Which one ?? - jet 3520 B or Powermatic lathe 3520 C ??

[froggyie]

Hi All,

Looking for advice on which to go for as there is no much difference except the weight and the colour.....

Thanks

[seventhdevil]

it appears to weight 3kg more and that is about it.

am i right?

i have the jet 3520B with the 460mm bed extension and think it is a wonderful machine and was curious to see what upgrades they had made to warrant a C model. i was fairly disappointed to see that there was very little difference between the two machines as you have noticed.

i believe there are a few features that the B model does not have like indexing and the spindle lock. i expect the price is a huge difference between the two and i understand the build quality of machines like this has dropped...

if you can get the jet 3520B then go for it...

[froggyie]

the powermatic 3520C is 30kg more and the price difference is only a few hundred quid

In the NEW catalogue 2020, the JET (3520) 2035-M is being replaced by the 2442 who look exactly like the powermatic 4224

very confusing all these models ref changes......

[kerrytruman]

I have access to the 3520b alongside a Stratos XL at work, and the Jet is my preferred go to machine over the two.. it’s a great machine and is very useable in both small and large job moments..

Working in a University with students who push material choices in their projects it has coped adequately with everything from green timber, plywood laminate blanks up to corian blanks and even Mycelium lighting forms.. haha.. and the occasional pen or hybrid resin sphere for personal fun..!? 

Happy to share any photos of it in action if any use..?

And in the other hand, there is something strangely compelling about the Powermatic paint job

K

[froggyie]

From reviews and videos on the Internet There seems to be a big following for the Powermatic 3520 but very little about the large jet model.

I took a course and I did like working on the jet model, powermatic seems to offer a bit more but I am not an expert...

Being my first purchase, I want to get it right first time without to have to upgrade later....

[kerrytruman]

Can you get a trip over to Axminster for a hands-on look at the Powermatic machine...?

[Bill21]

Just out of interest but I think most Jet branded equipment is Chinese made? Anyone know where the Powermatic is made? Also do they both have the same warranty period and what about spares.

Colour wise the Jet Is nicer  but the last time I ran my hands over a Powermatic at Axminster tools I must admit I was impressed.

[Duncan A]

The Powermatic and Jet were the same machine, but the release of the "C" model under the Powermatic brand has changed things a little.
The 3520C has some improvements over the B:
Proper indexing
Magnetic, moveable remote controls. Relatively easy to retrofit these on the 3520B, see the Mustard Monster weebly
Closed legs
Tailstock quill with Acme thread (3520B is a "normal" thread - adequate, but not so strong)
Extended spindle nose for better access to the workpiece - the headstock block on the B sometimes gets in the way a bit (very minor issue)
Massively increased price!
Horrible mustard colour!

Duncan

[Duncan A]

I have access to the 3520b alongside a Stratos XL at work, and the Jet is my preferred go to machine over the two.. it’s a great machine and is very useable in both small and large job moments..
K

Not wishing to hijack the thread, Kerry, but intrigued as to why you prefer the Jet over the Stratos.

Duncan

[seventhdevil]

the powermatic 3520C is 30kg more and the price difference is only a few hundred quid

In the NEW catalogue 2020, the JET (3520) 2035-M is being replaced by the 2442 who look exactly like the powermatic 4224

very confusing all these models ref changes......

i missed the zero on that bit.

it's meant to say 30kg not 3kg...

i looked at the C model and could see exactly what they are doing. trying to get more dosh out of ones pocket for a not really any better machine...

unless you want to go for the upgrades on the new powermatic and know that they would suit your turnings then i would just go for the 3520B.

the odd one pops up second hand so why not keep an eye out for one.

[seventhdevil]

Hi All,

Looking for advice on which to go for as there is no much difference except the weight and the colour.....

Thanks

this one may still be for sale?

https://www.awgb.co.uk/awgbforum/index.php/topic,6385.0.html

or this one.  neither have been said that they are sold...

https://www.awgb.co.uk/awgbforum/index.php/topic,6528.0.html

[GBrooks]

The 3520b I posted for sale in August is still available- see for sale section