Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Jet/Powermatic electronics
David Lifsey
>I am strongly considering buying either a Jet 1642-2 or a Powermatic 3520. Each has an inverter to control the lathes' speed. I would appreciate comments about your experience with the reliability of these inverters. Thanks.
I posted this note in the general message section, too. The pain of being new....
Re: Jet/Powermatic electronics
JL work
>David,
I am sure that many can chime in. However, I think that one of the most knowledgeable people about the reliability of Powermatics at least would be Nick Cook. He has two 3520s in his shop/studio. He is one of WMH Groups (Jet/Powermatic) testers. He doesn't have a Jet though. As you have a bellsouth.net address, you may be local to him. He lives/works in Marietta, GA.
Re: Jet/Powermatic electronics
Bernie
>I have had my 1642 for about 2years, overall a
great lathe and I have had some large pieces on it. I have never had and electronical problem
as well as any other problem. my only thought
would be if you can spend the extra for the 3520A
I would.
Re: Jet/Powermatic electronics
John Lucas
>David
Since Powermatic used to be made right down the road from me I've followed them closely from the very beginning. The ealiest ones had a problem of shutting down when you forced them too hard. You unplugged it, plugged it back in and all was well. This problem was apparently solved. I haven't heard of any other electrical problems.
We have 6 of them at the Craft Center and they get used and abused and have only had a few failures. Jet has since changed the lathe to take care of those problems. I've had mine for a Year and love it.
It's not a Oneway or a Stubby but I think it is easily the best lathe for the money.
Re: Jet/Powermatic electronics
Rodney in Maypearl, TX
>David,
I've owned the 3520 going on 2 yrs and the only caveat I've seen on these inverters is in regard to electrical surge. I've never had a problem, but I've seen posts in the past regarding this lathe (and I assume would apply to any inverter)that warns about unplugging when there are electrical storms in the area, as a surge while it's connected will "let the smoke out".
The only problem I had was maintaining humility when discussing lesser (smaller) irons :)
(I'm sure Oneway owners can relate)
Re: Jet/Powermatic electronics
john Coten
>My 3520 is between 5 and 6 years old now, and I have not complaints at all with it. Has worked great since day one. A friend of mine who knows how to program invertors (greek to me) reworked mine to increase the speed frequencies and also added reverse to it.
