Powermatic 3520C vs Harvey T60?

[Joel Daniels]

I hesitate to start this - but I have poured through every thread/post that mentions Harvey T60 and only see a partial answer (not to mention there is very little coverage of the T60). Everyone loves their PM 3520C. Everyone loves their Harvey T60. And then, a comparison thread always dissolves into "look at this one or that one" (Jet, Rikon, Laguna, Record Power) or bite the bullet and spend the money for an AB, Oneway, or Vicmarc. I've read all those with great interest to try to narrow down my next lathe. I would go for an AB, Oneway or Vicmarc, but they are way outside of my price range. My current decision is between PM 3520C and Harvey T60.

For those that have turned on and/or own(ed) both the PM 3520C and the Harvey T60, which one did you like better and why? What features of both do you like and/or dislike? I could live with the 20" swing of the PM, but the T60 24" is attractive. I like the reviews of the T60 motor, but am also hesitant due to the limited testimony. I really like the swing-away tail stock on the T60 vs having to pay more for it on the 3520. Sliding head stock on both is fine (I don't need pivoting head stock). 2HP is sufficient. Both have near equivalent weight. Most likely, I'll be replacing the banjo for either lathe with a Oneway so I can keep my inventory of Robust 1" short rests (will have to see once I get the machine). I'm not crazy about the T60 wiring to the control box not having a disconnect, but realistically, that would only be a factor when first setting it up. I like that the T60 comes with a 6-20P plug.

 

[Fred Hargis]

I'll be interested in the replies to this. I have the 3520C, but after seeing the features of the Harvey I wonder if I made the right choice. there's a lot to like about the Harvey. I'm really happy with my lathe, but the Harvey appears to be more bang for the buck.

 

[Phil Hamel]

Never tried a PM. I did get a new T60S two weeks ago. So far the only issue I have with it is the spindle lock is hard for me to activate(arthritic hands) and the tailstock doesn't seem to clamp down enough and slides if I do drilling. Haven't tried adjusting or playing with it yet. Trying to keep it stock for now. Mine has a shut off on the front panel.

Contact me if you have more questions.

 

[Jon Rista]

I own a PM3520C. Overall I think it is a very good lathe. Not the best in the world, other lathes undoubtedly take that title, but compared to most other lathes I've used its very precisely engineered, stable as a mountain, and has been a pleasure to turn on.

I looked into the Harvey T-60S, and it looks almost identical to the PM3520C. There are some few differences, the most notable of which are the built in swing-away bed for the tailstock, and I think maybe the motor. The specs state it is a servo motor, and I honestly don't know if the Powermatic has the same thing or not. The Powermatic motor can get rather loud when you turn at maximum motor speed, which is a little annoying at times, but it does deliver very consistent power (its powered by a quality VFD, so it maintains power quickly and responsively as load changes.) Honestly don't know how the T-60S motor differs or compares.

The swing-away bed is extremely nice, for it to be included. I would say, that is one big issue with the Powermatic, the tailstock is really large and quite heavy. I hate taking it off or putting it back on, and will often slide it just a bit extra, so that its even slightly hanging off the bed but can still be clamped in place, to avoid taking it off, so I can get clearance with my tools. Powermatic gets you for an extra $370 for theirs, which is a decent chunk of change for a couple of plates of metal with a hinge and some holes.... I do think the PM one is designed to swing the tailstock out of the way, while the headstock is brought up for outboard turning, so maybe that makes it more complex somehow. In any case...if you don't want to be lifting and lugging around a 56lb tailstock all the time...the Harvey's built-in swing away is a really nice feature.... Especially if the Harvey is basically the same lathe as the Powermatic otherwise...

 

[Joel Daniels]

Never tried a PM. I did get a new T60S two weeks ago. So far the only issue I have with it is the spindle lock is hard for me to activate(arthritic hands) and the tailstock doesn't seem to clamp down enough and slides if I do drilling. Haven't tried adjusting or playing with it yet. Trying to keep it stock for now. Mine has a shut off on the front panel.
View attachment 75101
Contact me if you have more questions.

Thanks Phil - would love to see occasional updates on it as you continue to use it.

I own a PM3520C. Overall I think it is a very good lathe. Not the best in the world, other lathes undoubtedly take that title, but compared to most other lathes I've used its very precisely engineered, stable as a mountain, and has been a pleasure to turn on.

I looked into the Harvey T-60S, and it looks almost identical to the PM3520C. There are some few differences, the most notable of which are the built in swing-away bed for the tailstock, and I think maybe the motor. The specs state it is a servo motor, and I honestly don't know if the Powermatic has the same thing or not. The Powermatic motor can get rather loud when you turn at maximum motor speed, which is a little annoying at times, but it does deliver very consistent power (its powered by a quality VFD, so it maintains power quickly and responsively as load changes.) Honestly don't know how the T-60S motor differs or compares.

The swing-away bed is extremely nice, for it to be included. I would say, that is one big issue with the Powermatic, the tailstock is really large and quite heavy. I hate taking it off or putting it back on, and will often slide it just a bit extra, so that its even slightly hanging off the bed but can still be clamped in place, to avoid taking it off, so I can get clearance with my tools. Powermatic gets you for an extra $370 for theirs, which is a decent chunk of change for a couple of plates of metal with a hinge and some holes.... I do think the PM one is designed to swing the tailstock out of the way, while the headstock is brought up for outboard turning, so maybe that makes it more complex somehow. In any case...if you don't want to be lifting and lugging around a 56lb tailstock all the time...the Harvey's built-in swing away is a really nice feature.... Especially if the Harvey is basically the same lathe as the Powermatic otherwise...

Thanks Jon - great info - I have some same thoughts WRT the swing-away tail stock.

 

[Dave Landers]

Re: the swing aways: I have a 3520, have never used the Harvey. Getting beyond the optional-vs-included - if you need a swing away then price the machines that way.
Anyway, I just thought I'd point out that the swing-aways work differently. The Harvey swings horizontally while the PM swings at a diagonal. So when swung, the PM's tailstock is below the bed ways. Harvey's gonna swing easier (less weight for you to maneuver). But it looks like the Harvey tailstock might still be in the way of the tool handle for some cuts, at least it looks that way to me (and the way I like to turn off the end).
Neither is inherently better or worse - just different.

 

[Steve Tiedman]

As a 24-year Vicmarc owner...

I've never used either the PM nor the Harvey, so, no advice there. But, a question that I don't need an answer to is- how far out into the future would you have to budget for those other brands? Would it be worth the wait time?

I get it, and we've all been there, following either your heart or your pocketbook. Tough decision. But if you truly feel that following your heart would make you the happiest and most satisfied with your purchase, speaking for myself I'd tough it out until I could afford what I really want, rather than settle for something that doesn't live up to my expectations. And maybe tariff problems will be solved by then, too.

A way to get into those top brands can be to buy into their smaller machines. For example, the 16" swing Oneway lathes come in about $2000 less than their 20"/24" lathes. Robust and Vicmarc build smaller swing lathes as well. Ask yourself- how much diameter capacity do you really want? I've owned both the Vicmarc VL300 and 200 for a long time. The VL200 developed into my go-to machine. I sold my identical, but larger VL300.

Best wishes! I hope you come up with the best solution for your wants and budget.

 

[Joel Daniels]

As a 24-year Vicmarc owner...

I've never used either the PM nor the Harvey, so, no advice there. But, a question that I don't need an answer to is- how far out into the future would you have to budget for those other brands? Would it be worth the wait time?

I get it, and we've all been there, following either your heart or your pocketbook. Tough decision. But if you truly feel that following your heart would make you the happiest and most satisfied with your purchase, speaking for myself I'd tough it out until I could afford what I really want, rather than settle for something that doesn't live up to my expectations. And maybe tariff problems will be solved by then, too.

A way to get into those top brands can be to buy into their smaller machines. For example, the 16" swing Oneway lathes come in about $2000 less than their 20"/24" lathes. Robust and Vicmarc build smaller swing lathes as well. Ask yourself- how much diameter capacity do you really want? I've owned both the Vicmarc VL300 and 200 for a long time. The VL200 developed into my go-to machine. I sold my identical, but larger VL300.

Best wishes! I hope you come up with the best solution for your wants and budget.

Understand and provokes some thought. Thanks...

 

[Jon Rista]

Re: the swing aways: I have a 3520, have never used the Harvey. Getting beyond the optional-vs-included - if you need a swing away then price the machines that way.
Anyway, I just thought I'd point out that the swing-aways work differently. The Harvey swings horizontally while the PM swings at a diagonal. So when swung, the PM's tailstock is below the bed ways. Harvey's gonna swing easier (less weight for you to maneuver). But it looks like the Harvey tailstock might still be in the way of the tool handle for some cuts, at least it looks that way to me (and the way I like to turn off the end).
Neither is inherently better or worse - just different.

This is a good point. Could be a problem for inside bowl turning...possibly for larger vase turning.

 

[Stan Pressner]

I own a T60, and often turn on a 3520 at my local club's shop.
I find the T60's motor to be smoother and a bit more powerful. I love the t60 spindle lock, and have no problem with the tailstock locking. As I have said in other threads, I did get the Oneway banjo, as the low banjo from Harvey is a bad design choice, although it does seem to be rock solid. I am very happy to have both the swing away and the remote, and miss them both on the PM. I am mostly a 40/40 grind guy, so I often have to reach far over the ways, and have never had an issue with the tailstock.

 

[John Whitley]

I really like the swing-away tail stock on the T60

I’m also a new T-60 owner.. I’ve done a very small amount of turning on a 3520C, but not enough to really be able to compare. The swing-away on the T-60 is a great design; it’s just so effortless to get the tailstock out of the way.

I'm not crazy about the T60 wiring to the control box not having a disconnect, but realistically, that would only be a factor when first setting it up.

I had question marks around this myself… but it’s not even that big a deal during setup. The electronics box is fairly light, especially considering the weight of everything else about this lathe, and it’s very well protected by the shipping box right up until you’re ready to mount it on the lathe’s frame. Just requires a bit of attention towards moving the electronics box ahead of each move of the headstock.

 

[Joel Daniels]

I own a T60, and often turn on a 3520 at my local club's shop.
I find the T60's motor to be smoother and a bit more powerful. I love the t60 spindle lock, and have no problem with the tailstock locking. As I have said in other threads, I did get the Oneway banjo, as the low banjo from Harvey is a bad design choice, although it does seem to be rock solid. I am very happy to have both the swing away and the remote, and miss them both on the PM. I am mostly a 40/40 grind guy, so I often have to reach far over the ways, and have never had an issue with the tailstock.

Thanks Stan. Great info. I'm also looking at using a Oneway banjo to capitalize on the number of Robust tool rests I already have.

I’m also a new T-60 owner.. I’ve done a very small amount of turning on a 3520C, but not enough to really be able to compare. The swing-away on the T-60 is a great design; it’s just so effortless to get the tailstock out of the way.



I had question marks around this myself… but it’s not even that big a deal during setup. The electronics box is fairly light, especially considering the weight of everything else about this lathe, and it’s very well protected by the shipping box right up until you’re ready to mount it on the lathe’s frame. Just requires a bit of attention towards moving the electronics box ahead of each move of the headstock.

Thanks John. I feel more comfortable WRT the electronics box wiring now.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

I'd go with the T60. The 3520 is overrated, IMO. Note that I have not turned on either lathe.

 

[Joel Daniels]

I own a T60, and often turn on a 3520 at my local club's shop.
I find the T60's motor to be smoother and a bit more powerful. I love the t60 spindle lock, and have no problem with the tailstock locking. As I have said in other threads, I did get the Oneway banjo, as the low banjo from Harvey is a bad design choice, although it does seem to be rock solid. I am very happy to have both the swing away and the remote, and miss them both on the PM. I am mostly a 40/40 grind guy, so I often have to reach far over the ways, and have never had an issue with the tailstock.

Stan - I'm guessing it was the #2683A - 24" banjo. It's specs say it is 8 3/4" high. Given the center of spindle to bedways is 12", that would put the top of the banjo to center of spindle at 3 1/4" (if I did the math correctly). Is that what you have? Given that, I have Robust's standard posts with low profile rests. The posts are 3 3/4" with an overall height of 5 1/4". That would give me 2 3/4" of tool rest post in the banjo to put the top of the tool rest at center of the spindle. I'm thinking that is sufficient for me to be able to use my existing Robust rests.

 

[Jon Rista]

I'd go with the T60. The 3520 is overrated, IMO. Note that I have not turned on either lathe.

From a fundamental level, they both essentially seem to be the same lathe. The only two differences I could find, were the swing away design and the motor on the T60S. Comparing to my own 3520C, the size, shape, etc. of everything else seems to be the same. Oh, the PM has a compartment in the tailstock, while the T60S has a thinned out stand, and the control boxes are a little different. But the core fundamentals of the lathe, are identical, as far as I can tell.