Powermatic 3520B lathe

[Steve in VA]

Next update…..

Last night I went to turn another piece and needed the tailstock extended a bit further than I had previously had it. About another inch or so out and it became incredibly difficult to turn. I pressed the pause button on the project and after work today I disassembled the tailstock. Two seconds with a fine file along an obvious ding in the key way, a quick cleaning and lube of all the parts, and it’s as smooth as can be.

I have to say having a large hand wheel and the long tail stock extension, coupled with it being extremely smooth now, is a huge plus!

 

[Steve in VA]

@Jonkou @Tom Smart

Tom and John, and any other Powermatic owners, do you unplug your lathe every day? Or unplug it during storms? Or leave it on all the time?

I’ve done a fair amount of research online and, like with many things in life, opinions are all over the place. There does not appear to be a general consensus on this one so I thought I’d check with those whose opinions I value. Thanks!

 

[Greenacres2]

Congrats on the lathe!! Mine's not a PM (Robust Sweet 16), but at the end of the day i hit the e-stop and pull the plug. At first i didn't hit the e-stop, but noticed that when i plugged back in i'd get a little arc at the outlet and the e-stop cuts the VFD out of the loop.

No electrical expertise on my part, but i figure a new VFD is more expensive than unplugging the lathe. (using that logic, i should disconnect my house from the grid and the end of the day--so it may be insanity that i only unplug my power tools and not stuff like the well pump, refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, computers, TV's, etc.!!!!)

 

[Nature Man]

I've made it a practice to unplug all equipment at the end of the day, as part of the tidying up process. Chuck

 

[2feathers Creative Making]

Unplugging with children or elderly with dementia is a good plan. Over all, a whole house surge protector in the breaker box should be on everyone's list with the digital appliances in most homes now.

 

[Tom Smart]

@Jonkou @Tom Smart

Tom and John, and any other Powermatic owners, do you unplug your lathe every day? Or unplug it during storms? Or leave it on all the time?

I’ve done a fair amount of research online and, like with many things in life, opinions are all over the place. There does not appear to be a general consensus on this one so I thought I’d check with those whose opinions I value. Thanks!

I unplug after use, Steve. In fact, I unplug everything, bandsaw, table saw, all the tools I roll away from the wall for use.

 

[Jonkou]

Old habit, unplug everything in the shop when done for the day.

 

[Steve in VA]

Thanks all.

The reason I was asking is the Powermatic doesn’t appear (in manual or from what I can find) to shut the power off completely. Said differently, the digital readout for RPM’s is always on - just reads zero - so I’m assuming the power into the inverter is always on. That’s my primary concern.

I may end up wiring a switch to the outlet, but for the time being I will continue to just unplug it.

Much appreciated!

 

[Lou Currier]

I unplug to protect the DVR unit. Expensive to replace. Also, this time of year storms are almost every day and can pop up at any time.

I was also told that you should use the variable speed knob to turn it on instead of constantly using the emergency stop button as it will wear out and cause issues,

 

[2feathers Creative Making]

If you plan to switch the outlet, you can get a double size box that has mounting screws inside the box at Lowe's and several other places. You simply break out the old box , cut the hole a little wider , slide the wire back in, run the two screws into your stud and you are back in business. Just put the switch right beside the plug, it will use approximately 12 inches of wire, a switch, and a double gang box.

 

[Lou Currier]

If you plan to switch the outlet, you can get a double size box that has mounting screws inside the box at Lowe's and several other places. You simply break out the old box , cut the hole a little wider , slide the wire back in, run the two screws into your stud and you are back in business. Just put the switch right beside the plug, it will use approximately 12 inches of wire, a switch, and a double gang box.

We use a wall switch for our club PM.

 

[Steve in VA]

Thanks again Team WB; all good perspectives and advice, as always.

 

[woodtickgreg]

I just found this thread today. What a great read and follow along. I totally understand working alone and getting creative with how you do things alone, I do it all the time. Congrats on the new lathe and the deal, it's a beauty! Very happy for you.

 

[Steve in VA]

I added a safety feature that cost $6 and some spare extension cord. The wiring took less than 15 minutes. A big magnet on the back and I’ve now got a remote on / off switch that I can mount anywhere.

 

[Lou Currier]

I added a safety feature that cost $6 and some spare extension cord. The wiring took less than 15 minutes. A big magnet on the back and I’ve now got a remote on / off switch that I can mount anywhere.

View attachment 261257

Was there instructions on how to set it up

 

[Steve in VA]

Was there instructions on how to set it up

The wiring diagram is in the Powermatic manual, but very straightforward without it. Two wires and a simple push button switch.