Powermatic teaser ad

[Jon Nuckles]

Just received my Fine Woodworking and saw Powermatic's ad on the inside back cover. It shows what appears to be a lathe bed with the Powermatic logo. The ad copy reads "something big is coming June 2012". Anyone know what it is? I have heard rumors that the 4224 is going to be remade with a sliding headstock. I wonder if that is it.

Very cool turnings by Liam Flynn on the back cover as well with interesting carving.

[phil harold]

well there is a count down clock
http://www.powermatic.com/

[Faust M. Ruggiero]

The timing looks like it will coincide with the AAW symposium. I'm sure we will get a report from our CA bound contingency.

[Russell Eaton]

I have heard it will have a built in vacuum generator in the headstock. It will be interesting to find out for sure.

[Reed Gray]

Yes, the new model will have a sliding headstock. Can't remember the guys name, but he did a demo and workshop in Salem and told us about it a couple of months ago. They made a number of changes to it, all according to what the turner said they needed to do. They still have a minimum speed of 50 rpm though.

robo hippy

[Bill Wyko]

Yes, sliding HS, heavier than my PM4224, 3hp or more, something special about the tail stock possible. As far as 50rpm goes, I have no idea why I'd need to go any slower. Mine runs so smooth at 50rpms. (or 3500rpms for that matter) Some may be concerned about it not being made in the USA but something to consider, PM directly employ's over 200 people in the USA Not to mention the support network they provide nationally. They definitely support & contribute to our country every bit as much, if not more, than any lathe mfg. These mustard monsters are incredible machines. I absolutely love my 4224 so far. There truly is a huge difference between the smaller lathes I've turned on in the past. Can't wait to see the new level they have achieved.

[Dick Strauss]

Bill,
Maybe they brought back the old offset/taper screw built into the TS like the old lathes used to have and a swing-away TS/extension...?

[Joe Kieve]

Maybe they're merging with Delta....gonna call it a DeltaMatic. Ha!

Joe

[Reed Gray]

For sanding warped bowls, you need speeds of around 15 to 20 rpm max. Otherwise you can not keep the abrasives on the wood. The old 3520A had that option. Some use it for applying finishes that they don't want drip or run marks in, or other types of finishes. Other than that, there really is no practical use for it, but I would have a much harder time sanding my warped bowls without it.

robo hippy

[Bill Wyko]

I can see where that would help. I"ll know next week I guess. When I got mine, they did ask me about what features I would like to see in a big lathe. Nice to know they are paying attention to us turners.