In my experience “need” usually wins out over “want", However I am very cleaver turning “want” into “need”. I started with a Delta 10” swing (called Midi lathe back then now a mimi lathe) and had fun turning small things. Then I wanted variable speed. This was easily turned into a need and hence the Jet 10” swing lathe. Well, then I wanted more swing. That was easy to turn into a need. Money tight I bought a PM 90 at a school auction and 12” swing. Pre historic Woodfast. Then I wanted even more swing. I successfully raised the PM 90 to have 18” swing. With larger blanks I wanted a slower speed than 350 rpm and didn’t want to put a new motor or VFD on that lathe, so I needed a “modern” lathe. Plus the PM 90 would walk because of the small foot print (16”) The Laguna Revo 18-36 seemed to fit the bill. The Laguna is a great lathe and really enjoyed it. This is where the want and need are very close and maybe the want won out. I replaced the Laguna with the Robust AB. I think I have solved all my wants and needs with this lathe. What I learned from each of these lathes was ergonomic consideration are really important. When I raised the PM 90 the spindle height went from 42” to 45”. For me this was not as comfortable as 42”. The Laguna showed me the sliding headstock was I feature that I really liked. I also learned that I didn’t want to be taking the tail stock off and on even though the Laguna was somewhat light. With the Robust, I have the spindle height set to 43” that is ideal for me. The tailstock swing away is fantastic on the AB. Large leg splay and didn’t want to have to add ballast. The main thing I learned was being comfortable when turning is very important. Better turner? At least a happy and comfortable turner.
