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