I'm about to upgrade from a Delta 46-460 midi lathe to a full size lathe. And what I expect will be my last wood lathe. I've turned a little on a 3520B, and really like it. But in looking over the full sized lathes, I'm also considering a Robust Liberty. I read a thread on another forum comparing the 3520B to the American Beauty, but that was so far apart in both size and cost, it seemed a little unrealistic to me. Although the OP in that thread was wanting a justification on the price difference, not which was better.
Here are my requirements:
Sliding headstock so I can stand at the end of the lathe. (This eliminates the Robust Sweet 16)
2 hp 220.
Good warranty
Ability to do platters up to 30"
16" minimum throw
35" bed is about all I have room for.
Here's what I like about the PM:
5 year warranty (Apparently it covers everything including the motor and inverter)
20" Throw. Even if I never use that much, it's available.
The 18" extension with the extended tool rest. I don't have the room to leave this on permanently, so I'll be taking it off when not in use.
Lots of positive feedback.
Here's what I like about the Liberty:
7 year Warranty (although it's only 1 year on the motor and inverter)
Swing away tailstock that's also a 6" extension that I can leave on
Moveable controls
Better Spindle lock that cuts power
Made in America
Almost everything in the specs about the powermatic is better:
Longer tailstock spindle travel
20" Throw
heavier by about 150 lbs
Apparently a better motor and inverter warranty and great service reputation
And it cost less . . . . . . and will go on sale at least a few times a year to save even more.
A few things better about the Liberty:
3 spindle bearings vrs 1 for the PM (I think)
tapered headstock
Stainless ways. (Although the weight and vibration dampening of cast iron may be a bigger seller)
Made in America - Which to me means more and more everyday.
Smaller company (Less red-tape) if I need service. And from what I can find, service is second to none.
There are no local dealers of either machine. The closest is about 120 miles for the powermatic, and 350 miles for the Robust. And there is no Liberty to see at the closest Robust dealer.
So, what am I missing. I'd like to hear from a Liberty owner if possible, but probably any Robust owner can give me in-site.
Here are my requirements:
Sliding headstock so I can stand at the end of the lathe. (This eliminates the Robust Sweet 16)
2 hp 220.
Good warranty
Ability to do platters up to 30"
16" minimum throw
35" bed is about all I have room for.
Here's what I like about the PM:
5 year warranty (Apparently it covers everything including the motor and inverter)
20" Throw. Even if I never use that much, it's available.
The 18" extension with the extended tool rest. I don't have the room to leave this on permanently, so I'll be taking it off when not in use.
Lots of positive feedback.
Here's what I like about the Liberty:
7 year Warranty (although it's only 1 year on the motor and inverter)
Swing away tailstock that's also a 6" extension that I can leave on
Moveable controls
Better Spindle lock that cuts power
Made in America
Almost everything in the specs about the powermatic is better:
Longer tailstock spindle travel
20" Throw
heavier by about 150 lbs
Apparently a better motor and inverter warranty and great service reputation
And it cost less . . . . . . and will go on sale at least a few times a year to save even more.
A few things better about the Liberty:
3 spindle bearings vrs 1 for the PM (I think)
tapered headstock
Stainless ways. (Although the weight and vibration dampening of cast iron may be a bigger seller)
Made in America - Which to me means more and more everyday.
Smaller company (Less red-tape) if I need service. And from what I can find, service is second to none.
There are no local dealers of either machine. The closest is about 120 miles for the powermatic, and 350 miles for the Robust. And there is no Liberty to see at the closest Robust dealer.
So, what am I missing. I'd like to hear from a Liberty owner if possible, but probably any Robust owner can give me in-site.