First turned a piece with my uncle to hold kitchen matches, most stoves were LP gas then so you needed a match to light, in the late 1950's. This was a Craftsman lathe with a 9 inch swing with a motor that was used mainly on the washing machine. Been turning off and on since but got serious around 2008, life slowed up a little to do some things I liked to do for me. Same uncle helped purchase a Powermatic 3520B in 2010. The uncle has since passed on but I still think of him often. Then in 2020 a opportunity to purchase a used Robust American Beauty presented itself. After much thought I sold the Powermatic to a local young turner and purchased the Robust which I had to go to New Mexico to pick up so it will be my go to lathe for the future. Member of Great Plains Woodturning Club in Lincoln, NE and Omaha Woodturners Club in Omaha, NE. Have a great time with both clubs. They both do seminars that are a great help in learning. Also have attended a seminar in Waco and Nashville. Hope to take some other turning classes as time allows.
- Steve Mawson