Frank Fusco
Member
- Messages
- 12,782
- Location
- Mountain Home, Arkansas
Saw my first PowerMatic lathe in the flesh (well...in the mustard) yesterday. My woodturning club had it's meeting at our president's shop and he used his new PM for the demo. First impression: massive and real solid. When running it seemed strange how the speed built up, like a jet engine revving. Weird. Ran very smoothly. I was turned off by the short rails. I know extensions can be purchased. But this seemed restrictive. The live center was about 6" long, effectively making working length shorter and with a chuck, there wasn't much left with a larger piece. The headstock doesn't swivel for outboard turning. (my Grizzly does ) This means the tail stock must be removed, headstock slid down to work from end. That restricts placement in a shop which might not be feasible for everyone. I would have to rearrange my entire shop. Then to reset a piece, headstock must be slid back, tail stock replaced. Seems limiting. The headstock morse taper wouldn't stay in place, hammering required frequently. Seems chintzy for a, supposedly, high grade machine. But, when/if time comes for me to upgrade the PM will still be on list of those to consider. Although, the company should be prepared to hear me wail mightily if my MT keeps flying out of the running headstock.