Powermatic 3520B or Nova DVR XP?

[Jim Kirkpatrick]

I've had my sights set on a 3520B for a while now but am tempted by Woodcraft's current sale on the DVR XP for $1850. So now the age old question, which one? I'm not going to argue the merits of the Powermatic, it's a rock solid machine, that's a given. But the DVR has it's merits too. And with the sale, I could get the legs, an extension and outboard tool rest for under $3k. I guess I'm asking any DVR XP owners out there.....do you have any regrets?

[Roger Chandler]

Hands down..........if I had the $$$$ then I would go with the 3520b. It is just more lathe, period! The sliding headstock makes for a customizable configuration for many scenarios when it comes to a variety of projects. There are many fans of the DVR.........my comments are not to detract from that lathe, but it is not the lathe a 3520b is.........one turner's opinion here!

[Jim Kirkpatrick]

Hi Roger, and thanks. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the DVR's headstock slide too and, in fact, pivots 45 degrees so you can turn larger bowl stock? I imagine the large noticeable differences are the sheer heft on the 3520b giving it the ability to turn larger bowls smoother and safer. Also, the speed adjustment is a knob on the 3520b and on the DVR it's an up and down arrow. I like having a knob better. But still, the Scotsman in me likes to save a grand when I can. I'd like to hear from some DVR owners!

[Dale Miner]

I've had my sights set on a 3520B for a while nodetour on the road to the 3520 am tempted by Woodcraft's current sale on the DVR XP for $1850. So now the age old question, which one? I'm not going to argue the merits of the Powermatic, it's a rock solid machine, that's a given. But the DVR has it's merits too. And with the sale, I could get the legs, an extension and outboard tool rest for under $3k. I guess I'm asking any DVR XP owners out there.....do you have any regrets?

My guess is that if you have had your sights set on the 3520, theDVR will be a detour on and a delay in the journey to a 3520.

[Richard Dooling]

I'm still relatively new to turning and have not worked on a lot of lathes but the thing that strikes me is that these are two different animals. Both are great machines but if price is not the main issue (maybe $1700+ if you get the NOVA cast iron legs ) and space isn't too tight I would probably go for the 3520b. For me space and cost were big deciders.

Personally I have the NOVA and I like it very much!
The motor is smooth as silk.
It has a small but expandable footprint.
The head pivots (but does not slide). That is a HUGE plus in my small shop and I don't have to slide the head to avoid leaning over the bed.
Eventually I'll get the outboard tool rest - it gets good reviews from what I've seen.
The speed controller takes a little getting used to but it soon becomes second nature. 100 - 3500 rpm and no belts. Look at the NOVA site, this is a very cool motor!
It has an optional remote control. Mine is attached near the end of the ways so I can kill the motor without reaching across the "line of fire."

Lots of other stuff but you get the idea - different machines, different features.

Richard

[Russ Denz]

I had a Nova DVR XP and sold it when we moved. The reason was the digital speed control, specifically CHANGING SPEEDS; it takes too long for me. Grant it, repeatability and precision were big positives, but they did not override the time (and attention diversion) it took to change speeds. There are presets you can program in, but only a few, and adding 200 rpm's for example takes time and attention away from your main objective. Additionally, unless you know exactly the speed you want, it takes a while to dial it in to a speed that "feels just right". A minor point, but it was significant to me. So, if that isn't an issue to you I think you will love the lathe...it IS a good one! btw, mine didn't have a sliding headstock; it only swiveled. Just my opinion...Good luck!!

[Scott Hackler]

As the owner of the non DVR version, Nova 1624.... and someone who IS currently saving for a big ole lathe, I would advise to go for the PowerMatic. Both the PM and the NovaDVR have similar functions but the shear mass of the PM beats the Nova. I love my "little" lathe but having more steel weight and greater swing would be AWESOME. I used to use the rotating headstock feature a lot but don't mess with it too much any more because of hte hassle of realigning the headstock and tailstock.

Don't get me wrong, the DVR and all Nova stuff are great products, but the DVR and the PM are not in the same catagory. The Jet 1642 would be closer to the Powermatic (and priced that way too!). There is a reason the Powermatic is priced $1000 more and believe it or not, it is reasonable compared to other larger lathes. If they were made in the USA the PM would cost another $1500!

I have heard many any times, to buy the most lathe you can afford. Saves for upgrading later!

[Richard Coers]

No comparison, get the Powermatic. As mentioned, if you don't know, you will in the future.

[Eric Gourieux]

I have the DVR and agree with the previous comments. It is a great lathe. The motor is smooth, the head pivots 360 degrees, and when bolted to the concrete floor, it is rock solid. The disadvantages, in my opinion, are the lack of a dial for speed control, the headstock doesn't slide, and the clearance over the ways is "only" 16". I haven't used any other lathe other than a midi, so I can't compare it to another larger lathe. I plan on upgrading to something bigger and stronger in the future, but I am very content for now. It is a good lathe, and I don't regret that I bought the DVR when I did (approx 7-8 years ago)

[Reed Gray]

I owned a 3520A for 8 years and have turned several times on a DVR for demonstrations. I much more prefer the PM. One reason it the pivoting headstock as opposed to the sliding headstock. If you use the pivoting headstock, you need an outboard turning tool rest set up. You only need that on the PM if you are sliding all the way down and turning some thing bigger than 20 inch diameter. Much easier to slide the headstock. As has been said by others, the variable speed knob is so much more convenient than the slow ramp up/ramp down speed change on the DVR. Add to that the heft of the PM, and it is a much better machine. The DVR does have a lot of torque, which I would not expect from a motor that is smaller in size.

robo hippy

[Richard Dooling]

No regrets on the NOVA. I have a "cheesy" lathe if I really need to turn something longer like a table leg. That brings up a really important point IMHO.

I find that I really need to make a reasoned assessment of my wants and needs in tool purchasing. I want the biggest, baddest, strongest, longest available! Do I need it? Will I ever use that full capacity? If I very occasionally need something beyond what I own, do I need to buy it, rent it or borrow it? Only you can answer these questions.

I can justify a pickup truck but not a flatbed. I need a good lawn mower but a commercial grade brush hog is over kill. The idea of buying the best you can afford and buying for the future is reasonable, within reason.

It may be true that cheap tools make you cry every time you use them, but the NOVA really is a very good lathe and it will accommodate my needs for the conceivable future.

[Frank Trinkle]

I've been in the same dilemna, and was pretty close to settling on the PM. I've been having very good experiences with Laguna of late and believe their customer service issues of old have been seriously resolved. (I've even been directly contacted by their CS manager for opinions on their current service and they are clearly motivated to insure customer satisfaction)

As a result, my decision has been to take a shot at their new 24-36 REVO lathe. I like the idea of the DC motor that won't bog down under load at low speeds, and looks like it has some new, unique features that set it apart from the PM and Nova. The other final consideration was the recent sale of Powermatic/Jet to a company who's long term support and continued customer service is unknown.

It's a shot in the dark for the Laguna, but I'm sure happy with my new Laguna Italian LT20 Bandsaw, and a Laguna 14X14 SUV bandsaw, so we'll see. My new lathe is being delivered the first week of December when I get back to the USA!

Good luck with your decision. Cheers

[Jeremy Hamaker]

It seems to me you ask us to not do what it is that you're asking us to do. But I guess I can oblige you anyway, because there is NO comparison between the DVR XP and the 3520B. I mean NO slight to the DVR XP although I'm sure some DVR owners will take it that way anyway. But we're talking about completely different classes of machines.
If you really want to decide whether to buy the DVR or not, then I feel you should be comparing it to something more along the lines of the Jet 1642. Now we can argue the details within a similar operating capacity and price range. (and the equation actually inverts then, too: is the DVR XP with accessories at around $3k worth the premium over the 1.5HP Jet 1642 at $2.4k all up.?)

[Roger Chandler]

As a result, my decision has been to take a shot at their new 24-36 REVO lathe. I like the idea of the DC motor that won't bog down under load at low speeds, ..............



I have a DC 2 hp motor on my lathe........the revo from laguna is similar to the older version of the 18/47 lathe........which I have the Grizzly version of................I don't know who tried to tell you you won't bog it down on low speeds, but take that with a serious grain of salt and two aspirin!

Perhaps some salesman? I have a couple of friends who have 3 hp Oneway 24/36's and can bog them down and I have also bogged down a 3 hp Robust American Beauty once.....with a gouge and not with a coring rig........my 2 hp 18/47 can be bogged down with a heavy and aggressive cut........you have to work to the machine's capabilities...........

I am not saying the Revo 24/36 is not a good lathe........frankly, I would love to hear an owner give an honest review............sometimes sales pitches are just that............meant to sell you on something. Good luck with whatever you decide........your choice might be a very good one...........my 18/47 lathe has been a stellar performer of nearly 4 years without a single issue, so it might be a good way to go! ;)

I hope you will do an honest review when you have used it for a couple of months..........it would be great to have an honest review on record. :)

[Frank Trinkle]

I will certainly review the lathe when I get it. There has been a serious lack of reviews on the lathe...primarily because it is brand new, so I am taking a bit of a risk on an untested, unreviewed new machine.

I've ordered it with the swing-away tail and a 20" extension that has four various mounting positions. Should be some fun playing with it and hope that it all works out for my needs (which are currently serious novice level for turning!)

First test will be slow speed torque. That will be an instant "tell".

[Sid Matheny]

I love my DVR-XP! That being said if I had the $$$$ I would go for the PM3520b. Nothing wrong with my Nova but the added 4" swing, weight and I like Powermatic machines.


Sid

[alex grams]

I have a DVR XP, and it is a great lathe for its price point and capability, but it is NOT a 3520, they are just in different classes. They are both some of the top machines in their respective classes in terms of quality and performance, but different classes of equipment.

[Steve Kubien]

I realize you have now made your decision but in case others are pondering the 3520 vs dvr question, here is my take....

I've never turned on a Powermatic anything.
I owned a DVR XP for a couple of years and I loved it. The only downfall of it was/is the narrow bed. it just doesn't have the secure, stable feel of a wider bed like a Oneway, a Robust, a big General (I've turned on each of them) or a Stubby (which I now own). If I still owned it, I would make up a new bed for it (and probably add a couple of inches in swing).

Short of that, I cannot see anyone wanting more than the DVR can do within its capacity.

[Ron Kanter]

My budget and needs make the Nova a good choice. The Woodcraft sale makes the time right to make a move.
If this is the time for someone to move up from his or her DVR XP to a PM or some other bigger lathe, maybe we can each have what we need. Please get in touch if you have a Nova you want to sell.
Thanks,
Ron

[Scott Hackler]

Ron,

the Nova DVR is a good lathe and you'll have a lot of fun with it. As a Nova 1624 owner, I do suggest that you make a ballast box for weighting down the lathe and throw the "live center" that comes with it, in the trash! Splurge on a OneWay live center or at least an aftermarket one. I recently bought the OneWay and can't believe how bad the factory live center and the Woodcraft special I have, are in comparison!

[Darryl Hansen]

I have the DVR XP and love it. I use the swiveling headstock all the time. when I have finished the outside of a bowl I pivot the headstock to " hollow" the inside without having to stand on my head to see around the edge. I also have the outboard fitting but have only used it on occasion. The motor is smooth as silk and the speed control is easy to use. I dial up a preset and use the arrows to set the speed I want for the job. With all the comments about speed I wonder if setting the speed should be an issue anyway. Sure the PM is a bigger and heavier machine but you can get a large number of "things" for $1700.

[Jim Kirkpatrick]

It seems to me you ask us to not do what it is that you're asking us to do. But I guess I can oblige you anyway, because there is NO comparison between the DVR XP and the 3520B. I mean NO slight to the DVR XP although I'm sure some DVR owners will take it that way anyway. But we're talking about completely different classes of machines.
If you really want to decide whether to buy the DVR or not, then I feel you should be comparing it to something more along the lines of the Jet 1642. Now we can argue the details within a similar operating capacity and price range. (and the equation actually inverts then, too: is the DVR XP with accessories at around $3k worth the premium over the 1.5HP Jet 1642 at $2.4k all up.?)

Hi Jeremy, I don't want to get into a pissing contest with you but the 3520b and DVR XP are similar because they are close to the same size in their footprints. The Jet is way too big. Sorry, I probably should have mentioned this in my OP.

[Alan Trout]

Jim,

I have avoided this discussion I do not want to offend anyone, but here I go. I Own a DVR XP, a long bed Robust American Beauty, and a Woodfast. I teach on a Jet 1642 and have used a 3520B quite a bit. I have turned on a Oneway 2436 and a Vicmarc VL300. All good capable lathes. My favorite is my American Beauty, IMHO it is the all around best production bowl and vessel lathe made.

With the Nova it really depends on the stand that it sits on. The lathe is only as rigid as its stand. I built a stand and the lathe all up ways north of 800lbs. It is as stable as any lathe I have ever used. The nova is a heck or a lathe for the sale price in a compact package. It has IMHO a better banjo then the jet 1642 It has more power and overall a smoother motor. I have never had an issue with mine and it has served me well and that is the reason that I have kept it. The speed change is a non issue for me. It in reality has never slowed me down. Now with that being said if you just want to pull it out of the box an use it, the 3520 is a much more stable lathe out of the box. If you are willing to put in the effort, have the time and skills, a well fabricated stand can really turn the DVR into a fantastic lathe. I think I spent about $300 building my stand. But there was a bunch of labor involved.

Here is a picture of mine after I completed the stand.

[Duane Meadows]

As a result, my decision has been to take a shot at their new 24-36 REVO lathe. I like the idea of the DC motor that won't bog down under load at low speeds, and looks like it has some new, unique features that set it apart from the PM and Nova.


DC motor? The specs I am looking at show a 3 phase induction motor with a VFD!

DC motors are famous for poor low end torque. The 3ph with VFD should be much better.

The Grizz 18/47 has also gone to 3ph with VFD! The Laguna 18/47 also shows 3ph VFD. Look like the same lathe except the Laguna uses a different motor with tach feedback for speed control.


I'll be waiting to see you review on the Revo 24-36!

[Reed Gray]

The Laguna lathes use a brushless DC motor. I don't know about all the electronic stuff in them, but they are far better than the older version DC motors that were on the old Nova lathes. They are supposed to keep up the torque at low speeds. I need to test drive one.....

robo hippy

[Marvin Hasenak]

It depends on the goals of what you want to turn. If you have no desire to turn humongous bowls etc., spending the money on a great big lathe with all of the bells and whistle can be a waste of money. A Jet 1221 is all I need, anything bigger would waste shop space and money. The biggest bowls I turn about 6" in diameter, no desire for turning anything bigger. Making game calls is my passion, I have lathes now, an old Delta and a newer Rikon, neither has any bells are whistles, but I can make predator calls in about 15 minutes and they sell for about $20 each. For me buying a Powermatic would be like buying a Kenworth tractor to drive to the grocery store, a waste of good money.

[Jeremy Hamaker]

the 3520b and DVR XP are similar because they are close to the same size in their footprints. The Jet is way too big. Sorry, I probably should have mentioned this in my OP.

Ah! Yeah in terms of footprint, they do take up similar amounts of space... :)
Best of luck with whatever you choose. A new lathe is ALWAYS a joy to bring into a shop!

[Matt Kestenbaum]

Sweet stand! Would you mind sharing the plan for that stand?! I am not a metal worker (have my hands full being one with wood, thanks) but I might want to have one made by a machinist though. I have been pondering the question posed by this thread for while and I think my needs and budget are best served by the DVR XP too.

Thanks...Matt

[Jim Kirkpatrick]

I have been pondering the question posed by this thread for while and I think my needs and budget are best served by the DVR XP too.

Thanks...Matt

A lot of good info from both schools of thought here. As I mentioned before, by the time I buy stand, ext. bed and outrigger tool rest, I'm in for almost $3k, even with the sale. Now Equipment Sales and Service through November, is offering the PM 3520b for $3500 shipped with liftgate service. I think that's the way I'm leaning now.

[Fred Belknap]

Now Equipment Sales and Service through November, is offering the PM 3520b for $3500 shipped with liftgate service. I think that's the way I'm leaning now.

I have been following this thread with interest. I don't know much about the Nova but I bought a new 3520B back in the spring and it is a real nice machine. I don't think you will be disappointed with PM. I ordered mine through Amazon for $3400 with free shipping.

[Alan Trout]

Matt,

I just sketched the stand out wrote rough dimensions from there. It have severed me very well. Like i said I did not spend much money on making the stand but If you have to hire it done it may cost a bit.


Sweet stand! Would you mind sharing the plan for that stand?! I am not a metal worker (have my hands full being one with wood, thanks) but I might want to have one made by a machinist though. I have been pondering the question posed by this thread for while and I think my needs and budget are best served by the DVR XP too.

Thanks...Matt

[Greg McClurg]

Jim,

I would suggest you contact Nevins Machinery Concepts, Inc and get a quote from them on the PM. I purchased mine from them and saved $200 over the sale price. Easy to work with and great customer service.

Greg

[Jim Kirkpatrick]

Alas, I live in MA so the sales tax would negate the savings.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

Alas, I live in MA so the sales tax would negate the savings.

Try Sean at Tool Nut. Don't know the contact info, but just Google. I got my Jet 1642 from him.

[Jake Helmboldt]

Another plus for Tool Nut. Sean will give you a great price on the PM. Jim, I went through a similar exercise a couple years ago and the DVR suddenly isn't a bargain by the time you pay for all the bells and whistles. And by then the few hundred extra for the PM are well worth it.

[Bob Altig]

I own and use a NOVA DVR XP. I have not regretted the purchase for a single minute. It is every bit as smooth and vibration free as the Powermatic I used one time. The 1 1/4x8 spindle required me to purchase an adaptor to fit all the chucks I used with my Jet, but that was easy. The adaptor didn't have a hole in the middle to accommodate a knock out rod, but a trip to a local machine shop and $10 later it had one. I couldn't be happier and my bank account is much happier.

[Ron Kanter]

I am fairly new to turning so I can't compare lathes based on experience. I am posting to see if I am missing something as far as relative cost is concerned. My research on the pricing of the Powermatic 3520B versus the Nova DVR XP doesn't match what some other folks have said.

Today the Nova is on sale for $1,850 from Woodcraft. The PM is $4,000 everywhere. Even assuming that the PM can be found for $3,400, that's a big spread. When I add in the cost of a DVR XP with a cast iron stand and compare it to a PM 3520B that comes with a stand, it still looks like the PM is around $1,000 more expensive. Other than the stand, what bells and whistles does the PM have that would have to be bought as extras for the Nova? I'm not trolling here. Just trying to understand the pricing part of the comparison.

[Jim Kirkpatrick]

Another plus for Tool Nut. Sean will give you a great price on the PM. Jim, I went through a similar exercise a couple years ago and the DVR suddenly isn't a bargain by the time you pay for all the bells and whistles. And by then the few hundred extra for the PM are well worth it.

I emailed Sean a couple of days ago to no avail. Greg, the folks at Nevins Machinery Concepts are matching the price, reducing it enough so that even with the tax it totals $3400. But I have to wait until Black Friday which I don't mind. Apparently, for a week starting on Black Friday, Powermatic is having a 15% off sale. I don't think I'll find one cheaper than $3200, but it would be nice to find one out of state vendor that will match that price. It pays to dig around for good deals. Thanks for all the tips, guys!

[Gerald McGrantham]

I thought that I would post a photo of my Nova DVR (which I sold) and my 3520B just to show the size difference. The DVR is not on a stand, but the different size of the head stocks and the bed (ways) can be seen.

273693

Gerald

[David C. Roseman]

I emailed Sean a couple of days ago to no avail. Greg, the folks at Nevins Machinery Concepts are matching the price, reducing it enough so that even with the tax it totals $3400. But I have to wait until Black Friday which I don't mind. Apparently, for a week starting on Black Friday, Powermatic is having a 15% off sale. I don't think I'll find one cheaper than $3200, but it would be nice to find one out of state vendor that will match that price. It pays to dig around for good deals. Thanks for all the tips, guys!

Sounds like a good way to go. Keep in mind that Massachusetts, like a bunch of states, has a use tax that equals the sales tax. So even if you bought from an out-of-state vendor via a phone order, email or the Internet, you'd still be responsible for paying the difference between any sales tax paid to the vendor (typically none) and the 6.25 use tax!
http://www.mass.gov/dor/individuals/taxpayer-help-and-resources/tax-guides/salesuse-tax-guide.html

Some states are more aggressive than others in going after this, but on big-ticket purchases, it's not unusual for the buyer to get a bill months later for the tax, plus interest and penalties, if not declared and paid. Interstate carriers often cooperate with local jurisdictions by providing copies of manifests or bills of lading.

David

[Jim Kirkpatrick]

I thought that I would post a photo of my Nova DVR (which I sold) and my 3520B just to show the size difference. The DVR is not on a stand, but the different size of the head stocks and the bed (ways) can be seen.

273693

Gerald

Gerald, your picture really puts things in perspective. I've seen them both in Woodcraft but they were no where near as close together. In fact, they were actually in different aisles and for good reason. The Nova is a mere shadow to the 3520b. You sealed the deal for me. Thanks for posting!