Lathes, New, used,

[William C Rogers]

I was fine until the possibility of a used 3520B came into my life. The guy is about 5 hours from me so I have only seen pictures. Thinks it is a 2009, he said it was used regulary the first two years, but then only occasionally after that. It looks in new like condition. He hasn't come up with a asking price yet.
What would you think a fair price be?

i can get a new Laguna for about $2400. I guessing the 3520B would be in that range. The Grizzly G0766 is less dollars, but I am concerned about the height from floor to center being almost 48". I think it is too tall for me and don't think I want a platform. Would you choose a new Laguna over a nice used 3520B?

What I have now is a PM 90. The good; I have raised it to 18" swing, I have 5 Robust tool rest, two banjos, also the offset banjo that allows me to take full advantage of the 18" swing, nice add on indexing. The bad; single phase 1 hp motor, minimum speed is 350rpm, maximum speed is 2100, 1 1/2" spindle thread, wrench needed to lock down tailstock, no reverse, headstock fixed, it's old. Not a bad lathe and for $400 I could upgrade to a 2hp VFD, but to me the hp is over rated as I believe you only need it for coring and heavy roughing. I'm thinking I could get $1400 for it. Just keep it and resist the urges above?

I know only myself can finally decide, but would appreciate your input on the possibilities.

[kevin nee]

Hello, I purchased a 3520B lathe in 2009 and it was $2400. I use it almost every day and it has been a great lathe.
On a used deal often there are accessories included as chucks tool rests,faceplates etc add up quickly. I think you will have to decide quickly for they go fast. New comes with a warranty. Good luck, Kevin

[John Keeton]

John C Campbell Folk School has PMs in the studio, so in my teaching there I am in constant contact with them. They are good machines, and I can afford a new one. However, for a variety of reasons, I chose the Laguna Revo 1836 and love it. I would not trade it even up for a new PM, much less a used one.

[Damon McLaughlin]

There is currently a used 3520B for sale in Eugene Oregon, the seller's asking price is $4000. Seems odd to sell a used lathe for exactly what it costs new however he does have a lot of accessories with it. I suppose one would have to weigh the value of the accessories that come with a used lathe against the value of the five year warranty that comes with a new lathe.

[John K Jordan]

About a year ago I paid $3000 for a used PM3520b but it came with the bed extension and a few extras, all in good shape. Drove about 10 hrs one way to pick it up. I'm very happy with it.

JKJ

[David Delo]

There is currently a used 3520B for sale in Eugene Oregon, the seller's asking price is $4000. Seems odd to sell a used lathe for exactly what it costs new however he does have a lot of accessories with it. I suppose one would have to weigh the value of the accessories that come with a used lathe against the value of the five year warranty that comes with a new lathe.

If it's the one listed on CL, it's a 3520A and I think it will be there for awhile at that price.

[Gary Baler]

I recently got a used 3520 b .... and it is the best money I ever spent. If it were me, I would go with the proven thing ... but I do this on very limited funds and can't afford a mistake.

[Marvin Hasenak]

Is there anything you really want to do that you cannot do on your current lathe? Tool purchases are driven by 2 words, "need" or "want". If you "need" it go for it, but if it is only a "want" without a "need", you are wasting money. We can easily rationalize the reason to buy something by convincing ourselves that we "need" it, when on reality a lot of times we "want" it.

I use a 1972 Rockwell Delta 46-111, more lathe than I need, I could easily do everything I need to on a mini lathe from Harbor Freight. But I got mine before Harbor Freight was started. Over the last 45 years it has paid for itself a few hundred times. But everytime I go to a place like Woodcraft I "want" a new lathe, even though I know I do not "need" it.

[John K Jordan]

...Tool purchases are driven by 2 words, "need" or "want". If you "need" it go for it, but if it is only a "want" without a "need", you are wasting money.

I think there is another aspect! If all our tool purchases were driven by "need" many of us wouldn't have a lathe at all. I think for most of us enrichment and quality of life can also drive "want" over "need". Once the more basic "needs" are met, of course.

JKJ

[William C Rogers]

Thanks for the responses. I've pretty much decided I will buy a new lathe. The want vs. need (to me) want always wins out. However you sometimes feel the need to have something better. My PM 90 is a great lathe and I've done a lot to make it better, but I've also had to make concessions because of the unique features of the lathe. It's just time for me. I don't think you can go wrong with either the Laguna or PM. However I must say John Keeton's endorsement of the Laguna is powerful and I must admit I like the Laguna features. The Laguna 10% off sale ends Monday, so I need to make a decision Monday to take advantage. I will need to decide where to buy as not all vendors list the extension or the 10% sale and I think I need the extension. Then I will need to order some more Robust tool rest. So I've got between now and Monday to make sure this is what I "need".

[Don Jarvie]

What was the price of the 3520?

[Marc Sitkin]

Just for a comparison, I recently purchased a lightly used Vicmarc VL 300 in response to an ad in my local woodturners club newsletter. It included the Lathe, 3hp 220v 2009 year, a Vicmarc chuck, the swing away tailstock, live centers, and the outboard turning attachment. $2500, had to pick it up and move it. Very happy with my purchase.

[William C Rogers]

What was the price of the 3520?


Never did get price. I got the feeling he didn't really want to sell. There is one on eBay at $1700 with 4 days left. The person said it was a 2008 and was used for instructions. Selling due to downsize. I also found one for $2600 that is "like new". I did not come across any used Laguna.

[David Delo]

Never did get price. I got the feeling he didn't really want to sell. There is one on eBay at $1700 with 4 days left. The person said it was a 2008 and was used for instructions. Selling due to downsize. I also found one for $2600 that is "like new". I did not come across any used Laguna.

2 things about the 3520B listed on bay. If you look at one of the pics, you can see another PM sitting off at the end of the one for sale, (I need that problem!) and I'd say you'll see a flurry of bidding at the end. I'll guess it will go for $2,850.00 We should start a contest to see who comes closest. I'll spring for the prize of an "Ovechkin" here in Pittsburgh. For those not familiar with what an "Ovechkin" is, it's a White Russian without a Cup!!! adult beverage. Ingredients are just poured out on the bar and you have to slurp it up from there. Real popular right now in the Burgh.

[William C Rogers]

2 things about the 3520B listed on bay. If you look at one of the pics, you can see another PM sitting off at the end of the one for sale, (I need that problem!) and I'd say you'll see a flurry of bidding at the end. I'll guess it will go for $2,850.00 We should start a contest to see who comes closest. I'll spring for the prize of an "Ovechkin" here in Pittsburgh. For those not familiar with what an "Ovechkin" is, it's a White Russian without a Cup!!! adult beverage. Ingredients are just poured out on the bar and you have to slurp it up from there. Real popular right now in the Burgh.

i noticed the second lathe also and asked. Said they were keeping that one. I was thinking more in the $2300 range.

[Barry McFadden]

2 things about the 3520B listed on bay. If you look at one of the pics, you can see another PM sitting off at the end of the one for sale, (I need that problem!) and I'd say you'll see a flurry of bidding at the end. I'll guess it will go for $2,850.00 We should start a contest to see who comes closest. I'll spring for the prize of an "Ovechkin" here in Pittsburgh. For those not familiar with what an "Ovechkin" is, it's a White Russian without a Cup!!! adult beverage. Ingredients are just poured out on the bar and you have to slurp it up from there. Real popular right now in the Burgh.

Anybody licking a drink off a filthy bar top must really be in sad shape!!

[William C Rogers]

2 things about the 3520B listed on bay. If you look at one of the pics, you can see another PM sitting off at the end of the one for sale, (I need that problem!) and I'd say you'll see a flurry of bidding at the end. I'll guess it will go for $2,850.00 We should start a contest to see who comes closest. I'll spring for the prize of an "Ovechkin" here in Pittsburgh. For those not familiar with what an "Ovechkin" is, it's a White Russian without a Cup!!! adult beverage. Ingredients are just poured out on the bar and you have to slurp it up from there. Real popular right now in the Burgh.
Well I guess I won, the eBay lathe sold for $2325 (my guess was $2300). However it is just too far to go for a drink that doesn't include a cup. Go have one tonight on me!

[ron david]

one just has to ask what the new lathe can do for you which the one you have now cannot do. a few more $ on the one you have may give you all that you need
I use a 260 general that I bought in 82 and it will give me pretty well anything those other lathes will. mind you I did have my frustrations with it years ago and made changes.
about 89 I went to a machine shop and had a new headstock made. 2 3/16" shaft, double row tapered brgs- fully adj. both ends and a 1 3/4" x 8tpi. f/plates, wrenches and adaptors down to 1 1/4 and 1". the swing was set at 20" and I can raise it to a 26 or 32" swing and I can go out to 17' with it. I have swung up to 52" outboard on it. that h/stock and stuff cost me $3,000.00 then. at that time I also put on a 2 hp shunt motor with a frequency dr. which I changed out to a 3hp and invertor 1o years later. I have also always had a delta around and have adaptors to use all my other f/plates and chucks on it. about 15 years ago one of my customers told me he had an old lathe sitting in storage and he phoned me up one day to come and have a look at it. it was a Delta/Milawaukee which was bought new in 47 in New York and I doubt it had 5 hours on it. got everything tools, chucks( 3 and 4 jaw), f/plates, steady rest, a good box of carving chisels, a brand new set of marples firmer chisels and a 1/2 dozen good sized walnut planks all for $200.00. put my 2hp shunt motor and controller on it and happy as a pig in p__p. I don't need any thing else. the locking handle on the general t/stock still bugs me and perhaps one day before I fade, I may fix it
ron

[William C Rogers]

one just has to ask what the new lathe can do for you which the one you have now cannot do. a few more $ on the one you have may give you all that you need
I use a 260 general that I bought in 82 and it will give me pretty well anything those other lathes will. mind you I did have my frustrations with it years ago and made changes.
about 89 I went to a machine shop and had a new headstock made. 2 3/16" shaft, double row tapered brgs- fully adj. both ends and a 1 3/4" x 8tpi. f/plates, wrenches and adaptors down to 1 1/4 and 1". the swing was set at 20" and I can raise it to a 26 or 32" swing and I can go out to 17' with it. I have swung up to 52" outboard on it. that h/stock and stuff cost me $3,000.00 then. at that time I also put on a 2 hp shunt motor with a frequency dr. which I changed out to a 3hp and invertor 1o years later. I have also always had a delta around and have adaptors to use all my other f/plates and chucks on it. about 15 years ago one of my customers told me he had an old lathe sitting in storage and he phoned me up one day to come and have a look at it. it was a Delta/Milawaukee which was bought new in 47 in New York and I doubt it had 5 hours on it. got everything tools, chucks( 3 and 4 jaw), f/plates, steady rest, a good box of carving chisels, a brand new set of marples firmer chisels and a 1/2 dozen good sized walnut planks all for $200.00. put my 2hp shunt motor and controller on it and happy as a pig in p__p. I don't need any thing else. the locking handle on the general t/stock still bugs me and perhaps one day before I fade, I may fix it
ron
Ron, everything you say is true. Yes I could get by with my current lathe. It is raised to a 18" swing, I have 5 Robust tool rest and it is definitely solid. It will still be around long after most of the new lathes today. The PM 90's are bullet proof. My initial purchase price was $180 at a school auction. I put a 1hp single phase motor on it as VFD weren't available at a reasonable cost and really didn't know anything about them. The lathe low speed is 350rpm, so out of balance and sanding are not ideal, but still doable. I could put a bigger motor and VFD for around $400. The top speed is 2100rpm. Great for bowls and larger stock, but not ideal for finials and small stuff. I can't change that. I go to my mini's for that work. Again doable. This is a reeve drive variable speed so there is a touch of vibration, however it will still balance a nickel on edge. Easily liveable. To lock down the tailstock it is a bolt to tighten. A pain, but liveable. I built a vacuum chuck system that is , well let's just say it works but not ideal. The spindle shaft has a keyway cut through and I need to use a rod inside. There is no index system, so I bought a index plate that works, but setup is necessary. Parts if needed can be pricy and scarce, but that can also occur with a new lathes after time. My interest are 16" diameter and less. Even minatures. Of course I want to turn the big one, but not a passion. I've worked hard all my life and saved. I easily spend the cost of a new lathe on a week's vacation. I still want to be frugal with my money, so I guess the bottom line is I gave up a week vacation fishing in Florida to buy the lathe. And I think I have made improvements over my current lathe to make my hobby more enjoyable.

[David Delo]

Good call ron. Even with paypal and fleebay fees, never thought under 2,500. Guess the new grizzly and laguna machines are having an effect on used PM prices. I did have "some" interest in the machine but didn't have a chance in the final bidding because i was having C6-7 surgery at the closing bell, so my neck isn't ready to move something like that right now. Either that or my neck hurting from watching Ottawa blitzkrieg my Pens last night. Had to take another pain pill over that fiasco.

[David C. Roseman]

[snip]

i can get a new Laguna for about $2400. I guessing the 3520B would be in that range. The Grizzly G0766 is less dollars, but I am concerned about the height from floor to center being almost 48". I think it is too tall for me and don't think I want a platform. Would you choose a new Laguna over a nice used 3520B?

[snip]


William, FWIW, Grizzly has lowered the floor-to-spindle height on all G0766 lathes manufactured since (I think) July 2015 by reducing the height of the legs. The spindle height now is 46-1/4".

The specification page in the online manual on Grizzly's website site shows this, but out of curiosity I just reconfirmed it a few minutes ago with a call to Grizzly Tech Support in Springfield.

David

[William C Rogers]

William, FWIW, Grizzly has lowered the floor-to-spindle height on all G0766 lathes manufactured since (I think) July 2015 by reducing the height of the legs. The spindle height now is 46-1/4".

The specification page in the online manual on Grizzly's website site shows this, but out of curiosity I just reconfirmed it a few minutes ago with a call to Grizzly Tech Support in Springfield.

David

David, I have ordered the Laguna 18-36. Even at 46-1/4 the G0766 would still be too high for me. My elbow to the floor is 42". The PM 3520B is 44". Still a bit high. The Laguna is just about right on at 41-1/2. But the bottom line is I really didn't want a lathe that big. I don't turn anything over 16", but with the bed extension I will have that capability if needed. The Grizzly or PM just didn't fit my needs.

[Geoff Crimmins]

If we're going to talk endorsements, Rude Osolnik had some input on the design of the Powermatic 3520. Hard to beat that. :)

--Geoff

[Eric Gourieux]

David, I have ordered the Laguna 18-36. Even at 46-1/4 the G0766 would still be too high for me. My elbow to the floor is 42". The PM 3520B is 44". Still a bit high. The Laguna is just about right on at 41-1/2. But the bottom line is I really didn't want a lathe that big. I don't turn anything over 16", but with the bed extension I will have that capability if needed. The Grizzly or PM just didn't fit my needs.

Congratulations, Bill.

[John Keeton]

If we're going to talk endorsements, Rude Osolnik had some input on the design of the Powermatic 3520. Hard to beat that. :)

--GeoffVery true, and it certainly is a nice lathe. But......that was 20 years or so ago and design considerations have evolved. The Laguna Revo 1836 has many features that are an improvement on the PM 3520b IMO. Not saying the PM is still not an excellent lathe, but the Laguna is stiff competition given the price difference.

[Brice Rogers]

William, you had commented: "The Grizzly G0766 is less dollars, but I am concerned about the height from floor to center being almost 48". I think it is too tall for me and don't think I want a platform. "

When the Griz G0766 first came out in the summer of 2015, I believe that it used the legs from the G0733 and was almost 48" from floor to center. Then around Dec 2015 they changed the legs - - dropping almost 2". The spec sheet on the Griz page is incorrect and reflects the original height.

But if you go to the on-line Manual, you'll see the revised height (floor to center): 46-1/4"

Operation Information
Swing Over Bed............................................... .................................................. ........................................ 22 in.
Distance Between Centers........................................... .................................................. ........................... 42 in.
Swing Over Tool Rest.............................................. .................................................. ................................ 16 in.
Swing Over Tool Rest Base.............................................. .................................................. ....................... 18 in.
No of Spindle Speeds............................................ .................................................. .............................. Variable
Spindle Speed Range............................................. .................................................. ............... 100 – 3200 RPM
Floor to Center Height............................................ .................................................. ........................... 46-1/4 in.