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Powermatic value

Dean Center

Dean Center

Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
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Location
Bozeman, MT
I have a chance to make an offer on a used Powermatic 3520 but I've only got a couple days to do so. Could you all give me some ball park idea of what it would be worth? I won't get my hands on it until Tuesday when I've got to speak up. At this point, I assume it's in good working order, comes just with stock accessories and no chucks or tools,and I don't know about wiring. It's probably about 5 years old and been used regularly.

Thanks very much.

Dean Center
 
Dean,
First, determine if it is the 3520a or 3520b. The easiest way is if the digital readout is on the front of the headstock, it is the b model, and in good condition should be about $2500 to $2900. The a version should be roughly $2200 to $2500, again, depending on condition. Hope this helps, and good luck on the purchase. It's a great lathe!:)
 
The b version has a flat rubber top. The A version has a slightly rounded cast iron top. I would say Kurt's prices are in the ball park.
 
Sold my 3520A after 8 years of fairly heavy use to a friend for $1500. I had replaced the headstock bearings at about 5 years, (by then, I had a Laguna 16HD saw for making bowl blanks with, so no more chainsawn blanks), the on/off switch, and the speed control. Another friend just picked up one (A model) for $2500, which included a couple of chucks, and a bunch of turning tools as well.

robo hippy
 
Pm 3520

Dean, My American made, original model, is about 15 yrs old. I bought it used. It has never given me a problem. It is solid as a rock and runs as smooth as a watch. I don't see how or why you would hesitate on an opportunity to own a 3520. Phil
 
I think Kurt's estimates are high, and in the range of what a new one could have been bought for 5 years ago. A new PM3520B can be purchased for approximately $3350 plus free shipping.
And a new lathe has a 5 year warranty.
 
I bought my 3520A about 8 years ago at $2000. The price went up to $2400 the next month and they've been rising ever since. Just to give a point of reference.
 
2 1/2

I got mine B two and a half years ago for Christmas and paid $2699 delivered. It was brand new.

Just saying.
 
Thanks everyone. I just got back from checking it out and have until about noon tomorrow to decide.

It's the original 3520, no digital reading, no indexing, with effective variable speed. It's been used in a commercial operation and shows the lack of loving care. The bearings ppear to be OK, but the end cover on the Baldor motor has been remounted 1/2" outboard of where it started and there is maybe a ticking sound coming from the motor. I had a friend who has a 3520B take a look at it with me and he said it isn't as quiet as his fairly new one. It doesn't vibrate much, but it also doesn't have that miraculously quiet hum. Do you think it worth more than $1200-1500?

Dean
 
$$$

That would be my guess, I did win an auction couple months ago for a like new Powermatic 3520B for $1125. But that was a bankruptcy auction.
 
If the ticking noise is coming from the motor, it is probably motor bearings. If it is coming from the headstock, it can be a loose pulley (easy to fix set screw, and alignment), and also, some times you will get a burr on the slot for the spindle lock. If it is motor bearings, $1500 us too much in my opinion. $1000, maybe.

robo hippy
 
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