Hey guys,
I've narrowed my next lathe purchase down to either the PM3520B or the Jet 1642-2.
Both machines are 2hp, 220v.
Both have rpm readout.
Both have SMOOTH variable speed from a 220v, 3phase motor with inverter.
As I see it, the significant differences are that the PM weighs 300lbs more than the Jet (sandbags can remedy this), and the PM has 4" more swing than the Jet. I've read the PM has (1) more set of bearings in the headstock as well, I don't see this as deal breaking. I'll be using whichever machine I buy for bowls, platters, and hollows...maybe getting into coring in the future. Not a lot of [long] spindle work here.
SO...
To all you Mustard Machine owners...are there any features that I'm not seeing other than those above? Is the extra weight and swing worth an extra $1,000? Do you frequently turn pieces larger than 16" D.?
To any JET 1642 owners, how do you like the machine? What don't you like about it? Did you consider the 3520 before making your decision to buy?
I'd really appreciate your input!
Cheers!!!
I've narrowed my next lathe purchase down to either the PM3520B or the Jet 1642-2.
Both machines are 2hp, 220v.
Both have rpm readout.
Both have SMOOTH variable speed from a 220v, 3phase motor with inverter.
As I see it, the significant differences are that the PM weighs 300lbs more than the Jet (sandbags can remedy this), and the PM has 4" more swing than the Jet. I've read the PM has (1) more set of bearings in the headstock as well, I don't see this as deal breaking. I'll be using whichever machine I buy for bowls, platters, and hollows...maybe getting into coring in the future. Not a lot of [long] spindle work here.
SO...
To all you Mustard Machine owners...are there any features that I'm not seeing other than those above? Is the extra weight and swing worth an extra $1,000? Do you frequently turn pieces larger than 16" D.?
To any JET 1642 owners, how do you like the machine? What don't you like about it? Did you consider the 3520 before making your decision to buy?
I'd really appreciate your input!
Cheers!!!