Which lathe next: Grizzly 0766 or Powermatic 3520b?

[Robert Marshall]

I'm considering upgrading from my first lathe, a Jet 1236, to something that will accommodate larger bowl-turning.

Two possible replacements have caught my eye: the Grizzly 0766, and the Powermatic 3520b.

I have a shot at a used Powermatic, through an acquaintance who is helping an estate dispose of some good woodworking equipment, including a 3520b. The late owner was a retired surgeon, so I'm assuming at this point that the machine was well-kept and properly used. Being a model "b", it can't be too old, right? I'm guessing that it will go for somewhere around $2000, though no-one has put a price on it yet.

I've also considered the Grizzly 0766, whose specs are somewhat similar to the Powermatic, in terms of weight, motor, variable-speed drive, swing, etc. That I would have to buy new, and it goes for about $2000.

I'd love to hear from someone who has experience turning bowls on both of these machines, comparing one to the other.

Thanks!

Robert

[Bill Blasic]

If it were me I would go with the 3520b. Others will argue perhaps but it is a better lathe,

[Robert Marshall]

Thanks, Bill.

Without my being a pest (I hope), could you tell me why you think the Powermatic is better? What is it that you believe you can do better on it, compare to the Grizzly?

Appreciate any insight you or other Creekers can provide!

R.

[brian zawatsky]

I've never turned on a Powermatic, so keep that in mind.

I have owned a G0766 since May of last year. 90% of the turnings I do are bowls, usually between 10" and 16" in diameter. I have turned some good sized spindles, rolling pins, etc on it, although I've never done any end grain hollow forms.

There is nothing the 0766 lacks in terms of my expectations of it. I added a shelf & 200lbs of sand as ballast, and it is solid as a rock even when trueing up large unbalanced blanks.

Powermatic is not what it used to be. Their machines are now made in China, likely cast in the same foundries as many of their competitors. Grizzly machines sometimes have their issues, but their support & customer service are second to none. Buying new, there was no way anyone could justify the $2,000 price difference between the 3520b and the 0766. All told I spent 1850 on my 0766, with shipping. And I am very happy with my choice.

[david privett]

well what we need is a price wanted for that pm 3520b. but there is also bed length difference 7 inches more on 0766 (without bed extension) 2 inches on swing. You will have to ask yourself do I need that now or for future turnings. If so get the grizzly, pm to small. Then there is the flip side is the griz to big for the spot in your shop? your call. I think griz has gotten most of the bugs out of the 0766 ,I have a early one and they took care of me well.

[Mark Greenbaum]

I own a Grizzly G0766, and love it. But I also turned for a week on the PM 3520B at JC Campbell Folk School. If I could have afforded the PM, I would have bought it. The Grizz has more rated HP, and larger capacity, but the PM has tougher more rugged controls (switches, etc.), and a positive spindle lock. And I believe it comes with 120 volt receptacle on the back, and vacuum generator. So, if the price is about the same, and the PM is in good condition, jump on it.

[Don Jarvie]

3520b. I just bought one and considered all of the others but I found the PM to be a little more heavy duty so it justified the extra money.

[William Bachtel]

Powermatic, 3520b I have had one for 8 years and love it, no problems , great machine. I also have an American Beauty.

[David Delo]

I think you're a little low on what a used 3520B would go for if it's for sale at an estate auction. It would surprise me if it went for under $2,700.00. Then you have to consider the buyers premium (if any).

[Roger Chandler]

I own a Grizzly G0766, and love it. But I also turned for a week on the PM 3520B at JC Campbell Folk School. If I could have afforded the PM, I would have bought it. The Grizz has more rated HP, and larger capacity, but the PM has tougher more rugged controls (switches, etc.), and a positive spindle lock. And I believe it comes with 120 volt receptacle on the back, and vacuum generator. So, if the price is about the same, and the PM is in good condition, jump on it.Marc, the vacuum generator is on the Pm 4224 model, not the 3520b

[Roger Chandler]

I have turned on 11 Powermatic 3520b's, many of them multiple times..........good lathe! I own a Grizzly G0766. Performance on my G0766 rivals any 3520b I have ever turned on. I have also had multiple sessions on a Robust America Beauty....sweet indeed, and one session on a Serious SL2542 lathe .......sweet indeed as well! Other lathes I have turned on are numerous, and generally smaller like the Jet 1642 evs, and midi models. This is just to give you a sense of my experiences in turning and the knowledge behind my observations. I could have gotten a 3520b when I got my G0766, but opted for the Grizz because I knew the value and performance from my previous G0698........saved a couple thousand $$$ in the process!

My G0766 has not given me a single problem, and I am one of the first 5 people to own one. It is manufactured to metric spec, except for the spindle which is the same as the PM 3520b, but if you want to use aftermarket tool rests, then boring out the banjo hole to 1" with a twist drill bit and some cutting oil will be needed, and taking down the spindle boss for use with some chucks, [really easy!] There are manufacturing connections in all the Asian lathes.......many of the parts on a 3520b are also on the Grizzly.....I know, I have seen them....quill is identical, design very similar, some parts are same, like the handles that tighten down the banjo, toolrest, etc.

All that being said, if the 3520b is in great shape, and a good price, it is a bit heavier than the Grizzly g0766, so it might be a consideration for you. On recent posts on other forums, I have read of inverters and motors needing to be replaced on a 3520b, and it happens to all makes on occasion, even PM & Jet. The PM has a longer warranty, but if the one you speak of is over 5 years old, the warranty has expired. Just something to think about.

Both the PM and G0766 are fine lathes......Some do not believe in any Grizzly lathe because in past years they were not as good as some of the better known like PM, but they have really come up in the last 5 years! Their upper end models can hold their own with any lathe on the market, from Asia/China. A Robust AB, well that has a 7 year warranty and is made in the USA.......all of which I find desirable! ;)

[Dennis Peacock]

Go with what you want in a lathe. To me, a lathe is like buying a car....you have to buy what you like in a make/model and go with it. I can't comment on the 3520b because I'm still turning on the old 3520a from long years back. That being said...you'll get lots of feedback here from many others. Take your time and choose what's best for you.

[John K Jordan]

I love these questions! Very few people have both so will probably recommend what they have, assuming they like it!

From what I've read, the Grizzly is fine but my experience is with the Powermatic. I have the 3520b with bed extension and it does more than everything I need it to do. Very well made. I bought mine used.

JKJ

[Josh Sargent]

Just to point out, I think the tool rest post on that model Grizzly is 25mm, not 1inch. So most standard rests and aftermarket rests from say Robust, etc....won't fit in it. Grizzy's Heavy Duty model lathe I think goes back to the standard 1 inch and I think one of them is even 1 and 1/4 inches for the tool post.

Just something to keep in mind.

Also this might be my first post? Cool. :D

[Roger Chandler]

Just to point out, I think the tool rest post on that model Grizzly is 25mm, not 1inch. So most standard rests and aftermarket rests from say Robust, etc....won't fit in it. Grizzy's Heavy Duty model lathe I think goes back to the standard 1 inch and I think one of them is even 1 and 1/4 inches for the tool post.

Just something to keep in mind.

Also this might be my first post? Cool. :DRobust does make a 25mm post for their rests if ordered that way. I did bore my banjo hole to 1 inch, and have 6 styles of Robust rests.
I should have mentioned in my earlier post that I have turned very large/heavy blanks on my G0766 that weighed right at 100 lbs. and have cored with my unit.....it handled it all very well.

[Jeramie Johnson]

Either lathe will net you a considerable upgrade. I think another hit it on the spot, PM is 2" less capacity, heavier beast, shorter bed, easier locking headstock, lower overall height (to turner's elbow). I have the Grizz and I am happy. Now if you were talking a 24" PM...... drools.

Robust is in a different class.....American made. I would love one, but that is not justifiable to the family when the Grizz can do the same, ahem....for now.

[Rick Bailey]

For less than $1800 for the 0766 you get a lot of lathe and money left over to buy other goodies.
I add a 400lb balist box and it is rock solid.

350445

[Justin Stephen]

On that note, does anyone have any idea when Laguna is finally going to release the new version of their Revo 24/36?

[Fred Belknap]

I have the PM 3520b and there are very few days it doesn't get used. It is a heavy well built machine and has served me well. I bought it new with a 5 year warranty. Nest March will be five years. The only problems I have had is the start/stop switch has to have the dust blown out now and then and the banjo toolrest lock doesn't work very well, the tool post comes with some extra threaded holes so I put a bolt in one of the extra holes and when I'm doing a large out of balance burl or blank with a knot I tighten the extra bolt. I call those kind of turning bam bam turnings.
Before that I bought a new Grizzly G0698 the forerunner of the 0766 and the first month I had it I got a Oneway Talon chuck stuck on the spindle and broke out the indexing holes getting it off. Grizzly refused to help me in any way as I wasn't using there chuck or faceplate. I had to drill a hole to use as spindle lock and index hole. The hole for the toolrest in the banjo would not accept my Oneway and Robust toolrests. I drilled it out. The Grizzly toolrest broke before the warranty was out and they were quick to replace it. The Grizzly did about everything I wanted, I bolted it to the concrete floor. BUT I have to recommend the PM3520b. It is in my opinion a much better lathe

[John K Jordan]

...The only problems I have had is the start/stop switch has to have the dust blown out now and...

I haven't examined the switch on my PM but I think it's the same switch as the Jet 1642 lathes. Years ago my 1st 1642 got clogged with dust and quit working. After disassembling and cleaning, I sealed the switch body with silicone caulk and plastic wrap. Fixed that. I probably need to do that proactively with the PM.

JKJ

[Fred Belknap]

I haven't examined the switch on my PM but I think it's the same switch as the Jet 1642 lathes. Years ago my 1st 1642 got clogged with dust and quit working. After disassembling and cleaning, I sealed the switch body with silicone caulk and plastic wrap. Fixed that. I probably need to do that proactively with the PM.

Sounds like a good idea, the switch is a little dinky thing compared to the push switch it is connected to. I use to just slap the switch when I wanted to stop and now I just push it off kind of gentle like. Seems to work better.

[Brian Kent]

My only comment is that in years of watching I have never seen a 3520b for under $2,700.

[Doug Ladendorf]

Lowest I have seen a 3520b was $1800. Often they are listed over $3000 which to me is simply too close to the discounted retail price. Bearings are better on the Powermatic, don't need to drill out the banjo for a common size. This particular forum has had extremely high advocacy for the Grizzly and subsequently a number of users. Search the forum for a variety of comments and troubleshooting notes.

[Bill Blasic]

Robert if you have read this far you may ascertain what I meant. For me and others it is a better lathe, that does not mean the Grizzly is bad just that the 3520b is better.

[Ryan Mooney]

The other factor I'd add in is to check out what accessories come with the 3520, I'm guessing that it likely has a handfull of chucks, etc.. which could easily make up the difference and then some. Not sure if you're planning to keep the 1236 or not.. and if you have chucks with removable inserts or not. I kind of figure that that is the main bonus of buying a used lathe plus some discount off of retail :)

I have the 3520b (current model) but have never turned on the 766 so can't compare (the 766 came out after I'd bought otherwise I'd have had a harder decision). The 3520 has taken pretty much everything I can throw at it and then some in bowl capacity. I can imagine wanting more lathe in some abstract sense but mostly in length, I have maxed out the spindle capacity a couple of times (if it comes with the 18" extension that's a $400 accessory and largely solves that problem).

I suspect you'll be tickled pink with either of them

[Bill Jobe]

I waited too long for a 10% off coupon from Grizzly. Now they've raised the price of the G0766 and the old price is now the sale price.
I suppose it's good I waited. I've run into a serious health problem and I just learned from a former union rep the company I retired from was able to get a court victory regarding health insurance overturned and tomorrow, as I understand it , I will have no insurance.

How can people put their signature on a contract promising such and such, then later shamelessly decide not to honor it? We traded no pay raises for 19 years to maintain insurance.
Sorry, didn't mean to derail your thread, OP. Just really upset

[Dane Riley]

I think another hit it on the spot, PM is 2" less capacity,

.

Unless the Grizz is really a 23" swing lathe, the difference is only 1". 3520b is 21". Rudy somehow snuck in an extra inch. Go measure one.

[Justin Stephen]

Unless the Grizz is really a 23" swing lathe, the difference is only 1". 3520b is 21". Rudy somehow snuck in an extra inch. Go measure one.

Yeah, never noticed that, but the distance from ways to center is mine is about 10 5/16", which with the curvature would be about 10 1/2", or 21" swing.

[Rick Bailey]

Unless the Grizz is really a 23" swing lathe, the difference is only 1". 3520b is 21". Rudy somehow snuck in an extra inch. Go measure one.


Dane,
The 0766 is 22''
That's if you don't mind the blank scraping the ways.
See you are in Forestville, Ahh the good life.:D
We should chat sometime.
Shoot me a PM sometime, I would love to hear from someone from home.:o
All the best Rick from Occidental.:p

[Rick Bailey]

Dane
PM sent.:)

[Donny Lawson]

I had a Jet 16/42 for about 5yrs and it was really nice. I got a chance to own a 3520b and jumped on it. I love it. So far I have turned a 18 inch walnut bowl and it worked great. Never bogged down. It's a beast.

[John K Jordan]

I have the 3520b... I can imagine wanting more lathe in some abstract sense but mostly in length, I have maxed out the spindle capacity a couple of times (if it comes with the 18" extension that's a $400 accessory and largely solves that problem).


Hey Ryan, I agree about the length. I bought a used 3520b WITH the bed extension and still maxed it out turning a hoe handle!

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My used PM looked like new and came with a number of accessories at much less than the cost of a new one. I bought other accessories he had but at incredible prices. I had posted a on another forum I was thinking about getting one and I quickly got private messages with offers. I drove from TN to Maryland and brought this one back in a u-haul trailer. What a great lathe.

BTW, OT, but did you see the kickstarter campaign on the new Electric Eel Wheel 5? I had a weak moment and kicked in.

JKJ

[Ryan Mooney]

Hey Ryan, I agree about the length. I bought a used 3520b WITH the bed extension and still maxed it out turning a hoe handle!

If I had the space and money (and definitely don't have the space) the 50" would be really handy like twice a year :rolleyes: :D

I could have turned those porch posts my mom wanted in one piece then :cool: (well until she decided to not change it up anyway).


BTW, OT, but did you see the kickstarter campaign on the new Electric Eel Wheel 5? I had a weak moment and kicked in.

I dropped you an email on the wheels as I was starting to ramble a bit ;)

[Patrick Johnson]

Just to point out, I think the tool rest post on that model Grizzly is 25mm, not 1inch. So most standard rests and aftermarket rests from say Robust, etc....won't fit in it. Grizzy's Heavy Duty model lathe I think goes back to the standard 1 inch and I think one of them is even 1 and 1/4 inches for the tool post.

Just something to keep in mind.

Also this might be my first post? Cool. :D

I just received my new G0766 (March 2021) and installed a Robust 12" Comfort tool rest on it with no issues. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the tool rests are now 25.4mm, not 25mm. That was my experience.

BTW, I've received 2 tools from Grizzly in the last 6 months (Lathe and Planer) with zero shipping problems. Both are working fine out of the box.

I would have loved a Robust or Oneway, but just can't justify the expense.

Best regards!