Why Robust?

Robust lathes and accessories are sold by woodturning professionals that know lathes and can help you select the one that is just right for you.

At first glance, Robust's innovative design in concert with their impeccable fit and finish stands out from the crowd. The real treat comes when you actually turn on one them. Immediately, you will be impressed by their well thought out design. After the first few minutes on the lathe it becomes quite obvious that these lathes were built by woodturners for woodturners. 

Can you buy a cheaper lathe - absolutely. Can you make a better investment than a Robust Lathe - Absolutely Not!

and let's talk about the Robust lathe that fits your needs the best.  Look forward to hearing from you!
Introducing the New "Scout"

Robust's "Big-Little" Lathe

With 14" swing and 26" spindle capacity, it nicely bridges the gap between under powered mini lathes and Robust's full size offerings. Made to fit on your bench or on Robust's new Universal Stand, Scout is built with all the quality and features you've come to expect from Robust.

  • Scout HS End
  • Scout Extension Right
  • Scout Outboard Overall
  • Scout Digital Readout
  • Scout Indexing Detail
  • Scout Quill
  • Scout Stop Bar & Spindle Lock
  • Scout Switch Detail
Scout HS End1 Scout Extension Right2 Scout Outboard Overall3 Scout Digital Readout4 Scout Indexing Detail5 Scout Quill6 Scout Stop Bar & Spindle Lock7 Scout Switch Detail8
  • 14" Bench Lathe shown with optional Universal Stand
  • Universal Stand adjustable for standing or sitting
  • Single pulley design = great torque and range
  • Digital RPM readout
  • Stop bar runs length of the bed
  • 20" Outboard capacity with optional bed extension
  • 24 position indexing
  • 1.0 HP, US made Leeson variable speed motor
  • US made inverter provides variable speed, forward and reverse
  • Spindle lock disconnects motor controls
  • Seven year "head to tail" warranty includes everthing, even the spindle bearings
Robust Standard Accessories
  • Handwheel
  • Spindle Lock with electronic interlock
  • Magnetic backed, corded pendant remote control with variable speed, Forward/Reverse and Stop
  • 48 Position Indexing / 24 Position on the Scout
  • Knock-Out Rod
  • 12" Robust Tool Rest with Hardened Rod
  • Spur Center
  • Robust Drive Center - Cup Style with adjustable point and threaded accessories
  • Robust LIve Center - Cup Style with adjustable point and threaded accessories
  • Operator Manual
  • 3.5" Aluminum Faceplate
Features you will like on all Robust Lathes
  • Stainless Steel Ways

    • Stainless steel ways are standard equipment on all Robust lathes. Whether you turn wet wood or exotics, your Robust ways will not rust.

  • Spindle
    • The spindle is pre-hardened 4140 Chrome Moly alloy with an 1 1/4"-8 spindle nose drilled and readily equipped for vacuum. There is a groove for a safety set screw and a #2 Morse taper. A metric spindle, threaded 33 x 3.5 is also available

  • Spindle Lock
    • The spindle lock electronically disconnects the controls when it is engaged. No more burnt belts when you forget to unlock the spindle.

  • Bearings
    • Heavy duty permanently lubricated bearings are fitted. They carry 40% more load than leading competitors. That's why Robust is the only manufacturer that warrants the headstock bearings, and warrants them for seven years.

  • Handwheel
    • All Robust lathes are fitted with a highly polished and comfortable handwheel.

  • Indexing
    • 48 Position indexing is standard on the American Beauty and Sweet 16 with 24 Position on the Scout.

  • Motors and Drives
    • Robust uses Leeson or Baldor motors and quality matched drives. All 220VAC systems are single phase. The 1.5 HP motors which are also available in 110VAC. The drive can be slowed to a creep for operations like applying finishes. Because Robust uses a vector drive with auto-tune, full torque is available at ALL speeds.

  • Controls
    • Variable speed and forward/reverse are standard. All the lathe controls are on a corded pendant with a magnetic back. Place them on the headstock, tailstock, or anywhere else that is convenient for you.

  • Sliding Headstock
    • The American Beauty, and Liberty feature sliding headstocks that can be slid the length of the bed, allowing full access to the work from a variety of natural body positions. Sliding headstocks quickly release and lock down via a lever extending from the end of the headstock. Because it is bigger, actuating the lever on the American Beauty engages two lock-downs. The headstock on the Sweet 16 and Scout are fixed.

  • Bed Construction
    • Beds are constructed of structural and stainless steels, fully welded and stress relieved before final finishing. 16 " bed extensions are available for all models.

  • Comfortable Center Height
    • Adjustable legs easily adjust the spindle height from just under 42" to almost 50".

  • Warranty
    • Robust offers and exclusive seven year warranty on all mechanical or electrical parts, including the headstock bearings.