Powermatic Lathe Tailstock Swing Away (6294721)
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It is compatible with the 3520 series, according to the 2018 woodturners catalog. I bought one for my 3520B. It performs admirably. I do a lot of turning at the tailstock end, so it's very convenient to get it out of the way.
Does the anniversary model have a different bed than the 3520?
There isn't a tailstock included. This item makes use of the original lathe tailstock. The hinge as well as a small bed extension are included in the package.
I went with the less expensive option, but it didn't fit right. I went with the more expensive one, and it works perfectly. It has made me very happy.
Selected User Reviews For Powermatic Lathe Tailstock Swing Away (6294721)
It was simple to put together, requiring only two bolts. I tightened the bolts and then backed off a turn on each one before bringing the tailstock back so the ways guide and the big washer were half on the lathe and half on the swing-arm. away and tightened the tailstock, as well as the washer and ways guide, bringing both pieces into alignment before tightening both mounting bolts. Once the swing-arm is in place, the setup is fine. The tailstock has to be lifted up a little to clear the bed because there is a slight difference in height on one side. I tried adjusting a few times, but I guess it's just the way it is. In addition, the swing-style It doesn't appear to be a problem, and I'm sure it's not a big deal, but I would have added the extra length and made the spring a little beefier and more tension to aid in swinging back up. It's not difficult to pivot back into place, but the whole point was to make lifting the tailstock easier, so if you're going this far, you might as well make it even easier. It's difficult to say whether $300 is a good investment. If your back hurts from lifting something off the floor, $300 seems like a bargain compared to a chiropractor's bill. I wasn't overly enthusiastic about it, but I suppose it was worthwhile. I do a lot of hollowing and require a lot of space, so I'm sure I'll appreciate the convenience this provides in the long run.
When turning bowls, I no longer have to worry about hitting tool handles (or my elbow). It's a little difficult to line up and install, but it's well worth the effort; it's a little heavy for one person to install alone, so having a helper is a good idea. It not only allows the tailstock to swing away, but it also adds several inches to the lathe bed, allowing tool handle clearance when turning bowls by simply moving the tailstock a few inches. There is one caveat: The swing away function will be hampered if the back of your lathe is too close to a wall, but this should be clear from the description.
This appeared to be a great idea due to previous issues. I was using my Robust clubs and was completely smitten with the Robust Tilt Away. It's only a short walk to Powermatic's. I frequently turn from the end of the bed with the head stock slid down the bed. The swing away does not completely remove the obstacle. My knee has been banging a lot lately. I'm currently pulling it away with a bungee cord. The knob that keeps the unit in the up position is one of my pet peeves. I would have preferred a cam that tightens in a quarter or half turn.
On my 3520b, it performs admirably. I couldn't turn the black knob to loosen the swing away when I first got it. We tried penetrating lubricant and other things, and we had a couple of 20-something guys try it with no success. A plumber showed up at the house a few days later to do some work. Using his "plumbers grip muscles," he was able to free it. It works great now that that's taken care of and the thing is properly aligned, and I'm very pleased with it.
I've always been hesitant to purchase "expensive" add-ons, fearful of not getting the value for my money. However, the money spent was well spent. I hollow a lot of things and make a lot of bowls. To get safe access to the end work, the very heavy tail stock had to be completely removed from the bed. It took a long time for a single person to put it back together. I'm getting a lot of bang for my buck with something so simple to use!.
Without having to lift the heavy tailstock off and on the lathe, working at the lathe all day is much more enjoyable. I wish I had purchased one years ago! Quality product with one minor flaw: I wish it had been about 3 inches longer. Aside from that, it works perfectly!.
As described, it was simple to install and there were no problems.
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