Well, after considering all of your fine advice I found some extra cash and have decided to purchase the Powermatic 3520B. Two replies hit home with me:
Now for one more question (or two):
- Always buy as much as you can afford (plus a little!)
- Use the extra money to buy accessories (I already have several chucks and all of the turning tools that I think i need).
So I guess my question is whether the Woodcraft store can help with service issues better than a mail order house and is service really an issue with the PM?
- If I purchase from Woodcraft (local) I get a 18" bed extension free with the $3,350 price + tax of about $250 = $3,600. With this I think I get local support and help with PM if I have issues. Plus the owner just started BAW (Bluegrass Area Woodturners) and gives us a place to meet. And I think it's important to support the local stores or they won't be around when you need them.
- Toolnut's price is about $2,900 and I don't think it comes with the 18" bed extension. Of course no tax, but maybe shipping & local delivery.
The bed extension sort of negates the tax charges and I think I want it. But if Toolnut says "free shipping" then it's a pretty tough decision.
Probably a pretty tough decision to walk into our BAW club meetings every month and talk about that PM that I didn't buy from WC.
Sorry to ramble, but I really don't want to make a mistake on a purchase of this size. Thanks in advance for any and all add'l advice.