I just ordered the Powermatic 3520C but didn't order the swing away bracket for the tailstock. I originally thought that, with the length of the bed I'd just move the tailstock out of the way but have since realized that probably doesn't make sense for hollowing out bowls. Bowls are almost a 100% of my turning. I believe that I would likely slide the headstock toward the tailstock end for hollowing as that would give the best access to the inside of the bowl or vessel. I'd want the tailstock out of the way whether I hollow manually or with some sort of a hollowing system, thus requiring removal of the tailstock for every bowl I turn. Since the tailstock on the 3520C weighs about 50 pounds, it would seem to be cumbersome to remove and reinstall at best.
For those who own a lathe with a heavy tailstock, is the swing away bracket worth it given it costs $300? \
If you don't own a swing away for a full-size lathe like the 3520C, are you sorry that you don't every time you have to remove it?
For those who own a lathe with a heavy tailstock, is the swing away bracket worth it given it costs $300? \
If you don't own a swing away for a full-size lathe like the 3520C, are you sorry that you don't every time you have to remove it?