PM 3520 vs. Oneway 1640 (2HP)
Is the $1000 premium in price (~$3.8k) for the Oneway justified over the ($2.8k) price of the PM 3520 from a performance standpoint?
I am looking at these two models as possible candidates for my shop and I would like to get some inputs from the experts.
I don't want to over do the purchase being a hobbyist but I don't want to outgrow it either, I will be doing a mix of spindle and bowl turning.
How does the Nova DVR XP stack up against these two as well? Probably comparing apples to oranges with that one.
I've got two of the three
Late last year, I bought a PM 3520B and a Nova DVR XP (I have a shop in SC and one in VA) The first one was to replace my Vega 1553 and the second to replace my Delta (forget the model no. but it's the relatively cheap one). Both were great replacements, but if I had to choose between the two, it would be a PM. It's absolutely great, incredibly sturdy and can be serviced locally. The Nova is nice but... You either have to buy a micky mouse stand or build a good one-I opted for the latter.
The PM is standard 220V while the Nova is standard 110. You can alter it into 220 but then you have to worry about the warning from the manufacturer to beware of power outages or spikes because it is computer driven. I can get a surge protector for a 110, but would need a whole house protector to protect the 220 V outlet. You can tell the difference between 110 and 220!! One great feature that the Nova has is that when you turn it off and then turn it on without having cut back the speed, the computer automatically puts it a predetermined speed. The factory setting is about 500rpm but you can change it. Once I put in a huge block of wood on the PM and watched the whole machine skip almost a foot. I now try very hard to lower the speed whenever I shut it off.
As for the Oneway, my experience with that company has been outstanding. They make very very good stuff and back it very competently. Those friends who have a 2436 machine love it, but it is $$$$$. If you are going to do professional work get a big Oneway. If not, you won't be disappointed with a PM. The fact is that some excellent turners use the PM and do fantastic stuff with it.
Good luck. HB