Folks, I have sold my Powermatic Mod 90, and I am ready to purchase a new lathe. My criteria has expanded to a longer bed lathe.
The purpose for a new lathe is to be able to make longer turnings that will be used for Bed spindles and colums for tables etc. I also want to turn bowls that would be about 16-18" max diameter. The new ones have extensions that you need to purchase. I want at least 48" Plus between centers. I have a liking for the older lathes that have made some of the finest turnings ever. A couple of lathes I was considering are as follows:
NEW PM 3520 with an 18" extension. Everyone seems to be high on this lathe and a no brainer.
Oliver 2159 with 72" between centers. This lathe was made in the 80's and has 16" swing and is also a pattern makers lathe, and weights in at about 900 lbs. This lathe came from a high school so it was not used much and is in excellent condition.
Oliver 25B with 72" between centers, This lathe is a pattern makers lathe and a monster, at 2500 pounds. This has a direct drive motor and was built during the 70's and has not been used very much. Other than the paint it is virtually new.
So should I be a consumer or give new life to an old machine. Does anyone have any knowledge on the two Olivers listed above?
The purpose for a new lathe is to be able to make longer turnings that will be used for Bed spindles and colums for tables etc. I also want to turn bowls that would be about 16-18" max diameter. The new ones have extensions that you need to purchase. I want at least 48" Plus between centers. I have a liking for the older lathes that have made some of the finest turnings ever. A couple of lathes I was considering are as follows:
NEW PM 3520 with an 18" extension. Everyone seems to be high on this lathe and a no brainer.
Oliver 2159 with 72" between centers. This lathe was made in the 80's and has 16" swing and is also a pattern makers lathe, and weights in at about 900 lbs. This lathe came from a high school so it was not used much and is in excellent condition.
Oliver 25B with 72" between centers, This lathe is a pattern makers lathe and a monster, at 2500 pounds. This has a direct drive motor and was built during the 70's and has not been used very much. Other than the paint it is virtually new.
So should I be a consumer or give new life to an old machine. Does anyone have any knowledge on the two Olivers listed above?