Powermatic Lathes

Name: Powermatic Tailstock Swing Away for 3520, 3520A, 3520B, 3520C, PM2020 Lathe
Brand: Powermatic
SKU: PM9-6294721
Price: 439.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Collection: Powermatic Lathes

About Powermatic Lathes at Pittsburgh Spray Equipment

Powermatic lathes represent the gold standard in precision woodworking equipment, delivering professional-grade performance for both experienced turners and dedicated hobbyists. Whether you're crafting intricate spindles, bowls, or architectural components, Powermatic woodworking lathes combine robust construction with advanced engineering to ensure consistent, reliable results. At Pittsburgh Spray Equipment, we recognize that selecting the right lathe is fundamental to your woodworking success—it's an investment that directly impacts your craft quality, production capacity, and creative possibilities. Our carefully curated selection of Powermatic lathes includes models designed for various skill levels and applications, from compact benchtop systems to full-featured industrial machines. PSE has served the woodworking and finishing community for decades, providing not just equipment but expert guidance and support. We understand that woodworking lathes require precision alignment, stable power delivery, and thoughtful accessory integration. That's why we stock authentic Powermatic lathes alongside complementary accessories like tailstock swing-aways, lathe lights, and specialized stands. Our commitment to customer success means you'll find detailed specifications, honest comparisons, and responsive support whenever you need it. Browse our Powermatic lathe collection to discover the ideal machine for your workshop, whether you're turning fine details on a PM2014 or handling heavy stock on a 4224B.

How to Choose the Right Lathes

Selecting a woodworking lathe involves evaluating several critical factors to match the machine's capabilities with your specific turning needs and workshop constraints.

Motor Power and Horsepower: Powermatic lathes range from smaller benchtop models to heavy-duty machines with up to 3 HP motors. Higher horsepower provides greater cutting force, smoother operation under load, and the ability to handle larger diameter stock without bogging down. Consider whether you'll primarily turn small spindles or larger bowls and architectural pieces.
Swing Diameter and Length Between Centers: The swing diameter determines the maximum diameter of stock you can turn, while the distance between centers affects the length of pieces you can accommodate. A lathe with 20-inch swing capacity suits most hobbyists, while production environments often require larger swings for ambitious projects.
Speed Range and Variable Frequency Drive: Modern Powermatic lathes offer variable speed control, allowing you to adjust RPM based on workpiece diameter and material type. Slower speeds are essential for large-diameter pieces and spindle work, while higher speeds facilitate detail turning and finishing operations on smaller components.
Lathe Base and Stability: A solid foundation minimizes vibration, improves safety, and extends tool life. Powermatic offers integrated stands and optional PM lathe stands that provide exceptional rigidity and can accommodate tool storage while keeping your workshop organized and efficient.
Accessories and Future Expandability: Consider whether you'll need tailstock swing-away attachments for faceplate work, specialized lighting systems like the PM2014 lathe light, or chuck upgrades. Powermatic's modular design allows easy integration of these components, making it simple to expand your capabilities as your skills develop.

Featured Lathes

Model	Brand	Key Specification	Best For	Price
Powermatic 3520C Lathe	Powermatic	2 HP, 230V, 20" Swing	General turning, spindles, small bowls, hobby and professional work	Contact for pricing
Powermatic 4224B Lathe	Powermatic	3 HP, 1/3 PH, 220V	Production turning, large diameter stock, heavy-duty woodworking operations	Contact for pricing
Powermatic PM2014 Lathe Light	Powermatic	LED Lighting System, 12W, Articulated Arm	Improving visibility on fine detail work and reducing eye strain during extended turning sessions	Contact for pricing
Powermatic 4224B Lathe Tailstock Swing Away	Powermatic	Swing-Away Design, Easy Quick-Release	Faceplate turning, bowl turning, and spindle work without lathe repositioning	Contact for pricing
Powermatic PM2014 PM Lathe Stand	Powermatic	Integrated Storage, Rigid Construction, Compatible with PM2014	Providing stable foundation, tool organization, and workshop space optimization	Contact for pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Powermatic 3520C and 4224B lathes?

The Powermatic 3520C is a 2 HP lathe designed for general-purpose turning, making it ideal for hobbyists and small professional shops. The 4224B offers 3 HP of power with enhanced capabilities for heavy-duty production work and larger diameter stock. The 4224B's additional horsepower means smoother operation under load, faster acceleration to target RPM, and the ability to handle demanding cuts on substantial workpieces. Choose the 3520C if your primary focus is spindle work and smaller bowls; select the 4224B if you regularly turn large-diameter blanks or operate in a production environment.

Why would I need a tailstock swing-away attachment?

A tailstock swing-away accessory, such as those available for the 3520 and 4224B models, allows you to quickly move the tailstock out of your work area without physically removing or repositioning the lathe. This feature is essential for faceplate turning and bowl work where you need unobstructed access to the workpiece. The swing-away design eliminates repositioning time, enhances safety by keeping your hands clear of the spindle area, and allows you to switch between spindle turning and faceplate work seamlessly.

Do I need a dedicated lathe stand, or can I use a workbench?

While a sturdy workbench can temporarily support a lathe, a dedicated stand like the Powermatic PM2014 lathe stand is strongly recommended for optimal performance. Proper lathe stands are engineered with vibration-damping materials and rigid construction specifically designed to minimize chatter and vibration during turning operations. Additionally, integrated storage compartments keep tools organized and accessible, reducing setup time and improving workshop efficiency. A quality stand also positions the lathe at ergonomic working height, reducing fatigue during extended sessions.

Is the PM2014 lathe light compatible with all Powermatic models?

The Powermatic PM2014 lathe light is specifically designed for the PM2014 model, featuring an articulated arm that positions LED lighting directly over the work area without interfering with lathe operation. While other Powermatic models can accommodate various lighting solutions, we recommend verifying compatibility before purchasing lights for different models. Quality task lighting dramatically improves visibility on fine detail work, reduces eye strain, and enhances safety by providing clear sightlines to the workpiece and toolrest.

What power requirements do Powermatic lathes need?

Powermatic lathes are available with different electrical specifications to match various shop configurations. The 3520C operates at 2 HP on 230V, making it suitable for most residential and small commercial installations. The 4224B requires 220V single-phase or 3-phase power and delivers 3 HP for heavy-duty applications. Before purchasing, verify that your workshop electrical service can support the lathe's voltage and phase requirements. Consult with a qualified electrician if you need to upgrade circuits or install dedicated power lines for your lathe.