Gary Herrmann
06-15-2008, 4:01 PM
About a month ago I took delivery of my 3520b that I ordered from Sean at Toolnut. It wasn't the smoothest transaction - not Sean's fault, but his follow up with Powermatic was great. His price for the lathe and accessories was great too - not counting the rebate.
First WMH shipped me a Jet 1642, then when the 3520b finally got shipped, the freight company and WMH thrashed around till the lathe finally got delivered to me. Again, Sean was very helpful.
I haven't finished the base yet. I intend to add some storage on top of the ballast box, but haven't nailed down my design yet.
Being 6'7", a 44" spindle height wasn't going to work for me. I glued and screwed 2x6 stock to make a (kinda) mortise and tenon base frame. Spindle height is now 53"; the mat makes it about 52.25". The box has 200lbs of sand in it.
I can start, stop and restart the lathe with a 40lb off-balance chunk of wood on a face plate with a nickel standing on edge on the ways. Not too shabby.
I don't get much shop time in during the Spring and Summer, but today is Father's Day, so I got a present. I got to finish roughing out this pear blank. It's about 11" in diam, and 4.5" deep right now.
If you haven't made your mind up about a lathe yet, consider the 3520b. Fantastic lathe for the price. Turning off the end is so much easier on my back than twisting over the ways. Proof pics are below...
First WMH shipped me a Jet 1642, then when the 3520b finally got shipped, the freight company and WMH thrashed around till the lathe finally got delivered to me. Again, Sean was very helpful.
I haven't finished the base yet. I intend to add some storage on top of the ballast box, but haven't nailed down my design yet.
Being 6'7", a 44" spindle height wasn't going to work for me. I glued and screwed 2x6 stock to make a (kinda) mortise and tenon base frame. Spindle height is now 53"; the mat makes it about 52.25". The box has 200lbs of sand in it.
I can start, stop and restart the lathe with a 40lb off-balance chunk of wood on a face plate with a nickel standing on edge on the ways. Not too shabby.
I don't get much shop time in during the Spring and Summer, but today is Father's Day, so I got a present. I got to finish roughing out this pear blank. It's about 11" in diam, and 4.5" deep right now.
If you haven't made your mind up about a lathe yet, consider the 3520b. Fantastic lathe for the price. Turning off the end is so much easier on my back than twisting over the ways. Proof pics are below...