pete marken
Artist
I purchased a 3520 last November and ever since I have had problems with noises from the head stock. First one was a ticking noise. I fixed that by moving and tightening the spindle lock on the spindle shaft. Had to do the same with the pulleys. After using the tail stock I started getting a knocking sound after the lathe was run for 15 minutes or so. I called customer service about it and they kept telling me to tighten belt pulleys. Told them I had already done that. Finally convinced the guy that it sounded like the rear spindle bearing. He said I may need to loosen up the lock not some. I bent tab back on the locking washer and found the lock nut not even finger tight so I tightened two notches on the star washer and it helped some. I called PM back and told them what I found and asked for a torque spec on the nut. All he could tell me is to snug it up and back off 1/4 turn. What does snug it up mean? By hand or with a spanner wrench, they did not say. I am very disappointed with this situation thinking that Powermatic would be a good lathe. I am beginning to think I threw away $$$$. My opinion is that you should not have to fool with any of this on a new lathe. I have been using my Stubby for almost 15 years and never had an issue and am still using it.
Have any of you had similar problems? Have any of you requested their money back? Does anyone know how tight the rear bearing should be?
Have any of you had similar problems? Have any of you requested their money back? Does anyone know how tight the rear bearing should be?