Powermatic 3520C User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

L
logan66Jul 27, 2025
How to fix excessive vibration on Powermatic 3520C Lathe?
- M
  Melissa RobinsonJul 27, 2025
  If your Powermatic Lathe experiences excessive vibration, several factors could be the cause. The workpiece might be warped, out of round, have a major flaw, or was improperly prepared for turning; correct this by planing or sawing the workpiece, or discard it and use a new one. Other potential causes include worn spindle bearings (replace them), a worn drive belt (replace it), a loose motor mount lock handle (tighten it), or the lathe being on an uneven surface (adjust the levelers).
A
antonio79Jul 31, 2025
What to do if tailstock moves when applying pressure on Powermatic 3520C?
- J
  Jessica TownsendJul 31, 2025
  If the tailstock moves when applying pressure on your Powermatic Lathe, ensure the locking handle is tightened. Also, the cam lock nut may need adjusting, so tighten it. If the lathe bed and tailstock mating surfaces are greasy or oily, remove the tailstock and clean the surfaces with a cleaner/degreaser and re-apply a light coat of oil to the bed surface.
K
Katrina PerryAug 4, 2025
Why does my Powermatic 3520C motor fail to develop full power?
- T
  Thomas WeberAug 5, 2025
  If the Powermatic Lathe motor fails to develop full power, it might be due to a few reasons. The power line could be overloaded, so correct any overload conditions. Another cause could be undersized wires in the power supply system, in which case you should increase the supply wire size. It could also be due to a worn motor, so consider replacing it. If the inverter is faulty, contact Powermatic Technical Service.
J
John MasonAug 8, 2025
What to do if Powermatic 3520C motor or spindle stalls?
- W
  Walter HooperAug 9, 2025
  If the motor or spindle stalls or won't start on your Powermatic Lathe, consider these possible causes. You might be taking an excessive cut, so reduce the depth of cut. The belt adjustment could be improper, or the belt could be worn or broken, so adjust or replace the belt as needed. Also, check for improper cooling of the motor by blowing out sawdust from the motor housing fan. Worn spindle bearings or a worn motor can also cause these issues, so replace the bearings or motor as necessary.
B
brandongilbertAug 12, 2025
Why does my Powermatic 3520C Lathe run at one speed only?
- D
  Dawn DavisAug 13, 2025
  If your Powermatic Lathe runs at only one speed, the potentiometer might be faulty, so replace it. It's also possible that the electronic AC inverter is not programmed properly, is defective, or has loose wiring. Contact Powermatic Technical Service for assistance in identifying the problem.
L
lopeznicolasAug 18, 2025
What causes tools to grab or dig in on a Powermatic Lathe?
- B
  Billy CollinsAug 18, 2025
  If tools tend to grab or dig in while using your Powermatic Lathe, it could be due to several reasons. The tools might be dull, so keep them sharp. The tool support might be set too low, so reposition the tool support height. Also, check if the tool support is set too far from the workpiece and reposition it closer. Finally, ensure you are using the correct tool for the operation.
B
blackstevenAug 21, 2025
Why does the headstock move when applying pressure with the tailstock on my Powermatic 3520C Lathe?
- C
  Cynthia OnealAug 21, 2025
  If the headstock moves when applying pressure with the tailstock on your Powermatic Lathe, it could be because the headstock is not locked to the bed, so tighten the headstock locking handle. It could also be due to excessive pressure being applied by the tailstock (more than 500 lbs of force). Slide the headstock to the left end, then apply only sufficient force with the tailstock to hold the workpiece securely in place.

Powermatic 3520C Specifications

General

Brand	Powermatic
Model	3520C
Category	Lathe
Language	English

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety Precautions

Comprehensive list of safety rules for operating the lathe.

Safety Notices Definitions

Explains the meaning of hazard symbols and warnings in the manual.

About this manual

Manual Overview and Usage

Explains the purpose and scope of the manual.

Specifications

Machine Specifications

Detailed technical data including dimensions, electrical, and material specs.

Unpacking

Shipping Container Contents

Lists all parts included in the shipping container for verification.

Assembly

Tools Required for Assembly

Lists the necessary tools for assembling the lathe.

Tool Caddy and Bracket Installation

Instructions for mounting the tool caddy and installing brackets.

Optional Accessory Installation (Guard & Bed Extension)

Steps for mounting the optional guard and bed extension.

User-Made Shelf Installation

Guidance on creating and installing a custom shelf.

Electrical Connections

Electrical Connection Procedures

Details on proper and safe electrical hookup for the lathe.

Adjustments

Headstock/Tailstock Movement

How to slide and lock the headstock and tailstock components.

Tool Support Adjustment

Adjusting the height, position, and angle of the tool support.

Cam Tightness and Locking Handles

Adjusting cam tightness and repositioning locking handles.

Live Center Cap and Center Handling

Procedures for live center cap removal and fitting/removing centers.

Comparator Setup and Faceplate Handling

Procedures for comparator setup and faceplate mounting/removal.

Speed Change and Belt Alignment

How to change speeds and align sheaves/belts.

Sheave/Belt Replacement & Spindle Play

Steps for replacing belts and checking/adjusting spindle play.

Operating Controls

Control Panel Overview

Description of the main controls on the headstock panel.

Operation

Pre-Operation Inspection

Checklist of checks before operating the lathe.

Basic Turning Tools

Overview of essential turning tools and their uses.

Spindle Turning Techniques

Guidance on performing spindle turning operations.

Face Plate and Bowl Turning

Procedures for mounting stock and turning bowls.

User-Maintenance

Routine Cleaning and Oiling

Instructions for cleaning and oiling the lathe bed and components.

Additional Servicing Information

Guidance on when to seek professional servicing.

Optional Accessories

Accessory Listing

Overview of available optional accessories for the lathe.

Troubleshooting 3520C Lathe

Common Lathe Problems and Solutions

Guide to diagnosing and fixing common issues with the lathe.

Recommended Lathe Speeds

Speed Chart by Workpiece Diameter

Recommended spindle speeds for different workpiece sizes.

Replacement Parts

Headstock Assembly Parts

Exploded view and parts list for the headstock assembly.

Remote Control Box Parts

Exploded view and parts list for the remote control box.

Spindle Centers Knockout Parts

Exploded view and parts list for the knockout assembly.

Bed, Banjo, Tailstock Parts

Exploded view and parts list for bed, banjo, and tailstock.

Stand Assembly Parts

Exploded view and parts list for the lathe stand.

Outboard Turning Stand (#6294732)

Details on the optional outboard turning stand.

Other Optional Accessories

Details on bed extension, tailstock swing away, and lamp holder/kit.

Electrical Connections

Wiring Diagram 1 of 2

First part of the electrical wiring schematic.

Wiring Diagram 2 of 2

Second part of the electrical wiring schematic.

Warranty and Service

Warranty Information

Details on product warranty coverage and period.

Obtaining Technical Support

How to contact for service and support.

Related product manuals

Powermatic 3520C User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Powermatic 3520C Specifications

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety Precautions

Safety Notices Definitions

About this manual

Manual Overview and Usage

Specifications

Machine Specifications

Unpacking

Shipping Container Contents

Assembly

Tools Required for Assembly

Tool Caddy and Bracket Installation

Optional Accessory Installation (Guard & Bed Extension)

User-Made Shelf Installation

Electrical Connections

Electrical Connection Procedures

Adjustments

Headstock/Tailstock Movement

Tool Support Adjustment

Cam Tightness and Locking Handles

Live Center Cap and Center Handling

Comparator Setup and Faceplate Handling

Speed Change and Belt Alignment

Sheave/Belt Replacement & Spindle Play

Operating Controls

Control Panel Overview

Operation

Pre-Operation Inspection

Basic Turning Tools

Spindle Turning Techniques

Face Plate and Bowl Turning

User-Maintenance

Routine Cleaning and Oiling

Additional Servicing Information

Optional Accessories

Accessory Listing

Troubleshooting 3520C Lathe

Common Lathe Problems and Solutions

Recommended Lathe Speeds

Speed Chart by Workpiece Diameter

Replacement Parts

Headstock Assembly Parts

Remote Control Box Parts

Spindle Centers Knockout Parts

Bed, Banjo, Tailstock Parts

Stand Assembly Parts

Outboard Turning Stand (#6294732)

Other Optional Accessories

Electrical Connections

Wiring Diagram 1 of 2

Wiring Diagram 2 of 2

Warranty and Service

Warranty Information

Obtaining Technical Support

Related product manuals