What can we do better?
Nearly 100 Exotic Wood Species, Direct-Imported Since 1972. Shop Slabs & Turning Stock.

WoodCentral Forums

Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998

3520A or X5 Lathe

Posts

3520A or X5 Lathe

#1

3520A or X5 Lathe

Bob G.

>Hello,

I am very new to turning and looking to buy my first Lathe. I have narrowed the choices to either the Powermatic 3520A or the Delta X5 46-755X. I also noticed there is a 46-765X from Delta which seems to be being replaced with the 755 model although I can�t find what the differences are.

I do realize there are differences to these machines but I am looking for feedback from folks who have experience turning and possibly anyone who owns or has used the Delta model(s). I want to choose a lathe that I probably won�t outgrow for a long while. I believe my main use will be for post type turnings rather than bowls. I will certainly make some bowls at some point but I don�t think it will the majority of the use the lathe gets.

The costs difference between the two models is not really a big issue. Like most of us floor space in my shop is at a premium so the amount any new tool will take up is a big concern. I think both are fairly close unless I find I need to extend the Powermatic.

I have searched here and on the web and found the 3520 has many happy owners. As for the Delta model(s) I have found no feedback, just tons of Amazon affiliates cluttering up the search engines.

Any help would be appreciated.

Bob

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

#2

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

Jerry Whitaker

>I am going to cast my vote for the Powermatic. I think you will be much happier with it. There is also some concern out there about Delta being bought up by Black & Decker so future support and improvements and perhaps even longevity of the Delta lathe line may be in jeopardy. I love my Powermatic and even like the color.

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

#3

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

MP Wall

>Thumbs up for the 3520a. Great machine you probably won't outgrow, unless you want a mini.

MP Wall

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

#4

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

theeyres

>I anxiously awaiting my 3520A. Hopefully will arrive around the 14th. Have a smaller Delta now and there is no comparison in quality. Considering seeing a picture turning a 6' bowl on the end of the Powermatic, I can't imagine outgrowing it.

Earl

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

#5

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

Mike Schwing from Md.

>Bob, I suspect you won't see many respones because you asked a specific question that not many folks will be able to answer. I'd doubt that too many people have experience with both of these lathes.

I would say, anecdotally, that the facts you have uncovered speak for themselves - you find tons of happy 3520 owners and very few people speaking lovingly of their Deltas. Coupled with the fact that Powermatic advertising is almost absent and Delta is everywhere - well, advertising DOES work and it is kind of interesting that the one with no marketing is the one people seem to own, and be willing to tell you.

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

#6

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

Anthony

>I only know of one person in our club that has the Delta you speak of.It has vs controll instead of the reeves pullies that I know of.I too am a Powermatic 3520 owner,and all I can say is that,I never regreted buying this lathe.For a few hundred more I would go with the 700 pound Powermatic.You won't regret it.Good luck!!!

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

#7

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

Rick in Colgate, Wi

>Hi Bob,

I have the Delta 46-745, which is the 1 1/2hp 110V version of the more powerful 46-765.

Been turning on it for over a year and have had no problems, it certainly can handle anything I can load on it.

However, recently I was looking at the Powermatic at Woodcraft and I think I drooled on it a little, it is such a nice solid piece of equipment compared to my Delta. If money is not an issue get the Powermatic.

One other thing, the Delta has a 16" swing and I find that somewhat limiting at times, the Powermatic has a 20".

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

#8

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

Larry E

>I hate to be redundant but I will be: the Powermatic is a great lathe. It's even greater when you think of its features for the price. Go for the Powermatic, you will not regret it. I, too, like the color.

Larry

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

#9

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

Bapa

>Bob G

I have a "5X" and love it.

Anything a 3520 can do a 5X can do and do it better with more control, 3 speed vs 2 speed. The legs and bed are hollow and are ment to be filled with ballast (why pay to ship ballast). Delta even tells you how.

Remember you will have to adjust the height of this or any lathe to fit you, my spindle height is 50", the Delta foot is hollow, the size of a 4 x 4, and this makes it easy to do.

DO NOT confuse the 46-765X with the other Delta lathes they are not in the same league as the "5X". You will be able to select the power range, ie, the speed range 1 - 1000 ; 0 - 2000 ; 0 - 3000. This is a GREAT feature, the turn of a dial, half way - 500 RPM ; 1000 RPM, etc, the control. The variable speed 2hp 230 volt motor has all the power and torque you will need.

Size over the bed 14" to 16" ; off the end - it is up to YOU.

The Delta free standing tool rest is a piece of junk, light weight and the wrong height.

To find a better lathe, look at Oneway.

Again I love my "5X".

Have fun and be Safe

Bapa

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

#10

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

Roy Girolami

>Bob, be aware the PM has a usable distance between centers of 30". Forget the 35 in the name. If you plan on doing between center work, plan on buying an extension along with the lathe. If you can turn it between centers, you will be very happy with the lathe. I have had mine for over a year and still find it to be just great.

Roy Girolami

Apex, NC

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

#11

Re: 3520A or X5 Lathe

Fog Tanner

>I have the 46-745 steel Delta. I have had it for three years and it has done almost everything I asked of it. I have have used it for coring bowls to making boxes.

I got interested in offcenter turning and decided the 16" swing was not enough. I looked at a number of other lathes including the 3520, but that was excluded when they moved production to China. I also wanted to get away from a movable head lathe. The movable head isn't as solid as the fixed head machines and the locking mechanism can unlock at the wrong time. I never moved the head to the end to make it a "bowl lathe", so the sliding head was never a selling point. I looked at all the machines and bought the long bed (51") Vicmarc 300 (genuine Australian version), a decision I have never regretted. I still have the Delta and use it for some projects and consider it a good machine.