Speed issue on Powermatic 3520 lathe

[Frank Drew]

Most of the complaint people post about this machine involve the electronics, and it's often on new-ish machines. Did Powermatic make them too complex, meaning too fussy, for long-term reliability?

[Bill Boehme]

Bill, does the Powermatic 3520 lathe use a conductive polymer? My G0766 uses a wirewound and when I replace the pot, I would like to upgrade to a better type of pot.

I would certainly recommend using a conductive plastic pot over getting another wirewound pot. As far as I know the Powermatic electronics are very reliable. I have read in the past some complaining about pots on Grizzly lathes on this forum.