Operation; Inspection; Turning Tools - Powermatic 3520C Operating Instructions And Parts Manual

Also, a braking feature eliminates long coasting
periods after the Lathe is turned off.
The 2 horsepower motor is specially designed for
use with inverter drives, and is balanced to reduce
noise and minimize vibration.
The A.C. Inverter does not require any programming
– it is pre-programmed from the factory. Use only
the controls on the front of the headstock to operate
lathe. If you suspect a problem with the inverter or
inverter settings, contact Powermatic technical
service at 1-800-274-6846.
A lightning strike or power
surge may cause the inverter to fail. When lathe
is not in use, disconnect power plug, or have a
3-pole disconnect installed on the power side.

10.0 Operation

The information which follows is general in nature
and not intended to be a complete course in wood
turning. Nothing can replace the knowledge gained
by discussions with experienced wood-turners or
consulting books, trade articles, and internet
forums. Above all, simple trial and error will aid in
developing proficiency in the craft.

10.1 Inspection

Before operating the lathe, check that everything is
in proper working order:
1. Level your machine; use the adjustable levelers
to help reduce vibration.
2. Check bearings; adjust only if endplay exists.
3. Check belt; it should be snug but not overly
tight.
4. Bed ways; keep clean, use steel wool to remove
any rust spots, and apply paste wax to prevent
buildup of rust and finishes.
5. Tool support; use a mill file to remove nicks and
dings.
6. Spindle tapers; should be clean and free of dust
and chips for proper seating of tapers.
7. Tailstock; clean and lubricate quill and locking
device.
8. Lighting; proper lighting is essential to eliminate
shadows and reduce eye strain.

10.2 Turning tools

If possible, select only fine quality, high-speed steel
turning tools. High-speed steel tools hold an edge
and last longer than ordinary carbon steel. As one
becomes proficient in turning, a variety of specialty
tools for specific applications may be acquired. The
following tools provide the basics for most
woodturning projects (see Figure 10-1):
Skews – 1-1/2" and 1" or 1-1/4", used to make
finishing cuts and details.
Large Roughing Gouge – 1" to 1-1/4", used to
eliminate waste wood.
Spindle Gouges – 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", used to turn
beads, coves and other details.
Deep Fluted Bowl Gouge – 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2",
used for turning bowls & plates.
Square Scraper (Bedan) – 3/8" or 1/2", used to
create square shoulders.
Large Round Nose (Domed) Scraper – 1-1/2",
used to reduce ridges on interior of bowls, round
edges of bowls, etc.
Parting Tool - 1/8", used for scraping, making a cut-
off, or to set diameters for sizing.
Figure 10-1: Basic Turning Tools
For safety and best performance, keep tools sharp.
If a tool stops cutting or requires excessive pressure
to make a cut, it needs to be sharpened. A number
of brand name sharpening jigs and fixtures are
available; however, a woodturner should learn to
sharpen tools freehand.
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