can't wait to drive that puppy. I had looked at a used 46-460 and passed for the same reason you mentioned. Lack of parts support. Reminds me too much like Craftsman tools. Get your money and never support the product long term.

Don't know about your experience with Craftsman tools but with any I've had for 30+ years I had no problem getting parts...last year I needed a couple parts for my Craftsman snowblower of 30+ years and the Sears parts store in town had them in stock. You would be hard pressed to find any other manufactures to have parts for a machine that old...