Powermatic non-typical questions

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions

JL

>Probably two chucks. Probably as many face plates as you will want to afford.

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions

Joel Hunnicutt

>Go ahead and shop for an aftermarket tool rest. I think the toolrest is the weakest part of the machine. Only time I use mine is when I need that extra bit of reach that my 12 won't give me.

No need to straddle the lathe. With the sliding headstock, you can turn off the end of the machine. I would think 4 ft off the end would be a minimum to be comfortable with. I have mine positioned perpendicular to the end wall of the shop.

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions *LINK*

Jerry Hall

>I am a new turner, with 9 months on my mustard beauty, but I have been circling around most of your questions as well. Here are my current thoughts on some of those.

- Space behind: At the least you need to be easily able to swing your elbow around 45 degrees or so for edge entry cuts with a long and strong 5/8 bowl gouge.

- Outboard stand: I read at the time I ordered my PM that the freestanding outboard rest was not comfortably stable. I have been considering the fixed, attached, Lewin outboard rest (link below,) but have not talked to anyone who has used it. But his turnings give credibility to the design.

- Remote switch: I bought one, but have yet to use it. When I do I will put it in a fixed location, probably where I can hit a paddle that triggers it from a bump by my body. I think it is important for you to be able to hit it instinctively, without your hands, and not have to think where it is. Outboard turning may create another case tho.

- Face plates: I don't use them much. Have considered other sources such as the Lewin site, Craft Supplies inexpensive modular system, and have made my own from wooden plates epoxied to 1-1/4x8 nuts. See:

http://www.mcmaster.com/itmLookup/itmLookup.aspx?sesnextrep=334402268412948&searchstring=90521a275&tab=find&FastTrack=True&ftctlgpg=

A great article on building and using wooden faceplates is:

http://www.davidreedsmith.com/Articles/WoodenFaceplate/WoodenFaceplates.htm

- Rests: So far I have done just fine with the standard rest. I did make a shorty, but rarely need to use it. If I expand I will consider the Woodcraft system, or the rests by Best Wood Tools:

http://www.store.yahoo.com/bestwoodtools/

Chucks: I would get one to start. Vicmarc 120.

Again, I am a beginner, but this is info that has held true for me so far.

Have fun!

Jerry


http://www.customwooddesign.com/woodturningaccessories-2.html

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions *LINK*

YoYoSpin

>You're going to love this machine. A missing 3520 feature you might consider adding is an indexing wheel. There's a guy in my club who makes aftermarket indexing set-ups for 1" and 1.25� (Powermatic) spindles...link below:

best regards,

Ed D.




Pikes Peak Woodturners For-sale page

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions

Mike Schwing from Md.

>Boy do I like that! I think, however, I'd prefer it on the outboard side. It could be permanent and wouldn't interfere with access during turning, could also be used as a handwheel. The outboard spindle has a key slot, too, so it is really appealing. You could slide it on, then slide the oneway vac chuck adapter on, lock it down, and it'd never move off.

Hmmmm....

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions

John Lucas

>Mike

I had my handwheel drilled on the outer edge so I could use it as an index. I haven't had time to built the locking part to make it work. Now that my shop is finally operational I may be able to take the time to build it.

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions

Wally Dickerman in Arizona

>I'm not a PM lathe owner, but I've had some experience with an outboard stand. Unless you plan to turn pieces more than 20 inches in dia. you don't want or need one. I had an outboard tool rest stand with a Delta lathe, and they are a nuisance to use.

Wally

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions

Mark Kauder, Phenix CIty, AL

>I spend 3-4 hours with Nick Cook a week ago, and he told me that the new PM3520B coming out soon, will several new features, including a redesigned tool rest, and an indexing headstock standard. It will cost about $200 more.

Might be worth the wait.

Mark

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions

Chipster

>I've been seeing those comments too. I also heard that they may not be released until 2006. It's probably one of those situations that there is no "right" answer- just the best possible one. I keep hoping for a spectacular sale on the "A". Keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks to everyone for your your comments and advice

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions

Chris K. in MD

>John,

That is a GREAT idea! Do you use it with the existing hole in the headstock for powermatic attachment?

Re: Powermatic non-typical questions

John Lucas

>Chris

I haven't built the stop yet but I plan to somehow mount it to the front of the headstock. I want it to completely swivel out of the way so I can use the handwheel like I normally would for mounting chucks and such but I also want it readily accessible so I can lock the spindle in any position for sanding natural edge bowls. I'll post a photo when I get the thing built but it's a low priority item right now. John