What's the going price for a used Powermatic 3520A?

[Doug W Swanson]

I'm thinking about upgrading my lathe. There is a Powermatic 3520A for sale locally but they are asking $2800. Does this seem like a fair price? It seems high considering there is a NIB 3520B in the classifieds for $3100. The problem is that it's in Texas and I'm in Minnesota:eek:.

I know the 'B' model has the RPM readout and the would come in handy. What would it take to add an RPM readout to the 'A'?

Or does anyone know if Powermatic has a sale coming up?

Thoughts?

[Justin Stephen]

You can get a new 3520B for about $3500 from Tool Nut with free shipping to your door. With that, there is no way I would pay $2800 for a used 3520A or B.

[Greg Ketell]

Here in norCal a used 3520b just sold for $2150 and there was recently a pm4224 in CL for $3550. Now, keep in mind that norCal prices are traditionally higher than elsewhere (for instance, pm90s keep showing up for $900 and up).

[Steve Peterson]

Does the 3520A come with a ton of tools, chucks, a low speed grinder with CBN wheels, or anything else that would make it worth almost the new cost of a 3520B? They do appear to hold their value fairly well, but $2800 seems really high for an A.

Steve

[jared herbert]

Thats more than the 3520A probably sold for new. It might be ok if you are getting $1000 worth of chucks, tools, etc with it. Jared

[Bruce Markwardt]

I'm thinking about upgrading my lathe. There is a Powermatic 3520A for sale locally but they are asking $2800. Does this seem like a fair price? It seems high considering there is a NIB 3520B in the classifieds for $3100. The problem is that it's in Texas and I'm in Minnesota:eek:.

I know the 'B' model has the RPM readout and the would come in handy. What would it take to add an RPM readout to the 'A'?

Or does anyone know if Powermatic has a sale coming up?

Thoughts?

Woodcraft has a 15% off Jet and Powermatic sale coming up. I'm not in the market, so I haven't checked their pricing.

[Greg Ketell]

If history is any indicator, when WoodCraft sales starts so will everyone else's.

[Reed Gray]

I bought the first 3520A from the local Woodcraft store 11 or so years ago, and paid $2750 for it. I actually prefer it to the B. I like the higher speed range on the low speed pulley. I have never used an electronic read out, learned with out it, and don't see any need for one. That is what variable speed is for, turn the knob up till the speed is right. It also will go down to around 10 rpm before it turns off. This is necessary for sanding warped bowls, which almost all of mine are. The B models turn off at 50 rpm.

robo hippy

[Doug W Swanson]

Thanks for all of the advice. The 3520A for $2800 includes one chuck and that's it as far as I know. It's being sold by a local used tool store so I don't know how flexible they are on price.

If there is a sale coming up, I'll probably just wait until then....

[Justin Stephen]

If there is a sale coming up, I'll probably just wait until then....

Woodcraft and virtually everyone else is selling the 3520B right now for $3999. 15% off of that price knocks it down about $600 to $3400. Add to that either shipping (which is substantial) plus tax if they have a store in your state or just tax plus you having to deal with getting a box that weights 700lbs from the store to your shop.

Or you could get it from Tool Nut right now with free shipping for around $3500 delivered with no tax (unless you live in New York). Ultimately cheaper, less hassle and you could get it right now. I am assuming by this that they are still charging the same price that they were about a month ago.

[Bill Bukovec]

Hi Doug,

What is the name of the local used tool store?

Is it Tried (or tired) and True tools in Fridley?

Bill

[Doug W Swanson]

Hi Doug,

What is the name of the local used tool store?

Is it Tried (or tired) and True tools in Fridley?

Bill

Hi Bill,

That's the place. I've seen their ad for the 3520A on Craigslist. I went there a few months ago and wandered the store but I wasn't really in the market at the time.

Have you done business with them?

Thanks!

[Dick Latshaw]

That is what variable speed is for, turn the knob up till the speed is right.
robo hippy

Have to agree with Mr. Hippy on this. I follow the advice of Mr. Grumbine who said something like "If the lathe isn't shaking and you're not shaking, the speed is good." :)

[Alan Trout]

I think it seems a little high I would go in the store with $2300 in cash and show it to them. It is pretty hard to turn down when all those $100 dollar bills are staring them in the face.

Alan

[Michael Watson]

Its on consignment at tried and True.
Last time I asked, the owner was pretty firm.

[Bill Bukovec]

Hi Doug,

I've been through the store a few times, but I thought the tools were priced a little high. I thought new tools were a better value.

Of course they have been in business for a while, so maybe I'm way off.

Do you know if everything is consignment?

[BILL DONAHUE]

$2800 for a 3520A seems more than a little high to me. I bought an 8 month old PM 3520B for $1800 about five years ago. It cost me $72 to rent a U-Haul trailor to bring it home. The fact is we're in or close to being in a recession, things aren't selling and if you have the patience to wait for a deal, one will come along.