Lathes Head-to-Head: Powermatic 3520 vs OneWay 1640

by Jerry Hall

   I bought a 3520a in August. I am a serious beginner and have done a lot of turning, but a beginner nonetheless,so take that into account in my remarks. I did , however, do a lot of homework, and it has held up so far.

   I visited shops and have turned on a 1640 with very experienced turners from my club who have one or the other. Both are very good professional standard machines. Spent a weekend seminar recently with Nick Cook, a very prolific production turner who uses and demos on a 3520a.

•    Here are some quick comparisons for my purchase decision as I saw them (3520a vs 1640.)
• $1000 toward tools and fixtures vs extra money
• 20" swing vs 16"
• 32" bed (but has available extensions) vs 40" Pluses and minuses here. I liked the shorter length for my small shop.
• Sliding headstock vs fixed. Again pluses and minuses. Outboard turning is from same side vs reversing motor and changing sides for outboard turning(?) (I think this would be the case but don't know.)
• Freestanding tool rest available, vs outboard bed extension with 24" swing
• Cam locks work fine vs. exceptionally good system
• Both have very smooth, reversible, variable speed motors with good braking
• Worthless indexing accessory (but easy to build a variety of good solutions) vs standard 48 position indexing
• Switch in headstock works fine, with available remote with magnetic mount vs very nice arm mounted switch
• Best I can tell both have good responsive service and parts availability
• Both machines continue to be progressively refined
• Spindle lock is spring loaded and takes up a hand, but it is easy to adapt to a fixed lock vs fixed lock

   Bottom line: The 3520a is a slick machine that I believe should last your turning career. Oneway is the best with very refined construction and top flight components. It is the default choice if money is no object, and The Oneway will definitely give you bragging rights. I would , however, be hard-pressed to find a situation where the Oneway would do something the 3520a couldn't do as well. I decided I wanted the $1000, shorter footprint, 20" swing and sliding headstock. Besides I just love the yellow-orange color. It goes so well with all the off-white of the rest of my shop. Do a search on this and the AAW site and you will find a lot of helpful comments. Here are some 3520a reviews I found helpful.

Good Luck. Let us know of your decision process.