Powermatic 14" x 20" Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe with Open Stand, Reversible Wood Turning Machine, 1 HP, 120V 1Ph (PM2014)

I can't rate this lathe high enough. I started out using an old Shopsmith. When it broke, I decided to look for a new 'lifetime' lathe since I enjoyed turning wood so much. The thing I like about the Powermatic summarized by the word 'solid'. The whole unit, it's controls and it's operation feels solid. I don't feel like the unit is going to break or bend. While being solid, it's not clunky or chunky. The controls feel good in my hands! Moving up from a lighter lathe (the Shopsmith) the Powermatic feels 'safe'. I love the variable speed. I can dial the speed down to zero when starting out with a piece that is out of balance. I like that the unit is heavy--it's not going to walk away from me. I needed a lathe that is longer than this model, but only occasionally, so I didn't want a longer unit in my small shop. Since the Powermatic's extension is pricy, I made my own and added 18" to the total lathe bed length. The PM 2014's motor is plenty powerful enough for the long spindles I'm turning. The extension doesn't hurt the unit's balance at all.

Apparently Amazon doesn't stay in contact with their shipper, as Amazon gave me a delivery date on Feb. 21 - 24. Then I got a call from the shipper saying my lathe would be delivered on Feb. 9. I had to scramble a little bit, but was thrilled to get it sooner. And since it was assembled and plugged in on the tenth there has been exactly one day that I have not put it to use. I knew what I was buying, so don't think of these as complaints, but at first, the motor stalled easily. As I have improved my technique and tool presentation, this now occurs very seldom. Space on the bed is at a premium so the tailstock spends a lot of time on a board on the floor, but it does not weigh so much that at 72 with a very bad back, this is no problem. Basically, everything I need or want is there, well made and we'll finished. Because of the bad back, I have to sit to run this lathe and with their adjustable srand assembled near the lowest level, this has been quite comfortable for me to do. In the first three weeks I have turned out chopsticks for myself and my grandson (we love sushi), Christmas ornaments, an egg, 2 bowls, a cup, many practice spindles and two large garbage bags of chips. As the title of this review implies, I'm one happy camper.

After researching lathes from a variety of makers I finally went with this Powermatic. I am on various forums for wood turning and after requesting feedback from members all responses were very positive on this and other models. I have had Powermatic equipment in the past and although they are no longer made in the USA the quality from Taiwan is ever bit as good! The lathe is well built, runs very smooth, and heavy enough to do the job. Go gold!

Well I planned on buying a 13" bed extention, but they jacked up the price. So that's out. They don't list a tailstock swingaway for the 14/20 so that's out. What with all the other defects I guess I'll have to see what it's going to take to send the whole thing back. Very dissatisfied customer. I've been turning for 40 years, to those who think they got something special, all I can say is good luck with it.

I like everything about my Powermatic Iam saving for the extension table. Glad I did a lot of shopping before I purchased the 2014 lathe. Shipping package was pretty flimsy but I found no damage on the lathe. One screw had fell out I put back in no trouble. Packaging should be better skid was all busted up, lucky there was no damage to the machine or scratches.

Excellent short bed lathe, i mostly do bowls. Ordered the extension for use as outboard turning set up.

After six months learning to turn on a 10x18 Central Machinery import, I knew what I wanted in a new lathe. It had to have a swing of 14-16”, maybe more. It had to have a motor of at least one horsepower. It had to be from a company with a history of quality manufacturing and product support. It had to run on my existing 110vac shop power. And it had to be something I could move down to my basement shop working by myself. I’d spent a day turning on a friend’s Powermatic 3520C, and I was impressed by the features and the quality. After stalling for a few months I heard that Powermatic would be raising their prices soon, so I decided I’d better act. I managed to get my order in just before the big price increase. I’ve had it for about a month now and I’m extremely pleased with it. Moving it to my home shop wasn’t to difficult using a hand truck, as the lathe breaks down into several parts. The quality is every bit as good as the larger 3250, and it’s an absolute pleasure to use. Everything is solid as a rock. The electronic speed control is far easier to use than moving belts on my old 10x18, and when you do need to move the belt, it takes seconds. I only have one complaint, if you can call it that: I should have ordered the bed extension as well before the price went up, but I’ll probably be ordering it next year. With the extension I’ll be able to turn pieces as larger as 20”, which is probably as big as I’ll ever need.

The lathe has headstock issues. I had to return mine, trying to contact powermatic is a joke. I just received my replacement headstock. They sent me an entire lathe and now it has to be sent back. Amazon prime did a wonderful job getting the replacement. I’m hoping this new one last more than 6 weeks. It’s a wonderful lathe, I was so impressed until the bearing failed, it started ticking under the rpm counter. Known issue.