I have no regrets getting the Robust AB model. I've had two other large lathes for comparison, a Wadkin pattern makers lathe, and the Powermatic 3520B. The Robust is well thought out and you get a feeling of finesse with it. A 3-hp Baldor motor with a VFD is some smooth quiet power. I've turned everything from violin pegs to full size djembe drums on it. Would be nice if lathes were free though, because you can easily spend as much on extras.
Steve, your friend probably hides when you show up with some round MDF
