I would really appreciate hearing from any of you Powermatic owners out there.
Yesterday, while speaking with a pleasant individual about the 3520A, this person attributed the following statement to a rather well-known professional turner: "The only way to stop a Powermatic 3520 from vibrating is to turn it off."
What's the story on that? Is there any truth? I'm seriously considering upgrading to this machine, and I'd appreciate knowing if there's any validity to the statement.
Thanx, Max
Max, I have the 3520A and love it. As far as vibration, it DOES vibrate with an out of balance blank, but all lathes will. It has SO MUCH less vibration than my old Grizzly that the first thing I turned on it was a small goblet (3.5" tall 2" diameter) that I got down to about half a millimeter thick, (because it was THAT stable). Another member of the local AAW chapter has just bought FIVE of them for his shop where he gives classes.
Mine doesn't vibrate at all unless theres an out-of round piece on it...... I've had it for long enough that I can't remember exactly when I got it (3-5 years), and I still haven't gotten around to adding weight or a shelf to the bottom.........
--JD
The Powermatic is a fine lathe. It's not the ultimate best, but it doesn't cost that much, either, and is certainly the best in its price range - smooth, powerfull, *AND* it has a sliding headstock, a huge plus in my opinion. You won't see ME in a ridiculous posture sitting on the bed to make hollow forms. I slide the headstock over and work off the end. That's better than walking around to the other side and working outboard like some lathes would have you do.
-mike paulson, fort collins, co
Maxpr>I would really appreciate hearing from any of you Powermatic owners out >there. >
turned on it was
his shop where he
I found a number of other personal evaluations on various sites on the Net, and they pretty much concur with your opinion. If the opinion voiced to me hadn't been from such a noted turner, I'd have discounted it out of hand. Of course this was a hearsay report, so who knows about the veracity.
I'm about 90% convinced that my next lathe with be a 3520A. It no doubt compares favorably with machines costing another grand, which makes it a bit of a bargain.
Thanks,
Max
InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.