Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Swivell head on a Powermatic
Mike Swain
>Hello All,
Just a short simple question, has anyone ever tried to change the PM3520 into a swivel head lathe?
Most of the lathes over here in the UK have swivelling heads, Poolewood, Hegner, Silverdrive Jet etc, I just wondered if was at all possible to convert a Powermatic in any way.
Regards....Mike Swain RPT
Re: Swivell head on a Powermatic
John Lucas
>I suppose it would be possible by grinding off the alingment tangs. I prefer the sliding head. I've had a swivel head lathe and re-alinging it was always a little bit of a hassle compared to just sliding the headstock.
Maybe a bit of insight?
Jay in TX (formerly from Ohio)
>Mike,
Just wondering, is this idea do to size constraints in your shopspace and budget? I didn't find any lathes with the capability and corresponding price tag that were similar the PM 3520. I also can visualize the need to have a swivelling head to accomplish large faceplate work in addition to spindle work when space and dollars are at a premium.
Re: Swivell head on a Powermatic
John K Jordan
>I don't have the 3520, but if it's like it's little brother the JET 1642, you can slide the head down to the end of the ways and turn "outboard". Would need to devise some kind of toolrest.
JKJ in East TN.
