PM3520A Shortfall

Re: PM3520A Shortfall

Russ Fairfield

>A common problem with all lathes. The between centers dimension is measured WITHOUT the centers being in place. The actual dimension will be about 6" less than advertised.

Re: PM3520A Shortfall

Mike Rubes, Apex, NC

>Hi Roy,

Like you, I guess I am not too surprised, but I would have thought that the 35 in 3520A would mean 35 inches between centers. I wonder if all lathes are measured and marketed this way?

Where in Apex are you? I am just up 55 past 64.

Mike

No turning 'till I get a new belt in Apex, NC!!!

Not all...

TDaniel

>I just measured my Vicmarcs. the little VL100 is supposed to be a 10 x 15" lathe; with centers installed I can mount 15 1/2". The big VL300 is supposed to be 50" between center and with centers installed it would handle 54" ok, will actually handle the advertised 50" with the tailstock sitting fully on the bed. The higher priced lathes, I think, deliver more of what they advertise than the low priced ones.

TD

Re: PM3520A Shortfall

Roy Girolami

>Most ads for lathes I have seen indicate the length between centers. Cursory inspection of both Craft Supplies and Tool Crib catalogs give a betwen center distance of 34 1/2". This is not true. To mount a 30" long piece, the tail stock is hanging off the end of the bed by 1". This is not good for alignment, since the key for the ways is located at the very end of the tailstock, which is not near the bed in this situation.

Notice the catalogs say "between centers" which implies that the lathe is long enough to mount a piece that length and be safe to operate. I have to admit I am beginning to wonder if this lathe is what I thought it was going to be when I purchased it. When I use it, it is very satisfactory, but whenever I try to use it towards it capacity, it seems to bite me with its inadequacies. I guess you get what you pay for.

Mike, I am over in the west part of Apex, near Jordan Lake.

Roy Girolami

Apex, NC