Powermatic Lathe 3520

[Vilas Schroeder]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the 3520 and the current model 3520B. I am looking at a used 3520 but am unable to find any information. Can anyone tell me what this sold for? Thanks

[gary Zimmel]

I have the 3520b Vilas. But don't know a lot about the older version.
You should think about posting this in the turners forum though.
I'm sure you will get a lot more replies there...

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Vilas,

With your permission, I'll move this to the Turners Forum where it will get more exposure to the turning crowd.

[Simon Dupay]

The 3520 was american made & the 3520b is asian.

[Vilas Schroeder]

Thanks Ken, by all means move it.

[Reed Gray]

The first 3520A lathes were American made. The second ones were Asian made, which mine was. I had one for 8 years. Differences between the A and B models were few. The A did not have a digital read out for speeds. The A had speed ranges from 0 to 1500, and 0 to 3000. The B has speed ranges from 50 to 1200, and 50 to 3200. The B would turn off when you adjusted down to 50 rpm where the A would go down to almost 0 before turning off. Other than that, little difference. A very good lathe.

robo hippy

[Edward Bartimmo]

A previously mentioned the differences are:
1) Gearing (see Reed's email)
2) Digital display of RPM
3) Beveled the edge of metal housing on headstock near the spindle (shaved off the corner) so that you can get a little closer to workpiece when turning near the headstock

[Greg Ketell]

There are three models of the 3520 family: 3520, 3520a, 3520b. The single biggest difference is the digital display. The 3520 didn't have one. The 3520a did but displayed frequency, not RPM. The 3520b displays RPM.

Three other differences I can think of that weren't listed above:


The tool rest holder is straight on the 3520 and 3520A but is off-set to the left on a 3520b.
The tailstock on the B has a door so it becomes a little storage compartment.
The headstock on the 3520B has an inset rubber mat for holding small items.

For tons of info on the 3520 family and differences and enhancements you can check out The Mustard Monster Site (http://docs.google.com/View?docID=d4b7vjd_1hb4nbm&revision=_latest).

[Mike Peace]

The 3520b has a second removable cast iron support arm on the back of the tailstock similar to the one on the headstock that holds the safety cage. It allows you to hold a long spindle that you are copying between the two arms. Great feature if you do a lot of big spindles.

Also, the 3520b has a chrome handwheel on the tailstock instead of the cast iron one that some thought was a little cruder in fit and finish.

[Philip Duffy]

Mike, My 3520 has no headstock lock. The banjo takes 1 1/8 in tool rests. The digital readout is on the back side so it it useless, but who needs it? I bought my lathe used, about 9 or 10 years ago and it still performs flawlessly. The power switch can be troublesome if it gets dirt inside or if the mounting nut comes loose. If you have a chance to buy one, Just DO it! Phil

[Thomas Bennett]

Very rare!
There are three models of the 3520 family: 3520, 3520a, 3520b. The single biggest difference is the digital display. The 3520 didn't have one. The 3520a did but displayed frequency, not RPM. The 3520b displays RPM.

Three other differences I can think of that weren't listed above:


The tool rest holder is straight on the 3520 and 3520A but is off-set to the left on a 3520b.
The tailstock on the B has a door so it becomes a little storage compartment.
The headstock on the 3520B has an inset rubber mat for holding small items.
For tons of info on the 3520 family and differences and enhancements you can check out The Mustard Monster Site (http://docs.google.com/View?docID=d4b7vjd_1hb4nbm&revision=_latest).