Looking to Upgrade to a PowerMatic 3520C: I Have a Few Questions

[Aaron Harris]

Though I have turned a lot of stuff on it in the 2.5 years I’ve had it, I have seriously outgrown my Laguna 12/16.

So after looking at every “big-boy” lathe out there, I am pretty sure I will be getting the PM 3520 sometime in December. I have the funds already set aside to get that and hopefully some compatible accessories (see below). A few questions arise that I hope y'all Mustard Monster users can help me with:

1. Best Vendor/Shipping Option? Amazon? Looks like it ships pretty quickly. Woodcraft? (possible shipping delays from Woodcraft, though they take your money up front, and in my experience are lousy at communicating regarding the delays). Just shop for a sale?
2. Moving and Setup: I plan to hire my next-door neighbor the massive powerlifter to help me move it all and set it up on the day I receive it. I have watched every video I can find on unboxing and setup, so I think I have that covered. (Pro-tip: Live next door to or make friends with a power-lifter!).
3. Shop: My shop is a wooden small-barn type building I had built on site. We also spent extra for heavy-duty flooring. That said, we shopped around a lot and found the best-built option in the area. At 12”x20,” it’s pretty tight, but I think I’ve got a good spot picked out for the lathe that puts at least some of its weight in the center of the building (and where I can slide the motor/head-stock down the bed when not in use for more room).
4. Power: I have an electrician coming to install a 220v/20amp outlet for me here soon.
5. Support and Stability: With a wooden sub-floor, should I put it on a plywood base? Or other material? If so, what are the dimensions of the legs installed so that I can cut out a base? Online specs say: 55.25" L x 27.25" W. Would 59” or 60” long x 29” wide safely cover for the leveling feet installed?
6. Chuck: Keep my Nova G3 from the Laguna and get a suitable insert? Or get a new chuck set up to the new spindle size of 1.25”x8TPI and some bigger/heavier pieces? If so, which one? (I don’t mind spending a little more for this super-important tool. Precise and strong chucking is everything, I have learned!). I will certainly upgrade my current Ron Brown’s Best 12” Longworth Chuck to one of his bigger models, as I have had great results reverse-chucking with his system, and his personal customer service is second to none.

In the meanwhile, I am turning like a man possessed in my infrequent downtime on the Laguna for my first upcoming craft show. The German Club at our high school is putting on a German Christmas Market on December 1st, for which I have already reserved a vendor table-wish me luck! Immediately after that, my other neighbor the arborist (and my wood supplier!) is supposed to take the Laguna off my hands so that I can start getting the shop ready for Santa! Lots of details; hopefully everything works out. Thanks in advance for any help with these questions-I learn a LOT on this forum! Aaron

 

[R Henrickson]

1. Chuck: Keep my Nova G3 from the Laguna and get a suitable insert? Or get a new chuck set up to the new spindle size of 1.25”x8TPI and some bigger/heavier pieces? If so, which one? (I don’t mind spending a little more for this super-important tool. Precise and strong chucking is everything, I have learned!). I will certainly upgrade my current Ron Brown’s Best 12” Longworth Chuck to one of his bigger models, as I have had great results reverse-chucking with his system, and his personal customer service is second to none.

Definitely keep the G3 and replace the insert. A relatively small chuck is often handy, and having multiple chucks is convenient. I would suggest Oneway (Stronghold) or Axminster for a new larger chuck.

 

[Dave Landers]

Moving and Setup:

FWIW - I unloaded my 3520C by myself. Bought it used, so I got no experience with the box. But I had the bed, legs, headstock, and tailstock in the pickup. Backed it up to the shop door and slid the bed out of the truck enough to attach one set of legs. I had something with wheels under the legs (don't know what it was, but a dolly or something would work). Then I slid the bed off the rest of the way onto a sawhorse and attached the other legs. Then I could wheel it into position and man-handle that headstock and tailstock into place.

Power: I have an electrician coming to install a 220v/20amp outlet for me here soon.

I ran 220v 20A two-phase (aka split-phase) to the lathe. The lathe only needs single phase, but adding the common didn't take much more and I have some 110v 20A outlets on the back of the lathe.

Chuck: Keep my Nova G3 from the Laguna and get a suitable insert? Or get a new chuck set up to the new spindle size of 1.25”x8TPI and some bigger/heavier pieces? If so, which one? (I don’t mind spending a little more for this super-important tool. Precise and strong chucking is everything, I have learned!).

Why not both I still have every chuck I've ever bought, and still have the 1"-8 inserts for my novas (even though I don't have a lathe with a 1" spindle any more). I personally prefer Vicmarc chucks now, but the novas come in handy for some projects.

 

[Monty Ivy]

Not sure if you have Home Depot in your area but they offer free ship to home service. Here is the link to their page for the 3520c. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Powermatic-220-Volt-2HP-1PH-Lathe-with-Risers-1353001/308561084

I'm running an Easy Wood Tools Zoom chuck and I'm happy to recommend it to others. Zoom feature allows the chuck to scroll easily by hand from the ring on the back. It has quick change dovetail style jaws. Pricing is $500 and about $100 per set of jaws. It would be cheaper and easier to just change the insert on your Nova if you're happy with it.

I'm not sure about 769 pounds on a wood pier and beam floor. Hopefully others with more of an engineering background can provide more insight about this.

 

[Aaron Harris]

Thanks, guys!-I actually have two Nova G3's, because you guys are right of course. You need multiple chucks for multiple turns in progress. I'll let one go with the Laguna and keep the other one with the different jaw sizes, but I do feel I need a bigger, stronger one for larger, heavier work.

Monty-I have a Home Depot just up the road from me that I have already spent many thousands in, and have seen them pop up as a vendor on my Google searches. I just couldn't wrap my head around them as a lathe vendor, but I guess they're just the middleman? As to the floor, I'm hoping that if I spread the weight over the plywood or other support base with the 150# headstock sitting near the center, it will be fine. Thanks again!

 

[Lou Jacobs]

I bought my 3520C two+ years ago, and haven’t regretted it for a moment. You’ll be thrilled, I’m sure. I bought mine through Craft Supplies USA. The advantage (then, I assume it still holds) is the credit they give you (don’t remember what it’s called - bonus points or something like that) for future purchases. For the amount you’re spending, not insignificant. Of course you’ve got to check if the price with shipping doesn’t erase that advantage.
I assembled the machine myself (I was 66 at the time), using cribbing and leverage to slowly lift parts into place. As I recall, the most challenging for me was the headstock - a matter of weight and awkward handling. Your power lifter friend will make easy work of it. It arrived not fully boxed, but paletted with stretch wrap around it. There were a couple of minor broken parts (stop button, surround of the spindle lock) and scratches from apparently sliding around the truck. Powermatic was very good about quickly sending new parts and a can of touch up paint. It looked to me that while it was new, perhaps it was a returned item, or had been set up as a demo. I couldn’t figure why else it was not fully boxed. In any case, it has worked flawlessly for me.
I’ve only used Nova chucks, so I can’t comment on what to do with yours. They’ve worked fine for me, but I understand that many folks swear by higher end brands. One of these days I’ll try one and see what I’ve been missing.
Enjoy your imminent new lathe!

 

[Lou Jacobs]

but I guess they're just the middleman?

Yes, I think almost whoever you buy from, it ships directly from Powermatic. When I put a mini split system in my shop, also about two years ago, I bought from Home Depot, but it shipped directly from the manufacturer.

 

[Don Wattenhofer]

I ran 220v 20A two-phase (aka split-phase) to the lathe. The lathe only needs single phase, but adding the common didn't take much more and I have some 110v 20A outlets on the back of the lathe.

There is no such thing as two phase or split phase it is all single phase unless it is a 3 phase line coming in. The standard residential single phase power connection is about 240 volt coming in on 3 wires (red - black - white) the white wire is the neutral and is a center tap on the secondary of the transformer out on the power pole and all 120 volt circuits are connected to the neutral and either the black or red wire. The most common 240 volt 1 ph circuit is connected to the red and black wires and the third wire is a ground only that only has current flow during a fault situation.
You should not mix 120 volt and 240 volt circuits on one 240 volt circuit, use a separate 1 pole circuit breaker for your 120 volt circuits.

 

[RichColvin]

Check at Woodcraft. They oftentimes have PowerMatic sales around this time of year.

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

I also have a wood floor. My lathe only weighs a little over 300 pounds. I added a piece of plywood under it and screwed it to the floor under it. If I was you I would add a piece of 1” plywood under it. I have turned some good size unbalanced logs and it has been very solid.

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

I also kept my G3 when I upgraded and bought an adapter. Works great, I use it a lot.

 

[Daniel Henry]

Though I have turned a lot of stuff on it in the 2.5 years I’ve had it, I have seriously outgrown my Laguna 12/16.

So after looking at every “big-boy” lathe out there, I am pretty sure I will be getting the PM 3520 sometime in December. I have the funds already set aside to get that and hopefully some compatible accessories (see below). A few questions arise that I hope y'all Mustard Monster users can help me with:

1. Best Vendor/Shipping Option? Amazon? Looks like it ships pretty quickly. Woodcraft? (possible shipping delays from Woodcraft, though they take your money up front, and in my experience are lousy at communicating regarding the delays). Just shop for a sale?
2. Moving and Setup: I plan to hire my next-door neighbor the massive powerlifter to help me move it all and set it up on the day I receive it. I have watched every video I can find on unboxing and setup, so I think I have that covered. (Pro-tip: Live next door to or make friends with a power-lifter!).
3. Shop: My shop is a wooden small-barn type building I had built on site. We also spent extra for heavy-duty flooring. That said, we shopped around a lot and found the best-built option in the area. At 12”x20,” it’s pretty tight, but I think I’ve got a good spot picked out for the lathe that puts at least some of its weight in the center of the building (and where I can slide the motor/head-stock down the bed when not in use for more room).
4. Power: I have an electrician coming to install a 220v/20amp outlet for me here soon.
5. Support and Stability: With a wooden sub-floor, should I put it on a plywood base? Or other material? If so, what are the dimensions of the legs installed so that I can cut out a base? Online specs say: 55.25" L x 27.25" W. Would 59” or 60” long x 29” wide safely cover for the leveling feet installed?
6. Chuck: Keep my Nova G3 from the Laguna and get a suitable insert? Or get a new chuck set up to the new spindle size of 1.25”x8TPI and some bigger/heavier pieces? If so, which one? (I don’t mind spending a little more for this super-important tool. Precise and strong chucking is everything, I have learned!). I will certainly upgrade my current Ron Brown’s Best 12” Longworth Chuck to one of his bigger models, as I have had great results reverse-chucking with his system, and his personal customer service is second to none.

In the meanwhile, I am turning like a man possessed in my infrequent downtime on the Laguna for my first upcoming craft show. The German Club at our high school is putting on a German Christmas Market on December 1st, for which I have already reserved a vendor table-wish me luck! Immediately after that, my other neighbor the arborist (and my wood supplier!) is supposed to take the Laguna off my hands so that I can start getting the shop ready for Santa! Lots of details; hopefully everything works out. Thanks in advance for any help with these questions-I learn a LOT on this forum! Aaron

I bought my 3520c in August 2022 through Craft Supplies. I found the staff very helpful and I highly recommend them. The lathe will probably ship from a warehouse in Tennessee. Curbside delivery from a lift gate truck was part of shipping. The machine weights on the high side of 500 pounds. I would suggest you consider adding support to the shop floor. I remember the factory power spec. recommends a dedicated circuit. Due to the VFD sensitivity to power spikes or surges, there is a suggestion to have a physical disconnect from the power supply. The foot print of the lathe is the exact length of the bed and the bed is in the center of the stated 27.25 width. Both the head stock and tail stock overhang the ends of the bed. While I prefer the Vicmarc 120 chuck, you cannot go wrong with the Oneway.

 

[Richard Coers]

Powermatic has a $250 rebate going. You get a gift card.

 

[GRJensen]

I bought my 3520C 4-1/2 years ago from Craft Supplies ... it was shipped direct from Powermatic. Two of the guys from my turning club came over and helped me unbox it and get it setup ... took about an hour. I had an existing 240vac outlet, so I wired the plug/power cord to it myself. I built a shelf that is actually a box full of sandbags ... combined weight is in the neighborhood of 850 pounds. Didn't bother to bolt it to the floor, and have never had an issue with it walking when turning an unbalanced piece.

 

[Dean Center]

Others on this forum more knowledgeable than I discouraged me from placing my 3520A on a built up wood floor. The floor can readily be engineered to support the weight, but there are significant concerns about vibration. Concrete dampens vibration, and wood may not. Hopefully, they will chime in with their comments and suggestions.

 

[Larry Mitchell]

Look at Southern-Tool.com…have purchased several tools from them over the years.

 

[Kevin Jesequel]

I bought a 3520c back in January. Every site I looked at said, “call for best price”, so I did that. I called craft supplies and they could only knock something like $45 off. At the time the lathe was $5300 MSRP. I called Southern Tool and they quoted me $5,000 with free shipping. Out of curiosity I asked about the anniversary edition which was not listed on their site and they quoted me $4600 with free shipping. I jumped on that and didn’t bother calling anyone else. If you are going to want to swing away, order it with the lathe and it ships free. If ordered by itself shipping is (or, was at that time) another $65.

 

[Bill Boehme]

Chuck: Keep my Nova G3 from the Laguna and get a suitable insert? Or get a new chuck set up to the new spindle size of 1.25”x8TPI and some bigger/heavier pieces? If so, which one? (I don’t mind spending a little more for this super-important tool. Precise and strong chucking is everything, I have learned!).

While you undoubtedly want/need a bigger chuck, don't assume bigger lathe = bigger chuck. Size your chuck to the piece of wood it's holding. Most of the time that I am turning something under 16" I will use either a Oneway Talon or a Vicmarc 100. I also have two Oneway Stronghold chucks and two Vicmarc 120 chucks.

 

[Stephen Blalock]

10% Veterans discount at Home Depot free shipping on most things.

 

[Bill Blasic]

The 3520c will last you a lifetime. I have many chucks of which all major brands are covered. the brand I have the most of is Nova. Not because they are a better chuck but because they happen to be the best buy. I have never lost a piece because of any of these brands are deficient as they all do their job flawlessly. If you prepare your tenon correctly any of these major branded chucks are good to go, the difference is what you will pay for them (Woodturners think because they own it it is the best ). I use G3's on my Powermatic as well as on the Midis with no problem but I also use Supernovas and Titans on the PM. I think the added plywood is a good idea but the mass of the lathe and the fact that it is cast iron should alleviate the fears of vibration (all my lathes are cast iron). With that said enjoy your new lathe, I'm sure you will love it.

 

[Gary Morgan]

Bought mine from Southern Tool. When I called they had an additional promotion coming up in three weeks so they delayed filling the order until that promotion was available. Can’t remember all the details, but they saved me some money.

 

[Lou Jacobs]

The machine weights on the high side of 500 pounds.

The VERY high side. I believe it is 725 or so pounds.

 

[Don Rabchenuk]

I put my Rikon 70-3040 (about 550#) on a wood floor (2" of plywood) and have turned some very out of balance pieces. The lathe will walk 6 inches or more. When I move it to it's new space in the shed I am going to open the floor and pour concrete to the floor level to alleviate the vibration.

 

[Jonathan Silwones]

Mine was delivered in April, and I love it.
1. Home Depot
2. Awsome
3. Perfect
4. Even better
5. The bigger the better. Screw the sheet to the floor.
6. Vicmarc 120. A great match for this lathe. It will handle everything but the little stuff.

Very exciting times! New lathe, new shows, new possibilities.
Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Daniel Henry]

I put my Rikon 70-3040 (about 550#) on a wood floor (2" of plywood) and have turned some very out of balance pieces. The lathe will walk 6 inches or more. When I move it to it's new space in the shed I am going to open the floor and pour concrete to the floor level to alleviate the vibration.

IMHO, machines the size of a 3520c are best suited for installation on concrete. My 3520c is sitting on a concrete floor, not the best for my feet but a mat helps. It is not anchored to the concrete. When mounting a piece that is definitely unbalanced, I slowly increase the rpm's until there is obvious vibration felt in the tail stock. I then decrease the rpm's until vibration is no longer felt. With the unbalance/vibration testing the lathe has yet to "walk".
I am also concerned that after a period of time, if installed on wood, the wood will compress and the lathe will become out of level.

 

[robo hippy]

I would not want a lathe that size on a wood floor, unless I had pier pads and uprights that tied to the floor joists directly under where the legs will go. A concrete slab is much better, and 4 inch thick is plenty. The wood will flex with any sizeable unbalanced piece of wood on the lathe. I think The Tool Nut would be another source. Had a friend who got one not long ago, and he was able to get immediate shipping on it when others were having 'waiting' times. The PM and Jet products do go on sale maybe twice a year. As for the chucks, I prefer the Vicmark, but guess that most of the main name chucks are just fine. If you are keeping your small lathe, then keep that chuck for it. If you are going to sell your small lathe, then maybe include the chuck with it and buy some new ones. With the Easy Chuck, you really can change jaws in seconds.

robo hippy

 

[Jerry Streeter]

Congratulations on your choice of lathes, I really enjoy mine. As to best vendor, I don’t really have a “Best” recommendation, I purchased mine from Craft Supplies in Provo, UT, with free shipping. Their delivery was prompt, I don’t recall how long I waited but it wasn’t long. I think I just received an email from Packard saying they were offering free shipping on Powermatic so that could be another option.

I had some help doing the initial unpacking but used a portable engine hoist to turn the bed/leg assembly right side up and then move the completed lathe into position. Your power lifting neighbor may be able to lift the weight but it’s bulk could be a challenge.

I suggest you consult with a structural engineer about your foundation and floor supporting the weight. Keep in mind the weight is transferred to the floor at 4 points of contact so some footings under the floor may be needed.

When I first got the new lathe I decided to buy a new chuck staying with Nova chuck so I could use all my existing jaws. After turning some green mesquite, and not removing a waste block from the jaws before leaving on a trip (my bad) the jaws rusted. In the process of cleaning the rust their cladding came off so I decided to upgrade to a new chuck. After talking with a few folks I decided on the Vicmarc 120, it is a great chuck with excellent holding power and is far superior to the Nova. I like the dovetail jaws. The standard jaws will hold a range of sizes, though I do want to add some extended jaws.

 

[Mike Novak]

Regarding the floor, if you can’t position all 4 of the feet directly over a joist to bolt it down, I would suggest that bolting a short piece of 4x4 across two or 3 joists, and then bolting the lathe on top. I’m assuming there is enough height adjustment to do this.

I can’t imagine a double layer of plywood being stiff enough between the joists.

 

[Gary Morgan]

What robo hippy said.

 

[Aaron Harris]

Thanks again for all the cautions and tips, fellas! As to a heavy lathe on a wooden floor, my turning mentor has his OneWay 1640 (which I thought I might be getting before leaning more towards the PM) at 700ish pounds on a similar wooden floor with the plywood support underneath, and he has no issues with it. I don't really have any option for concrete in that pre-fab building, which is why we had it build with the heavy duty flooring originally because we had it built to house some heavy-duty blacksmithing and knife-making machinery when my son first started doing that. In any case, I will take this all into consideration.

 

[Aaron Harris]

I bought a 3520c back in January. Every site I looked at said, “call for best price”, so I did that. I called craft supplies and they could only knock something like $45 off. At the time the lathe was $5300 MSRP. I called Southern Tool and they quoted me $5,000 with free shipping. Out of curiosity I asked about the anniversary edition which was not listed on their site and they quoted me $4600 with free shipping. I jumped on that and didn’t bother calling anyone else. If you are going to want to swing away, order it with the lathe and it ships free. If ordered by itself shipping is (or, was at that time) another $65.

Kevin-Do you or any others know why the fancy black Anniversary edition is generally listed as cheaper than the regular model? Generally special editions of anything are more expensive, right? I do like that black color more than the mustard color (though I'm sure that the infamous mustard color hides fine dust better just like with cars lol!). If it's just as good a machine, I might go with the black anniversary edition.

 

[Larry Mitchell]

Only negative experienced with the “black” is loss of horizon view
while turning small dark items over the banjo, I just lay a paper towel
over it. As far as dust…keep a micro fiber towel handy. jmho

 

[Lou Jacobs]

I wonder if they made more of the anniversary edition lathes than they sold, and now are discounting them to clear inventory and get back to the mustard edition which they know is popular.

 

[Kevin Jesequel]

Kevin-Do you or any others know why the fancy black Anniversary edition is generally listed as cheaper than the regular model? Generally special editions of anything are more expensive, right? I do like that black color more than the mustard color (though I'm sure that the infamous mustard color hides fine dust better just like with cars lol!). If it's just as good a machine, I might go with the black anniversary edition.

I’m not sure why it is less, but the anniversary was in 2021 and the lathe wasn’t released until nearly the end of that year. I’m guessing that was due to COVID impacted logistics. Or maybe the gold one has real gold in the paint ‍♂️. It’s the same lathe and came with a decent light and floor mat. It will let you know when it has dust on it!

 

[Randy Heinemann]

Vendor - I never recommend buying from Amazon for a tool like the 3520C. If damage occurs in shipping, then what? It's not a tool that can easily just be returned. I found a "local" vendor (not Woodcraft but it might not be a bad choice if they will allow you to ship to the store, inspect before taking ownership, and get it into your vehicle or a trailer). The vendor I used took delivery, let me inspect, and loaded it into my vehicle.

Moving/Setup - I hired College Hunks (a moving and haul away company). It cost me but they supplied 3 guys for their minimum charge and just helped unpack and unload from my vehicle, move it downstairs, wait while I installed the legs, and then tipped it onto the legs; finally put the head on the lathe. The total time was about an hour. The bed is the heaviest and probably close to half the total weight (so I think maybe about 300 - 350 lbs). It's a stretch for 2 people but I suppose since you're likely much younger than I am, it might be OK.

Power - Power is fine.

G3 chuck - Definitely keep the chuck. My first lathe was a Nova Comet II with the only chuck I owned a G3. I kept it, bought the adapter for 8X1 1/4" and later bought a larger Nova chuck with larger jaws. All Nova jaws fit all Nova chucks so it gives me quite a bit of flexibility. You may want to consider other brands for future, larger chucks, but definitely keep the G3. It's a solid chuck and will accommodate other Nova jaws. Wait to buy others till you find you need them; for larger turnings.

 

[Bill Blasic]

Aaron does your prefab sit directly on the ground (did you have to add a stone or gravel base that it sits on?) My prefab outbuilding (that houses my extra lumber) sits on a stone/gravel base. If that's the case you will for sure have no problems.

 

[Doug Freeman]

Keep the g3 chuck with new insert. Bigger lathes turn smaller stuff and smaller chucks work better for small.

Yes get a bigger chuck. I happen to prefer Oneway’s profile type jaws, and have a Stronghold. If you are a dovetail jaw advocate, Vicmark and Axminster come into play. OW also has dt jaws. They are pretty equal.

 

[hockenbery]

A larger chuck is better suited for larger work

I recommend the vicmark 120 or the ONEWAY stronghold. We have both
Axminster is a great chuck too but hard to find

The dovetail angle on the Vic is something like 13 degrees. The dovetail angle on the ONEWAY is about 7 degrees.
My spindle gouge can cut either angle.

I prefer the ONEWAY profile jaws for square stock and spindles.
Prefer the dovetail jaws for bowls and platters
I find dovetails much better for short tenons.
I find the Vic hex key easier to use than the multi toothed ONEWAY key.

A short tenon on the ONEWAY profile jaws can be problematic if the top of the tenon lines up just at one of the little serration’s where it might push up instead of biting in.

 

[Ron Solfest]

A larger chuck is better suited for larger work

I recommend the vicmark 120 or the ONEWAY stronghold. We have both
Axminster is a great chuck too but hard to find

The dovetail angle on the Vic is something like 13 degrees. The dovetail angle on the ONEWAY is about 7 degrees.
My spindle gouge can cut either angle.

I prefer the ONEWAY profile jaws for square stock and spindles.
Prefer the dovetail jaws for bowls and platters
I find dovetails much better for short tenons.

A short tenon on the ONEWAY profile jaws can be problematic if the top of the tenon lines up just at one of the little serration’s where it might push up instead of biting in.

I also have a few Oneway chucks, Talon and Stronghold. I also have a G3 from my Comet2. I've used it a few times with an adapter on my PM3520, but prefer the Talon unless I want dovetailed jaws. I like the Oneway's a lot but Hockenbery is correct that you have to be careful with short tenons, I often chamfer the edge of the tenon a small amount if it's a 1/8"-3/16" tenon to help avoid this issue, if it's 1/4" or more I haven't found a problem. I've never had a problem with the Oneway's holding, I have torn a tenon off by making it too small (diameter) on weaker wood and hogging to hard with my gouge...I did learn from that experience so it's been a few years since I had that problem

 

[JeffSmith]

As for your flooring - I don't know what spec your joists are, but I had the lathe area of my shop floor built with 2x12 floor joists on 12" centers. Subflooring 1-1/4"ply. When the lathe was installed (bed perpendicular to the joists) two 4x10 beams were jacked up directly under the legs for additional support from the ground.
The Robust AB is a little over 800lbs - there's been no problem with vibration no matter how unbalanced the load and my feet really like the wood floors after turning on a concrete slab for many years.