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A Powermatic wood lathe is usually the last lathe a turner buys. The 3520 line has been the reference 20-inch machine in American shops for years, and the current lineup adds a benchtop model, a short-bed bowl lathe and a 24-inch heavyweight. The common thread is mass, low starting speed and a five-year warranty.
The catch is that Powermatic is a premium brand, and most of its lathes need a 220V circuit and a sturdy floor. So the real question is which Powermatic fits your shop and your work, and whether you need one at all. Below we review the four lathes on Powermatic's current lathe page, using Powermatic's own spec tables first and retailer spec sheets where Powermatic leaves a figure out.
Our top picks at a glance
Powermatic 3520C 20 in. x 35 in. Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 1Ph 220VCheck priceBest Benchtop Powermatic
Powermatic PM2014B 14 in. x 20 in. Variable Speed Woodworking Benchtop LatheCheck priceBest Short-Bed Bowl Lathe
Powermatic PM2020 20 in. x 20 in. Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 1Ph 220VCheck priceQuick picks
- Best Overall Powermatic: 3520C. Best for a lifetime 20-inch lathe that handles big bowls and long spindles.
- Best Benchtop Powermatic: PM2014B. Best for Powermatic quality on 120V power, in a 14 x 20-inch benchtop frame.
- Best Short-Bed Bowl Lathe: PM2020. Best for 20-inch bowl capacity in a shorter footprint.
- Best for the Biggest Work: 4224B. Best for 24-inch swing, 3 HP and nearly 950 lb of mass.
Powermatic wood lathes compared
| Lathe | Best for | Swing over bed | Between centers | Motor | Speed ranges | Indexing | Net weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3520C | Overall | 20 in. | 36 in. (35 in. in some listings) | 2 HP, 220V 1Ph | 15–1,200 / 40–3,200 RPM | 48 | 726 lb | Check price |
| PM2014B | Benchtop | 14-1/4 in. | 19-1/4 in. | 1 HP, 120V input | 15–900 / 30–1,800 / 60–3,600 RPM | 24 | 172 lb | Check price |
| PM2020 | Short-bed bowls | 20 in. | 20 in. | 2 HP, 220V 1Ph | 50–1,200 / 125–3,200 RPM | 48 | 530 lb | Check price |
| 4224B | Biggest work | 24 in. | 42 in. | 3 HP, 220V 1Ph | 40–970 / 80–2,000 / 135–3,500 RPM | 98 | 948 lb | Check price |
All four list MT2 tapers in the spindle and tailstock quill, a digital readout, a sliding headstock, an inverter-driven three-phase motor and a five-year warranty on Powermatic's site.
Which of these lathes fit your work?
Enter a size to filter the table above. Tap a column heading to sort.
Diameter is checked against swing over the bed, which is the maximum; the practical limit over the banjo is smaller. Length is checked against distance between centers. Figures come from the table above, so a lathe with an unlisted spec stays visible.
Powermatic 3520C review
Who it's for
Bowl and hollow-form turners working at 12 to 18 inches, furniture makers turning long spindles, and anyone buying a single lathe to keep for decades.
What stands out
The 3520C keeps the formula that made the 3520 famous: 20 inches of swing over the bed, about 36 inches between centers and a lot of cast iron. Powermatic lists a net weight of 726 lb. Retailer spec sheets give 15-3/4 inches of swing over the tool rest base, which is the practical limit for outside shaping.
The 2 HP motor runs on 220V single-phase through an inverter, with a 15–1,200 RPM low range and a 40–3,200 RPM high range. That 15 RPM floor is the lowest in the lineup and lets you bring a lumpy, out-of-round blank up to speed gently, which is exactly what the AAW recommends for unbalanced work. Powermatic lists 6.2 motor amps and a recommended 20-amp circuit.
Powermatic calls the C the fourth evolution of the 3520. The updates it lists are a movable control box with a magnetic back, adjustable riser blocks, an upgraded banjo with a non-marring pinch-style clamp, an extended spindle nose, a fully enclosed VFD, and an anti-rotation tailstock with a self-ejecting, laser-etched quill. There are 48 indexing positions with a digital readout and a 5/8-inch spindle bore.
On spindle thread and risers, sources differ. Retailers list a 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI spindle (with a 1-3/16 in. x 18 UNC outboard thread). Powermatic's current page says the risers add 4 inches of height adjustment, while some retailers describe 6 inches. Check the version you are buying.
Pros
- 20-inch swing with 726 lb of mass to absorb vibration
- 15 RPM minimum, ideal for unbalanced blanks
- Sliding headstock, 48-position indexing and digital readout
- Adjustable riser blocks for spindle height
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Needs a 220V, 20-amp circuit
- Very heavy to deliver and move
- Premium price tier
Powermatic 3520C 20 in. x 35 in. Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 1Ph 220V
by Powermatic
Powermatic PM2014B review
Who it's for
Turners who want Powermatic build quality without a 220V circuit or a 700 lb machine, and midi owners who want more swing.
What stands out
The PM2014B is the newest lathe in Powermatic's lineup, listed with a "New" badge. It offers 14-1/4 inches of swing and 19-1/4 inches between centers on a cast iron bed, headstock and tailstock. A 1 HP inverter-driven motor runs on a standard 120V outlet; Powermatic recommends a 15-amp circuit.
Speed comes in three variable ranges: 15–900, 30–1,800 and 60–3,600 RPM. A 15 RPM start is remarkable on a benchtop lathe, and the 3,600 RPM top end covers pens. Powermatic also lists a sliding headstock for outboard turning, a movable magnetic control box with digital readout, 24 indexing positions, a 3/8-inch spindle bore, 4-1/2 inches of quill travel and a hardened steel top-rod tool rest, which it says resists wear better than the previous model's rest.
It comes as a benchtop lathe or with a stand. The adjustable stand (PM1-484) and a 13-inch bed extension (PM1-485) are also listed separately. Powermatic lists a net weight of 172 lb.
One detail to confirm: Powermatic's table lists the spindle thread as 8 TPI without stating the diameter. Retailers list the previous PM2014 at 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI, which is a full-size thread, so check before ordering a 1-inch chuck.
Pros
- Runs on 120V household power
- 15 RPM low end and 3,600 RPM top speed
- Sliding headstock and magnetic control box
- 14-1/4-inch swing, more than most midi lathes
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Spindle thread diameter not stated on Powermatic's page
- Stand and bed extension cost extra on the benchtop version
- Priced well above JET and RIKON midis
Powermatic PM2014B 14 in. x 20 in. Variable Speed Woodworking Benchtop Lathe
by Powermatic
Powermatic PM2020 review
Who it's for
Bowl turners with limited floor space who rarely turn spindles longer than 20 inches.
What stands out
The PM2020 gives you the 3520C's 20-inch swing on a short bed with 20 inches between centers. Powermatic lists a 2 HP, 220V single-phase motor with three-phase output, 50–1,200 and 125–3,200 RPM ranges, 48 indexing positions, a 5/8-inch spindle bore and a net weight of 530 lb. Retailers list 17 inches of swing over the tool rest and a 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI spindle.
Powermatic's feature list includes a redesigned tool rest geometry, a self-ejecting quill with laser-etched markings, storage inside the tailstock, two mounting positions for an optional bed extension, a brass-tipped knockout bar and a safety guard. Its 50 RPM floor is higher than the 3520C's 15 RPM, but still low enough for most bowl blanks.
Pros
- 20-inch swing in a shorter footprint
- 530 lb of mass
- Optional bed extension if you need length later
- Safety guard and tailstock storage
Cons
- Only 20 inches between centers out of the box
- 50 RPM minimum is higher than the 3520C
- 220V circuit required
Powermatic PM2020 20 in. x 20 in. Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 1Ph 220V
by Powermatic
Powermatic 4224B review
Who it's for
Professional and very committed turners who regularly mount blanks over 18 inches, and anyone who wants the biggest stock lathe Powermatic makes.
What stands out
Powermatic says the 4224B, at over 900 lb, is the biggest, heaviest and most capable lathe it has built. Its spec table lists 24 inches of swing, 42 inches between centers, a 3 HP motor on 220V single-phase through an inverter, 10 motor amps and a recommended 20-amp circuit. Net weight is 948 lb.
There are three speed ranges: 40–970, 80–2,000 and 135–3,500 RPM. Indexing jumps to 98 positions. Powermatic's feature list adds a vacuum chucking system, an air nozzle with a quick-connect fitting for clearing chips, a 15-amp quad receptacle for lamps and accessories, a spindle lock and a brass-tipped knockout bar. Retailers list a 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI spindle; swing over the tool rest base is given as 21 inches by one retailer and 19-1/4 by another.
Pros
- 24-inch swing and 42 inches between centers
- 948 lb of mass and a 3 HP motor
- Built-in vacuum system, air nozzle and power outlets
- 98-position indexing
Cons
- Top of the premium tier
- Needs serious floor, delivery and 220V planning
- Overkill for anything but large work
Powermatic 4224B 24 in. x 42 in. EVS Woodworking Lathe, 3 HP, 1Ph 220V
by Powermatic
3520C vs PM2014B: which should you buy?
If bowls over 12 inches are your goal, or you want to turn table legs without a bed extension, the 3520C is the answer. Its 20-inch swing, 726 lb of mass and 15 RPM start are in a different class.
If you mostly turn spindles, boxes and bowls up to about 10 inches, the PM2014B makes more sense. It runs on 120V, fits on a bench, and still offers a 15 RPM start and a sliding headstock. Compare it with the midi lathes in our best midi wood lathes roundup, which cost less for similar capacity.
Buying guide: choosing a Powermatic wood lathe
Power and circuits
The 3520C, PM2020 and 4224B all need a 220V circuit, and Powermatic recommends 20 amps for each. The PM2014B runs on 120V with a recommended 15-amp circuit. Plan the wiring before delivery day.
Low-end speed
The AAW warns that the old bowl-speed formula can allow speeds that are too fast for unbalanced blanks, and recommends starting well below it. Powermatic's low ends range from 15 RPM (3520C, PM2014B) to 50 RPM (PM2020), all far below what step-pulley lathes offer.
Spindle thread and chucks
Moving to a full-size Powermatic from a midi often means a new chuck insert, because midis usually use 1 in. x 8 TPI and full-size lathes 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI. See our best wood lathe chucks for insert-based chucks.
Spindle height
The AAW's rule of thumb is that the spindle should be around the height of your heart and no lower than your elbow. The 3520C's adjustable risers help taller turners reach that height.
Delivery and space
Floor lathes ship on pallets and weigh 530 to 948 lb net. Measure doorways, plan the move with help or equipment, and leave room to stand at the front and to slide the headstock.
Accessories to budget for
A Powermatic lathe arrives ready to turn between centers, but most owners add:
- A four-jaw chuck with a 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI insert or direct thread (confirm the PM2014B thread first). See our best wood lathe chucks.
- A live center upgrade if you plan to drill through the tailstock.
- Bowl and spindle gouges sized for big work; 5/8-inch bowl gouges on long handles suit a 20-inch lathe.
- A slow-speed grinder and jig. Sharp tools matter more on big blanks.
- A full face shield rated for impact. The AAW says full face shields provide the protection needed for bowls and any chuck or faceplate work.
- Lighting and dust collection at the lathe. The 4224B includes a quad receptacle for lamps; on the other models, plan an outlet nearby.
Finding a Powermatic wood lathe for sale
Powermatic sells direct on its website and through woodworking retailers, and its larger lathes ship by freight. Lead times and stock vary, especially on the 4224B. Used 3520-series lathes also appear regularly; check for cracked castings, damaged spindle threads and worn bearings, the problems the AAW's lathe-buying guide flags on used machines.
Warranty and parts
Powermatic lists a five-year warranty on all four lathes. As a sister brand to JET under JPW Industries, it has a long US dealer network. If you are weighing new against used, see our used wood lathe buying guide.
How we chose
We did not test these lathes ourselves. We built this review from Powermatic's current product pages and spec tables, retailer spec sheets for figures Powermatic does not publish (spindle thread, swing over the tool rest), and the AAW's safety and lathe-buying guidance. Where Powermatic and retailers disagree, such as the 3520C's riser height and between-centers figure, we say so.
FAQ
Is a Powermatic wood lathe worth it?
For serious bowl turners, usually yes. The 3520C, PM2020 and 4224B combine inverter-driven motors, very low starting speeds (15 to 50 RPM), sliding headstocks and 530 to 948 lb of mass, with a five-year warranty. For pens and small spindles, a midi lathe costs much less and does the job.
What is the difference between the Powermatic 3520B and 3520C?
Powermatic describes the 3520C as the fourth evolution of the 3520. Its listed updates include a movable magnetic control box, adjustable riser blocks, a pinch-style banjo clamp, an extended spindle nose, a fully enclosed VFD and an anti-rotation tailstock with a self-ejecting quill.
What voltage does a Powermatic 3520C need?
It runs on 220V single-phase. Powermatic lists a 2 HP motor, 6.2 motor amps and a recommended 20-amp circuit. The smaller PM2014B runs on standard 120V household power.
What spindle thread does a Powermatic lathe have?
Retailer spec sheets list 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI for the 3520C, PM2020 and 4224B, with MT2 tapers in the headstock and tailstock. Powermatic's PM2014B page lists 8 TPI without the diameter, so confirm before ordering a chuck insert.
Is Powermatic the same company as JET?
Both brands belong to JPW Industries. Powermatic is positioned as the premium line, and JET covers more of the hobby and midi market; see our JET wood lathe review and our Powermatic vs JET lathe comparison.
Verdict
The Powermatic 3520C is the Powermatic wood lathe to buy for most serious turners: 20 inches of swing, a 15 RPM start and 726 lb of cast iron. If you need 120V and a benchtop footprint, the PM2014B brings the same low-speed control to a 14-inch frame. Choose the PM2020 for big bowls in a small shop, and the 4224B only if you truly need 24 inches of swing. For more options across brands, see our best wood lathe guide.