Best Full-Sized Lathe / Upgrade Help

[Allen Mattsen]

I'd like to ask the forum for help researching and deciding on a full-sized lathe.

The best unit for me within my budget of $4500. I'm a fairly new turner, retired at 50yrs old, and have decided to invest in woodturning as my primary hobby moving forward. I love it! The reason I say "best unit for me" is I also have a significant back issue which is a factor in deciding on some of the features I think I'll need. A swing-away tail stock or similar feature is one I feel strongly about. While in 5 yrs I may have the funds to move to the top of the class (Robust), I don't think I can make that happen within the next couple of years and am already bogging down and outgrowing my Laguna 1216, which I really do like. So, please help give me some experience and perspective on what might be the best choice and why.

I was very tempted by the new Rikon at it's price point and capacity, but think being able to work off the end of the lathe (sliding or pivoting headstock) could make things more physically enjoyable for me. Outboard turning similarly could accomplish the same task. How much are folks using outboard turning or working off the end of the lathe regularly? I enjoy bowls and platters and have access to any size lumber (capacity?) in my area and like to turn green wood (steel beds?). I don't plan a need to do long spindle work.

The Powermatic 3520c seems like a reliable, hard to find fault with machine in this price range, and, a somewhat easy choice based on my reading/research, but I want to explore all the options and learn from you folks. I really like the look of the Laguna machines but are they really only a 1yr warranty? Is that a deal-breaker? Seems everything else it has going for it. The Harvey has a strange servo motor I know nothing about. If doing coring or hollowing is a 3HP choice leg up over the Powermatic? I haven't turned on any of these other machines and am sure there are some alternative I haven't yet considered. I hear Powermatic resale value is good. The used market is dry as a bone in my area (Portland/Vancouver, WA). Thanks in advance.

Laguna 2436 $3900
3HP, sliding headstock, steel beds, outboard turning, 1yr warranty, swing away tailstock


Rikon 70-3040 $3400 (on sale now)
3HP, 5yr warranty
No sliding headstock, no outboard turning, unproven, no swing away tailstock.


Powermatic 3520c $4000~$4500
2hp, sliding headstock, 5yr warranty, proven workhorse/reliable, swing-away tailstock


Harvey T60 $3800
Sliding headstock, relative unknown to me, swing away tailstock


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Grizzly G0800 - not making anymore, recent reports of poor shipping/damaged machine(s)
Jet 1840 $2700, few features, am I missing something?
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Out of price range:
Robust American Beauty, etc ($6800+), Oneway, Vicmarc.

[tom lucas]

The safe bet is the Powermatic.

But that Harvey sure is a beauty. A lot of features for the money. I wish several would buy it and report back on the performance of that servo motor. As far as I know Harvey is the only one using a Servo. BTW, the G0800 is basically the same lathe as the Harvey except with it had a 3HP induction motor rather than a servo motor. And as I understand it, Harvey makes the Powermatic lathes.

The Rikon is an interesting space saver, but I think the lack of a sliding headstock would keep me from buying it. Still a pretty nice lathe.

The Lagunas are kind of hit or miss on quality control and customer support. A nice lathe if you get one of the good ones. I've recently read there is a long backlog to get one too. Not sure if that's all models or not.

I thought there was a Vicmarc in the $4k range. No?

Have you looked at Record?

[Rush Paul]

We just went through this thought process regarding a lathe for our retirement community's woodworking shop. We'd settled on a Powermatic 3520C after considering Robust (out of our budget), Laguna and Grizzly. But, we then started thinking about whether we really needed that full 35" spindle to spindle turning distance. After consideration, we've ordered a Powermatic 2020B. It has the same swing as the 3520C at 20", the same massive cast iron bed, the same cast iron legs, and nearly the same weight at 559lbs. Overall, its the same lathe as the 3520, just shorter from spindle to spindle. We took the $800 savings and invested in some good quality chucks and turning tools.

Good luck in your search.

[tom lucas]

Oh, and Oliver has a new lathe in this price range.

[mike ash]

I’m thinking powermatic. I have been extremely happy with the 3520B that I’ve put to the test for the past 15 years with only 1-$15 switch fix. The 3520C is a nice looking machine that I would jump at purchasing. The full length bed comes in handy when you need it and if your shop space isn’t limited. Powermatic has a 10% off sale a couple times each year so watch for that.

[Allen Mattsen]

Oh, and Oliver has a new lathe in this price range.

Interesting... This one? https://olivermachinery.net/18-classic-lathe

[Richard Casey]

Allen, I can't help you with your choice of lathes as we get other different ones downunder, but if you are concerned about the bedway rusting, I use a product called Corrosion X. I think it is made in the US and I use the Aircraft grade spray, smells horrible, but it is the best protection I have ever used. Do a google search as I can only access Aussie sites.
Hope this helps,
Rgds,
Richard.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

I'd be careful about buying too big, since you have a significant back issue, the weight of the blank will be a problem. I have a 16" lathe and trying to get a 14" log, 30" long on that was extremely challenging. I am older than you. Even a hardwood blank 16 x 6 inches is pretty heavy.
Be careful live long.

[Randy Heinemann]

I really liked the 2020B also until I found out that the minimum height from spindle to floor is 44", okay for someone who is in the 5'9" - 6' range but I'm not that height and my current lathe is set at 42" (could possibly 1" more at 43"). Otherwise that is a great lathe. Seems like the 3520C is a great choice and not that much more.

[Allen Mattsen]

I really liked the 2020B also until I found out that the minimum height from spindle to floor is 44", okay for someone who is in the 5'9" - 6' range but I'm not that height and my current lathe is set at 42" (could possibly 1" more at 43"). Otherwise that is a great lathe. Seems like the 3520C is a great choice and not that much more.

I need 45"+ floor to spindle height. Ideally the riser blocks and feet would extend the 3520C up toward 46 or more. I'm nearly 6'3. My Laguna 1216, sitting on a desk is at about 44.5 and it's spindle is close to elbow height, as suggested, but I think comfortable for me would be higher by a significant margin. Alternatively, a lathe that has a wheel kit that provides mobility and added height such a as the Laguna could get me there *and* be mobile, too. So many details to consider.

[Randy Heinemann]

That is true, but the 2020B doesn't have the same legs as the 3520C; no risers, only adjustable feet to add height to the starting point of 44". It shouldn't be a problem for you since I believe it is adjustable up to at least 46" with the feet. It just doesn't work for me.

[Allen Mattsen]

Question: how important is weight in a full-sized lathe? I'm having trouble navigating the differences in weights as some are 300-ish lbs and some are closer to 700 lbs. Feedback needed on this please.

I understand stability and vibration to some extent and I won't be doing gigantic logs necessarily, but I will be hollowing, probably coring, and mounting some logs and larger pieces as well a doing resin work. Can I get away with a lathe on the lower end of weight or is it simply: the heavier the better?

[John K Jordan]

Question: how important is weight in a full-sized lathe? I'm having trouble navigating the differences in weights as some are 300-ish lbs and some are closer to 700 lbs. Feedback needed on this please.

I understand stability and vibration to some extent and I won't be doing gigantic logs necessarily, but I will be hollowing, probably coring, and mounting some logs and larger pieces as well a doing resin work. Can I get away with a lathe on the lower end of weight or is it simply: the heavier the better?

As with most things related to woodturning, what is best depends on what you turn. Any out-of-balance condition such as when roughing a blank or when turning something with non-homogeneous density (more dense on one side) can cause vibration which a heavier lathe will better absorb. Some people who like to turn larger and/or unbalanced things often add weight to the lathe. A guy I know would use long pipe clamps to fasten his lathe to the garage wall. Some people have fastened the lathes to the floor. Adding weight can let you "get away" with turning unbalanced things on a smaller lathe but keep in mind that a smaller lathe likely has less sturdy components (spindle, bearings, etc) which can be affected by wear or even break from the increased stress. For the uses you mention I think you would be far happier with a heavier lathe.

BTW, the two lathes I keep in the shop are the PM3520b and Jet1642. One is just over 400 lbs and the other is over 700 lbs with the bed extension. Both are capable but there's a big difference between the two when turning something unbalanced, even off-axis pieces.

[John K Jordan]

I'd like to ask the forum for help researching and deciding on a full-sized lathe.
...within my budget of $4500. ...

A new lathe would be exciting! But have you considered a good used lathe? For example, the Powermatic 3520b is a reliable workhorse widely used in shops, clubs, and schools. For your budget you could get the lathe and a lot of extras.

JKJ

[Reed Gray]

I would opt for the 3520C. I turned on an A for about 10 years before getting a Robust. I do have a Vicmark 240 which has a pivoting headstock. I just don't like turning bowls on long bed lathes.

Rush, I would have opted for the longer bed lathe. Main reason is to turn table legs. It was a bit of a squeeze to fit a 30 inch leg onto my 3520A, but since I am a furniture maker as well. that is essential.

robo hippy