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PM 3520b update

Posts

PM 3520b update

#1

PM 3520b update

Shawn - in ID

>A few weeks back I promised to find out more about the Powermatic 3520b and post my findings:

WMH group (they own Powermatic, Jet...) technicians were very helpful. They have one 3520b and were able to run between the phone and the lathe to answer my questions. However, they don't yet have a spec sheet on the model so no real specifics yet. Upgrades include:

1) indexing

2) beefier bed/headstock/tailstock/toolrest

3) the tailstock now has a small internal cabinet for storage of small items

4)the knockout bar is replaced by some sort of knockout assembly that is integral to the headstock

5) the outboard stand now bolts directly to the feet of the lathe (no more freestanding outboard rest)

6) digital readout on front of lathe

7) something they call a 'visual comparater' which is basically a holder for spindle turnings (e.g., table leg) on the back side of the lathe to assist in copy work (it isn't a duplicator).

This new 3520b will be on demo in Las Vegas but will not be at Salt Lake City. Apparently bets are being placed among the techs at WMH as to whether the lathe will be out to distributors in September or October - but that is the timeframe. The suggested retail price will be $3359, stock #1352001 (for comparison, the suggested retail price of the 3520a is currently $2856). I just received a response from Joseph Osolnik stating that he expects to have the lathe available by end of Sept or early Oct and his price will be about $2499.

Hope this helps.

Re: PM 3520b update

#2

Re: PM 3520b update

Shawn - in ID

>One more upgrade I forgot to mention - a feature for attaching a vacuum chuck has also been added.

Re: PM 3520b update

#3

Re: PM 3520b update

Stuart Johnson

> The suggested retail price will be $3359,....... a response from Joseph Osolnik stating that he expects to have the lathe available by end of Sept or early Oct and his price will be about $2499.

For some reason this type of pricing really gets to me. A new lathe that isn't on the market yet has a retail price of $860 more than the street price. What are they saying? ... We have a $3,400 lathe but it is only worth $2,500. Why not publish a fair price that gives dealers some wiggle room with add on?

Re: PM 3520b update

#4

Re: PM 3520b update

John Lucas

>Shawn

Do you know if the model they had was at the Lavernge, Tn distribution center. If it is I would like to drive by and see it.

Re: PM 3520b update

#5

Re: PM 3520b update

John Lucas

>Stuart

Cameras have been done this way for years only worse. Most cameras are listed 100% above what they will actually sell for on the street.

Re: PM 3520b update

#6

Re: PM 3520b update

Shawn - in ID

>Hi John, I first called Tech services directly at: 800-274-6846 and the tech told me they didn't have one yet but expected it by the end of this month. Then, minutes later, I called customer service at: 800-274-6848 and they connected me to tech services when my questions got beyond their knowledge; the person that answered was literally sitting next to the lathe and said a group of the techs had just finished looking it over together - they only have one and it is the one that will be touring for demos until they get their first batch. So, I don't know if I got two separate tech divisions/buildings/locations or what but you could try both numbers until you find out who actually has 'THE ONE'. PLEASE, let us know if you get to see it; I'm not sure if I want to wait to buy but it sure seems like some great upgrades for just a couple hundred $ more than the 'a' model.

Re: PM 3520b update

#7

Re: PM 3520b update

Chipster

>As wonderful as the "B" sounds, I'm gonna be very happy when my "A" arrives this afternoon! :)


Re: PM 3520b update

#8

Re: PM 3520b update

John Lucas

>chipster

I have the A and probably won't upgrade to the B but I'd like to know all the particulars. You never know when the right opertunity will come along. If I win the lottery of course I will upgrade but probably to a Oneway or Stubby. I had to miss the chat on the Robust lathe so I don't know much about it.

Re: PM 3520b update

#9

Re: PM 3520b update

Arch

>John,

Same as you felt about going from a to b, I didn't see a need to go from N3K to DVR, but if the b turns out to be what they say it is, there soon might be some used Novas around. As a rule of thumb in my profession and hobbies, in house R&D and QC or reviews by experts notwithstanding, I wait for any major new product to be tested in the real world by those who would be first with the latest. IIRC, the early 3500s had growing pains.

Regards, Arch

Re: PM 3520b update

#10

Re: PM 3520b update

John Lucas

>Arch- I also wait. Things simply cost too much now to buy the newest thing out and then have defects. Fortunately on this lathe It doesn't sound like they are changing very much, just fine tuning. We'll see. By the way I did go from a Nove 3K with VFD to the Powermatic. My Nova had plenty of horsepower but the weight difference between it and the powermatic really makes a difference. Even though I had built a heavy stand for the Nova and filled it with gravel the Powermatic still has less vibration. The only thing I could figure was flex between the cast iron of the lathe and the wooden stand.

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