>Couldn't possibly have been an easier or a more comfortable consumer experience. No questions asked whatsoever other than - "its less than a year old, right?" If there were ever a better reason to buy from Woodcraft locally when possible I can't imagine what it would be.
This post is, I suppose, classified as a stealth gloat since I also ordered the Powermatic 3520A.
I narrowed it down to that and Dominic's Jet and then did a fair bit of hand wringing, but finally decided on the extra mass of the PM.
You're really going to love that 2035...I just got mine last week and have fallen completely in love with the heft of it. Turns anything with force and no vibration!!!
I also had the 1440 but haven't thought about taking it back to the place I got it...how did that work? Did they give you full ticket back?
Maybe i'll give them a call. Have fun with your new toy...it will make your turning tons more fun and will broaden your abilities.
>Mike, Congrats on the new lathe. With that kind of return policy, Woodcraft is hard to beat. Lee Valley is great too. Have fun with the new toy. Now you can't move because it's going to be tough moving that baby. Alan in Md.
>Simply put, it has performed well below my expectations. A longer, drawn out explanation is available via the review I wrote a few weeks ago. Here's a link to it.
I consider that Powermatic 3520A the "big brother" to my Jet 1642EVS. :>)
I'm sure you'll be more than satisfied with that monster of a lathe. Your new turning experience will be like night and day when you compare it to your old Delta.
Just don't go and start thinking you're "invincible" right away with this new lathe and chuck up a 40 lb, out of round rock maple blank. Eaaaaaase into it!
I am glad Woodcraft came through for you. It seams insane that they would take back that beat up lathe.
Would you have taken the lathe back six months ago if you knew then how easy it would be to return the lathe?
I hope the Powermatic helps fill your new shop with shavings. A lot of people have been very happy with that lathe.
There have been some spindle thread "issues" with the Powermatic. If a chuck or faceplate doesn't fit right then you need to have a die run down the spindle.
The spindle lock is a bit of a pain but there are a lot of good workarounds. You should be familiar with those workarounds so you can have a plan of attack.
I have not heard of any other "issues" with that lathe. You are going to love how the lathe gets out of your way. Where the Delta required your constant attention the Powermatic will work effortlessly. Funny how spending that much money buys you something that you interact with less.
I see it as two gloats. The first being that you unloaded the disappointing lathe. The other is the ordering of the Powermatic.
>Thanks guys. Richard I really owe this action to you. I hadn't even considered the woodcraft warranty option until you mentioned it. I would have had to live with the Delta - which I surely could have done, I was living within its operating parameters and turning out some satisfactory work, for a long time to come. But the fact that there was only a few months left on the warranty option, and that I'd get full price reimbursement to lessen the heart attack price of an upgrade made it a snap decision.
Would I have returned it sooner had I known? Funny - I did know! It just didn't click in my brain to use it.
I'm sure I'm going to have to build a platform on which to stand as I'm a short guy. Not the first time. Also read a little negative about the spindle lock and ways around that. Figured if that was the only draback I'd be OK.
>I'm also upgrading to a PM 3520A (from a Jet1236. Ordered it yesterday and I'm going to pick it up Monday at the Jet/PM warehouse in Lavergne, Tennessee (3.5 hrs from Atlanta). Just trying to figure out how to get it into and out of the minivan. Then I have to get the mustard monster into the basement shop..... Gotta call in some favors from some neighbors. Good luck and hope you like the PM.
I just got my 2035 last week and was wondering how....well...everything is modular and can be broken down with one simple hex wrench (I think it's a 3/8"). I was amazed that I was able to take it apart in less than 15 minutes. Be sure you have someone to help lift the powerhead off the bed. It only wieghs about 100# but is very awkward. The bed itself weighs about 220# but you can grab the ribs through the ways so 2 people can grab and tote at your sides.
One quick note about the faceplate. It will probably be mounted and if so...make sure you loosen the set screws or they will bite into the threads DAMHIKT.
>Thanks Kurt - I also got some good advice from John Lucas and hopefully it will all go smoothly. Now I have to run a 220V line this weekend, move the Jet1236 out of the way (but not out of the shop), and rearrange a few other things to make room for the big beast.
That's a great choice! I'm glad to hear that the folks at Woodcraft were easy to work with. I've looked at a 3520 in person very closely and it sure looks like a great machine. I'd love to hear what you think of it when you get it set up and running.
>I have had my 3520 since last April and love. Yoy made a good choise. Never turned on a jet or Delta so I can't say anything bad about them. There was a 3520 at the place we used to have our club meetings and one look was all it took.
I turn small stuff and large stuff on the same lathe. Example, today I turned a few Christmas ornaments and then did a 19" platter.
