In memory of my dad, I purchased a Robust American Beauty early in 2021. This lathe has a 3 HP motor and weighs more than 700 LBS. It allows me to turn pieces up to 24” in diameter.
This 22” Oak Platter was easily managed by this lathe. Interestingly, my current Primary Care Physician purchased it the first day it was shown at a local Artisan Craft Market.
Without my inheritance from my dad who died a few months earlier, I would never have purchased such a lathe. But today it will sell for more than I gave for it originally. Hundreds of pieces have been turned on it and I have received remarkable joy from using it.
When my dad entered the Navy his legal name was AB King. The two letters AB came from the first letter in his mom’s name, Annie, and his dad’s name, Benton. But the military was not okay with letters for his name. He used his dad’s name, Allen Benton, to satisfy the requirement. But all his life his family of origin called him AB.
The Robust company uses the same two letter in all their listings for the American Beauty lathes. AB it is! While he never had any personal interest in woodturning, I anticipate he would be happy that I invested in myself through this purchase.
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