looking at a new lathe
Hugh Widdup
Looking for a new lathe the Powermatic 3520B is at the top of the list, I saw an add for Baileigh 2060 has anyone used this lathe? Oneway and Robust are stretching the budget
looking at a new lathe
Posts
Re: looking at a new lathe
#2Re: looking at a new lathe
john lucas
I try to keep up on all the lathes but I don't know anything about the Bailiegh. It seems to be a heavy lathe which is good. I've never been a fan of gap bed lathes which would stop it right there for me. 3 hp with VFD so it's got power. 60" between centers makes it longer than any lathe in that price range.
The new Laguna isn't bad but Powermatic has such a good reputation. Mine is 12 years old and running great. It's a 3520A.
Re: looking at a new lathe
#3Re: looking at a new lathe
Stuart Johnson
I saw a Powermatic 3520 less than a year old being advertised on the Segmented Turner list for $3000. Birmingham, Al area.
Re: looking at a new lathe
#4If you consider that lathe
Dick Coers
consider the same thing from Grizzly. You'll get better support. But I would not consider that lathe without using one. That huge head and cabinet under it looks like it would get in the way A LOT!!!! I hate gap beds, it's very old technology compared to other lathes on the market today.
Re: looking at a new lathe
#5Re: looking at a new lathe
David Walser
If you're considering the PM 3520B, give the Rikon Woodfast 70-500 lathe a serious look. The two lathes have similar capacities. Both have a 20" swing and about 36" between centers. The primary difference is the headstock. The Rikon's headstock is compact and does NOT slide. The PM's headstock is huge and slides. Some greatly prefer a sliding headstock. I don't and, on balance, prefer Rikon's compact design because it allows greater access to the headstock end of a blank. I also like the fact the Rikon's motor is mounted below the bed of the lathe directly under the headstock. I think this gives the lathe a lower center of gravity and less vibration.
The Rikon is a copy of the Woodfast lathe that was made in Australia until about 2002. At the time, it as considered a peer of the Vicmarc lathes. Rikon makes it under license from Woodfast. Rikon has made several updates. It now comes with a 2hp motor and VFD. It still has a five-step pulley, so you can set the belt in the speed range appropriate for your project and then use the VFD to set the speed from zero to whatever. (PM also has a step pulley, but only two speed ranges.)
While I've turned on an Australian Woodfast lathe (it's my primary lathe) and know it to be super smooth and reliable, I've not used the Rikon version. Woodcraft sells them and, in the store, it appears every bit as smooth as my own. Some don't like the Rikon lathe because it's made overseas. If you're considering the PM, I don't think being made overseas is a fair criticism of the Rikon.
I'm sounding like a salesman. That's not my intent. I just think it's a worthy alternative to the PM and costs a few hundred dollars less. Good luck with your shopping!
Re: looking at a new lathe
#6
Re: looking at a new lathe
dick hines
I got my PM3520A in 2003 and it get used daily and hard. I do a lot of big bowls and hollow forms. The only trouble has been a off/on switch that went bad.
If I was going to get another lathe it would be a PM3520B
Re: looking at a new lathe
#7Re: looking at a new lathe
mikeee12345
Anyone purchasing a new lathe must determine their individual needs.
How you answer each question may change your selection of a new lathe.
How large of foot print do you have for the lathe?
How large and how long of billets do you want/need to turn?
How often will you be using the lathe?
Is the lathe used for hobby or production?
How much do you have or want to spend on the new lathe & new tooling?
Do you want or need to move the lathe after it is set up.
How portable do you want/need the lathe to be?
What voltage source do you have available for the lathe?
What size of accessories do you currently own that you might use on the new lathe?
Will the design of the lathe address your needs for the items you want to turn?
Will your new lathe address your immediate needs and future needs?
Are spare parts readily available along with documentation and customer service?
Is the lathe easily maintained and/or easy to work on based on your mechanical skills?
Is there a warranty on the lathe and how do they take care of any problems encountered?
Are other owners happy with the performance of the lathe you intend to purchase?
Re: looking at a new lathe
#8Great reply
john lucas
2 of the biggest things for me was, how can it be repaired if the company no longer carries parts, and can I do it myself. I've been around woodworking long enough to see lots of companies go out of business and parts are hard to find if you can get them at all.
When I chose the powermatic it was because there isn't anything on that lathe that can't be either rebuilt by a machinist or replaced with aftermarket parts. Fortunately after 12 years of a lot of use I haven't had to touch a thing, and Powermatic is till in business and servicing the machines.
Re: looking at a new lathe
#9Re: Great reply
Roy Girolami
One thing to consider is that the PM3520 does not really have 35" between centers. I have a 3520A and I had to let the tailstock hang off the end of the bed in order to get about 30" between centers. Of course, you can get a bed extension for another $400 or so. Other than the shorter than anticipated bed, the lathe has served me well.
Roy
Re: looking at a new lathe
#10Distance between centers
John K Jordan
>>>One thing to consider is that the PM3520 does not really have 35" between centers.
>>>I have a 3520A and I had to let the tailstock hang off the end of the bed in order to get about 30" between centers.
Did you back the headstock back too? Could it also depend on the length of your live center? I use the bed extension with the 3520B. It is supposed to be an 18" extension so 35"+18"=53".
I did get 53" between centers when I turned a tool handle recently. My spindle was 52" with my shortest live center but if I had a shorter one or used a MT2 dead center (like the old days) it would have been 53" as advertised.
To get the full length I backed the tailstock to the end far enough so the clamp just barely held it firmly. Then I slid the the headstock back likewise until the clamp just barely held it.
JKJ
Re: looking at a new lathe
#11Re: Distance between centers
Hugh Widdup
I would need the extention, I have a General 260 and use the extention on it I looked at the Rion but was not sure of the quality, I have time to look around, still hoping to find a used ?? lathe. Not alot out there right now
Re: looking at a new lathe
#12Re: Distance between centers
mikeee12345
Ran across this pdf file on the web, format did not paste very well.
GENERAL � SPECIFICATIONS � OF � WOODTURNING � LATHES
BY � WALTER � JONES � E-‐MAIL � walterjones60@gmail.com
Page � 1
LATHE THREAD � SIZE MORSE � TAPER TOOL � POST � SIZE DIA � OVER � BED DISTANCE � BETWEEN SPEED � RANGE HORSE � POWER WEIGHT VOLTAGE
HEAD � STOCK � � TAIL � STOCK
CENTERS SLOWEST-‐FASTEST
DELTA
46-‐455 1X8 MT2 � � � � � � MT2 5/8 � INCH 12.5 20 240-‐4000 .75 � HP 100 110
46-‐460 1X8 MT2 � � � � � � MT2 5/8 � INCH 12.5 20 240-‐4000 1.0 � HP 100 110
46-‐745 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 � MT2 � � � � � � MT2 1 � INCH 16 � INCH 42 0-‐3200 1.5 � HP 354 110
46-‐746 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 � MT2 � � � � � � MT2 1 � INCH 16 � INCH 42 0-‐3200 2 � HP 354 220
46-‐715 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � � MT2 1 � INCH 14 40 600-‐2200 3/4 � HP 300 110
46-‐700 1X8 MT2 � � � � � � MT2 1 � INCH 12 36 500-‐2000 3/4 � HP 150 110
LA � 200 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � � MT2 5/8 � INCH 10 16 500-‐3700 1/2 � HP 85 110
DELTA � ROCKWELL
46-‐525 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � � MT2 1 � INCH 12 36 340-‐3200 CV 3/4 � HP 225 110
EBO � INC
25-‐84 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � MT2 25 84 110
25-‐84 1 � 1/2 � X � 8 MT2 � OR � 3 � � � � � MT2 � OR � 3 25 84
40-‐15 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � MT2 40 15 107-‐2600
40-‐15 1 � 1/2 � X � 8 MT2 � OR � 3 � � � � � MT2 � OR � 3 40 15 107-‐2600
GENERAL
160-‐1 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � M � T2 1 12 38 850-‐3500 1 283 110
160-‐2 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � M � T2 1 18 38 500-‐3000 1 339 110
260-‐1 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � M � T2 1 12 38 600/2800 � OR � 375/3300 1 524-‐564 110
260-‐2 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � M � T2 1 20 38 600/2800 � OR � 375/3300 2 542/584 220
26020 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � M � T2 1 12 38 0-‐3000 2 544 220
VD � M2
260 � VD � MD 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � � M � T2 1 20 38 0-‐3000 2 562 220
GENERAL � INT'L
25-‐100 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 5/8 � INCH 10 15 480-‐4023 1/2 � HP 106 110
25-‐600 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 1 16 43 450-‐3000 1.5 367 110
25-‐650 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 1 16 43 0-‐3750 1.5 380 110
GRIZZLY
G9247 6 12 300-‐4750 1/4 � HP 46 110
G8690 MT1 � � � � � MT1 6 � 1/4 20 0-‐3025 1/3HP 40 110
G0584 1 � X � 12 MT2 � � � � MT2 14.5 43 600-‐2400 3/4 � HP 272 110
G0462 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 16 43 600-‐2400 2 304 110
G1067Z 1 � X � 12 MT2 � � � � MT2 14 40 510-‐2800 1/2 � HP 197 110
G1495 1 � X � 12 MT2 � � � � MT2 14 40 500-‐3070 3/4 � HP 281 110
G0456 1 � 1/2 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 20 43 500-‐2000 2 633 � LPOWER
38515-‐4VGA 14 40 1020-‐3010 1/2 � HP 88 110
34706-‐5VGA 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 12 33 � 3/8 600-‐2400 3/4 � HP 184 110
43366-‐1VGA 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 20 � 1/4 36 370-‐2700 1 � HP 110
HEGNER
HDB � 200 � XL M33 � DIN � 800 MT2 � � � � MT2 25 � MM 800 � MM 1000 � MM 90-‐3800 1 � HP 57 � KG
JET
1642 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � M2T 1 � INCH 16 42 0-‐3200 2 410 220
1642 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � M2T 1 16 42 0-‐3200 1.1/5 410 110
1442 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � M2T 1 14 42 450-‐3000 1 390 110
1236 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � M2T 1 12 36 500-‐3000 3/4 � HP 169 110
1220 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � M2T 5/8 � INCH 12 20 500-‐3900 3/4 � HP 99 110
1220 � VS 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � M2T 5/8 � INCH 12 20 270-‐4200 3/4 � HP 99 110
1014 � MINI 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � M2T 5/8 � INCH 10 14 500-‐3975 1/2 � HP 69 110
LAGUNA
MLAO230-‐175 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 16 43 600-‐2400 1 � 1/2 � HP 303 110
MLA59 � -‐0180 MT2 � � � � MT2 18 59 2 � HP 550
1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 18 47 100-‐3200 2 � HP 500 220
MTOCL1200 MT2 � � � � MT2 2 � HP 800
ONEWAY
2436 M33 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT3 1 24 36 70-‐3050 1.5/2/3 � HP 850 220
2036 M33 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT3 1 20 36 70-‐3050 1.5/2/3 800 220
2416 M33 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT3 1 24 16 70-‐3050 1.5/2/3 650 220
2016 M33 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT3 1 20 16 70-‐3050 1.5/2 600 220
1640 M33 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT3 1 16 40 14-‐2585 1.5/2 600 110/220
1236SD � SIT � DOWN 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 1 12 36 0-‐2000/0-‐4000 1 500 110/220
1224 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 1 12 24 0-‐2000/0-‐4000 1 300 110/220
1018 � DISCONTINUED 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 3.4" 10 18 0-‐4000 1 280 110
POOLWOOD
POLARIS � DVSL 33 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT2 1 18 38 0-‐2800 1.5 130 � KG 110
POWER � KING 3/4 � X � 16 MT1 � � � MT1 1/3HP 150 110
POWERMATIC
3520 � A � & � B 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 1 20 35 A=0-‐3000 � B= � 0-‐3200 2 630 220
4224 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 1 24 42 0-‐3500 3 950 220
PSI � [branded]
TCLPRO 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 5/8" 10 14? 500-‐3200 1/2 � HP 78 110
TCLPLUS 3/4 � X � 16 MT1 � � � MT1 5/8" 7.5 12.5 750-‐3200 1/4 � HP 43 110
RECORD
DML36SH 3/4 � X � 16 MT1 � � � � MT1 3/4" 9 36 450-‐2000 3/4 � HP 41 � KG 110
DML24X 3/4 � X � 16 MT1 � � � � MT1 3/4" 6 24 450-‐2000 3/4 � HP 40 � KG 110
CL1-‐S4 3/4 � X � 16 MT1 � � � � MT1 3/4" 12 36 450-‐2000 3/4 � HP 69 � KG 110
CL4 3/4 � X � 16 MT1 � � � � MT1 3/4" 12 36 13-‐4600 1 � HP 90KG 110
RIGID 3/4 � X � 16 MT1 � � � MT1 5/8" 15? 36 110
RIKON
1216 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 5/8" 12 16 300-‐3350 1/2 � HP 110
70-‐200 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 5/8" 12 16 1/2 � HP 110
70-‐100 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 5/8" 12 18 430-‐3900 1-‐2 � HP 85 110
70-‐500 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 1 20 36 50-‐3890 2 � HP 596 220
70-‐425 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 1 20 37 315-‐2930 1 � 1/2 � HP 110/220
70-‐450 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 1 20 37 50-‐3850 1 � 1/2 � HP 220
1216 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 5/8" 12 16 300-‐3350 1/2 � HP 110
ROBUST
18X28 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2/3 1 � OR � 1 � 1/4 18 28 100-‐2800 1.5-‐2 � HP 548 110/220
33 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT2/3 1 � OR � 1 � 1/4 18 28 100-‐2800 1.5-‐2 � HP 548 110/220
25X28 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2/3 1 � OR � 1 � 1/4 25 28 100-‐2800 2-‐OR � 3 628 220
33 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT2/3 1 � OR � 1 � 1/4 25 28 100-‐2800 2 � OR � 3 628 220
RYOBI 3/4 � X16 MT1 � � � MT1 12 37 110
SEARS
ITEM � # � 00921715000 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 15 38 110
MFG � # � 21715
ITEM � # � 00921712000 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 12 36 380-‐2150 1 110
SEARS � SINGLE � TUBE 3/4 � X � 16 MT1 � � � MT1 7/8" 12 36 110
SERIOUS 1 � 1/2 � X � 8 MT3 � � � MT3 1 � 1/4 25 42 100-‐3400& � 25-‐850 3 1580 220
SHOP � FOX
W1704 3/4 � X � 16 MT1 � � � MT1 8 16 700-‐3200 1/3 � HP 45 110
1758 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 16 43 110
SHOPSMITH 5/8 � PLAIN SOLID � � � � MT2 3/4" 16.5 34 700-‐5200 2
SORBY � RS2 25 � X � 2
MT2 � � � MT2
25 � MM 13 24 265-‐2400/ � 0-‐3300 3/4 � HP 172 110
STUBBY
S1000 M30 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT2 20 � TO � 40 20 � TO � 39 0-‐3300 3 � HP 881 220
M33 � X � 3.5
1 � 1/2 � UN8
1 � 1/2 � W6
1 � 1/4 � UN8
S750 M30 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT2 20 � TO � 40 20 � TO � 39 0-‐3300 2 � HP 595 220
M33 � X � 3.5
1 � 1/2 � UN8
1 � 1/5W6
1 � 1/4UN8
S500 M30 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT2 11 � TO � 22 16 � TO � 31 0-‐3300 1.5/2 � HP 308 110/220
1 � 1/4 � X � UN8
NUGGET M30 � X � 3.5 MT2 � � � MT2 14 20 0-‐3200 1 110/220
1 � 1/4 � X � UN8
TECHNI-‐TOOL
NOVA � DVR 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 1 16 24 150-‐3500 1 � 3/4 � HP 185 110
NOVA � 1624-‐44 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 1 16 24-‐44 218-‐3500 1 � 1/2 � HP 185 110
NOVA � 3000 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 1 16 24 215-‐3000 1 � 1/2 � HP 185 110
NOVA � 3000 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 1 16 24 215-‐3000 1 � HP 185 110
NOVA � COMET � DISC. 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 3/4" 10 14 500-‐3600 1/4 � HP 70 110
NOVA � MURCURY � DISC. 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 5/8" 7 12 140-‐5350 1/2 � HP 57 110
VB � 36 2 � 1/2" � dia � bayonet MT3 � � � � MT3 36 20 � or � 30 3 � HP 220
VEGA
2600T 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 26 6 � TO � 17 0-‐500/0-‐2300 � INVERT 1 � 1/2 � AC 525 110
160-‐500/800-‐2300 � AC 2 � FREQ 220
1596 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 15 40? 320-‐3400/0-‐3400 450
1553 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � � MT2 15 40? 320-‐3400/0-‐3400 375
VIC � MARC
VL300 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 30 � MM � 1 � 3/16 24 20 30-‐3000 3 770 220
VL200 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 16 16 � SHORT-‐39 � LONG 232 � TO � 2800 1.5 110
VL175 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 30 � MM � 1 � 3/16 14 39.5 232 � TO � 2880 1.5 396 110
VL100 1 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 5/8" 10 14 570-‐3600 1/2-‐1-‐1.5 110
BEAVER 1 � 1/4 � X � 8 MT2 � � � MT2 12 20 1 110
Re: looking at a new lathe
#13Re: Distance between centers
Peter Hyde
Hugh the invite still stands 
Anytime just drop me an email or pick up the phone. If I'm not in the shop I'm out casting a few flies, 
but I'll get back to you
Re: looking at a new lathe
#14
Re: Distance between centers
Jim Barbour
Mike, what is the link to the original PDF?
Re: looking at a new lathe
#15Re: Distance between centers
mikeee12345
Jim,
Here is the link.
http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.woodturner.org/resource/resmgr/fundamentals/lathespecs-1.pdf
Re: looking at a new lathe
#16
Re: Distance between centers
Jim Barbour
Thanks. That is a very handy table for anyone looking at lathes. Nice job turning it up.
Re: looking at a new lathe
#17
Re: looking at a new lathe
Brad Vietje
Got my 3520B 11 years ago and have not had a single issue with it. I did have a slight tick in the headstock, which turned out to be a slightly loose set screw holding the pulley on the shaft.
The headstock is pretty big, but I don't find it gets in the way. I like making hollow forms, so sliding the head stock down toward the tail-end of the lathe makes this MUCH easier on the back -- good for big bowls, too.
Lathes are like many other products -- cars, stereo equipment, telescopes, etc... -- beyond a certain level of quality, fit, & finish, the law of diminishing returns applies. You can spend nearly 100% more to get 5%, maybe 10% better. I'm not convinced that's the best value -- at least not for me.
It all depends on who you are and what you'll use it for. I'm a pretty good wood turner, but I'm not making a living at it, so I can justify a $4000 lathe instead of a $400 model. I can't find a way to justify the very most expensive models. I am at the top of the telescope ladder, however, (having the great good fortune to use wonderful equipment where I work), so I can appreciate the difference between a $5000 telescope and a $50,000 telescope, and can make good use of that difference (though I can't afford to actually own it 
).
Like Dick, If I bought a new lathe today -- or a second one -- I'd most likely get another 3520B. YMMV...
Safe spinning,
Brad Vietje
Newbury, VT
Re: looking at a new lathe
#18
***For everyone's information...***
Ellis Walentine
You may not be aware that you can attach several types of files to your posts. For the whole list and the size limits for each, click the little blue question mark to the left of "Upload Embedded File" in your message composition window. NOTE: If you are not a registered user of WoodCentral, i.e., have created a profile, you will not see these options.
The other thing that bears mentioning has to do with cut-and-paste stuff. If you do not own the rights to images or files, or do not have explicit permission from the copyright holder, you are not permitted to upload them into messages. This includes any content that you did not personally create. To share copyrighted resources, you may post a link to the original source URL.
In this particular case, I'm not sure what the AAW has to say about other sites like WC republishing resources that live on their site. They may be amenable, but the question has to be asked. I'll get in touch with Ed Davidson and see what he has to say.
Thanks folks,
Ellis Walentine, host
WoodCentral.com
Re: looking at a new lathe
#19Re: Distance between centers
Hugh Widdup
I'm going to take you up on that offer Peter it has been a pretty hectic month and Sept is not going to be any slower
