Review of the Powermatic 2014 Midi Lathe

[@kreech68]

you had me at "where's the beef??"

[@arayan83079]

Powermatic owes you a commission because I think you convinced me to buy one to replace my jet 1220

[@peltona]

I've been following you for years and you've had a great influence on my turning hobby. I bought the Laguna 1216 shortly after you did and it was great with the exception of the tailstock quill slop. Even with the lock snugged, it would typically need a little lift with the hand to support it so it would engage on center. I sold it and upgraded this year to a 3520C and am very happy with everything so far except for sometimes the banjo lock seems excessively long. I'm happy to see the 2014 is so thoughtfully designed. I love the fact the spindle is 1 1/4". You mentioned the tool post diameters are the same but what about the length of the posts? I noticed some of the tool posts from my 1216 are a little short for the 3520c.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes, that banjo lock is crazy long. The tool rest for the Laguna 1216 fits the PM 2014. Too short for the 3520C

[@robertshirk3479]

Mike I really enjoy your videos. Your are a down to earth guy with common sense. So this video brings up a question from me. A little background first. I own an ancient lathe. It’s a Klusman & Greeves that’s about 100 years old, serial number 27. It will swing 20” and has an 8 foot bed. It weighs about 1,000 pounds. I have been saving for a long time to purchase a good large lathe. Seeing this video makes me think I should consider this very reasonably priced mid size lathe. My one concern is do you feel that the one horsepower motor is enough power for this lathe?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I believe the 1 hp is appropriate for its capacity. If you were wanting to do coring or turn larger tha 14" at the end of the lathe with an extension a lot, maybe you want a larger lathe. I have had no problems so far but admittedly have not turned a 12" bowl. But with the 3 pulleys to change the torque, I think it will handle most anything you will likely turn on it. Other 14" lathes like Robust Scout and Coronet Record Herald have a 1 hp motor as well.

[@robertshirk3479]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Thanks for your thoughts on this.

[@mpart_woodlathe-stuff]

Thanks for this review Mike - could've had this instead of the Record Herald. Oh well 🤷‍♂ Question: What is the bedways' gap ? Thanks again and take care. -Mike

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

1.75". It costs more than the Record Herald except for the tremendous sale going on this month.

[@TallEvaGuy]

Hi Mike. Thanks for the review. I bought this lathe several months ago. It is a robust little bugger. When I saw the bed machining, I suspected that it is milled to this degree of roughness for two reasons…1) speed of manufacture/ lower cost and 2) to give the head stock and tail stock a little more tooth to keep from slipping when tail stock pressure is applied.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I think you are right.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Mike, awsome review and awsome lathe.... I agree with swing capacity and size, I have 18inch swing and never had order or need to make bowl or platter over 12inch.... Everything above 12inch can be nightmare to store ... Atleast here in Croatia😀 . I might soon get smaller lathe as well..... Should be fun 🤗 Once again awsome video and lathe.... Many happy turnings with it 🤗 Tomi

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Tomi. Two lathes could speed up some production tasks for sure.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning indeed, But for now I will stick to one , for a little while🤗

[@georgebrandt550]

Had a 2014 for 2+ years. Agree with your thoughts and observations. Performed better than I’d anticipated.

[@glencrandall7051]

An excellent review Mike. It will be an excellent student lathe when you are teaching. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@MarklTucson]

Very nice review. If I were looking for a smaller lathe, this would definitely get some consideration

[@lancem5965]

Do you recommend turning off the power to the vfd if not turning for a couple weeks? I always hit the shut off on my Laguna 18/36 but need to unplug to cut power to the vfd. Any benefit to cutting power?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes, reduces the risk of a power surge or a lightening strike frying your VFD. Perhaps, a small risk but one mitigated by switching off.

[@jackthompson5092]

Mike, as I have said before, you have all the toys. Sounds like a great lathe which would satisfy most turners.

[@davidlambert8772]

Good review waiting for mine to be shipped

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I hope for a speedy delivery.

[@hfbowerndesigns810]

Looks like a nice piece of kit Mike Take care my friend Cheers Harold

[@BobAmarant]

HI MIKE, Very beefy lathe, thanks for doing this review. Real nice tool for sure, impressed with that quill length on such a lathe.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You bet

[@TheMessyStudio]

I knew you'd like it, Mike. I still love mine and it's the perfect accompaniment for my 3520B!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Right on!

[@daveburley7115]

I purchased the 2014 to replace an old single tube Craftsman. I was taught on the PM 2014 and thought it would make a good lathe for my needs. So far, so good. The only problem I experienced was that my 20amp GFCI didn’t like the lathe. Replaced the GFCI and problem disappeared.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes, gfci's do not play well with VFDs.

[@robertshirk3479]

After seeing this video and and hearing your opinions on this lathe, I bought one at a very reasonable price. Would you consider posting information about your lathe stand? By the way Powermatic should give you something for posting this video.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I wish about Powermatic. I have a couple of videos on making the stand. kzbin.info/www/bejne/majapIWkp7qMaNE

[@oldgeezer1746]

I was at the Louisville AAW convention and there were two or three demonstrators that had problems with excessive vibration with the powermatics. Not sure what the problems were exactly but have you noticed any problems like that?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

All lathes vibrate if the legs are not all touching the floor evenly. I am guessing that was the problem. I had that problem with my big Powermatci until I leveled the feet. I have a video on that in my lathe maintenance playlist.

[@davidmorgan7522]

Great review Mike! That will be nice for you and your students. I'd sure like to have that tool rest clamp on my 4224B. Thanks for the review and Enjoy! Take care, Dave

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yeps, that tool rest lock is poor. If it drives you crazy consider a Oneway banjo.

[@Woody-tf8wf]

I thought this would be a quality machine and it is great for a midi, but the innards are just not as solid as the big machine. Mine has torn up the bearings for the third time in less than three years. Mine was an early machine, so maybe they have fixed the quality issues. It also blew up the speed sensor. Getting it serviced has been a nightmare. I will be interested to see how yours holds up.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Thanks for sharing. I hope they are not mine. I know every line of lathe has some issues. I know the Laguna 1216 I bought had a switch problem. But I got a replacement under warranty and had no further problems. I know many of the early PM3520c lathes had bad switches, a bad lot. Repeat bad bearings- umm. Wonder what could cause that? I inquired at the John c Campbell folk school if they ever had bad bearings on their PMs. They are used daily all day. The answer was never. They do only keep them for about 3 years. Bad bearings on lathes is not something you hear much about as it just does not seem to be common. I remain optimistic but will certainly report to viewers if I have problems like yours.

[@kengunnell6398]

The tightening lever on the tool test surely is spring loaded to position out of the way to clear banjo clamp. Great review, like the 1 1/4” head stock so chucks are interchangeable. Great point you make on variable speed cut off switch to protect against lightening surges.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks 👍

[@Charlie-lu8hz]

Nice review Mike. I have owned this lathe for about 2 yrs now and I love it. I upgraded from a bench top Delta. I have the same complaints that you have, the finish on the ways and the low profile for cleaning out if bench mounted , a shop vac with attachment makes quick work of that. Also made an extension for the tail stock lock lever, really wish it was on the front side. All in all I think this is a great lathe for me.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for the info!

[@jackgaskins4170]

High Mike. Hope all is well. So hows the 2014 working out. Thinking of getting one. Already have a 3520B but no 220 yet since we moved to new house. Question, for electrical power is your shop wired with 10/2 or 10/3 romex cable?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

The 220 only requires 12 gage. Two hots and a a ground wire. My PM2014 is working out fine.

[@jackgaskins4170]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Thanks Mike. Was going to be purchasing some wire soon and was confused on what size to get. After reading through a lot of posts on different sites i see everyone recommending 10/2 if running a 30 amp breaker but i think for a 220 lathe you only need a 20 amp breaker? Im probably getting it confused with other tools needing a larger breaker such as a 80 gallon compressor or large table saw.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

@@jackgaskins4170 Yes, you only need a 20amp breaker for your lathe as shown in the lathe specs in the manual. I have a 30amp and 10 gage wire for my wife's sauna but that heater pulls a lot of amps. A 30 amp circuit costs a lot more than a 20.

[@jackgaskins4170]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Great, thank you for the information. Have a great day Mike.

[@garywright2788]

I’ve had this lathe for about 6 months now! I especially like the size even with the bed extension! Takes up very little space in my shop! I also have it sitting on the optional stand! More features compared to my almost 20 year old Grizzly!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Right on!

[@TommyLeopard-xv1oo]

Mike can u possibly tell me the measurement from the bottom of the lathe to spindle center. I have a stand but wonder if it to tall.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. 14.25"

[@larrybrillard4514]

Mike, does your PM 2014 run in reverse thank you for your response

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes

[@georgewilmore7599]

The Clamp the tool post and spindle Lock are what they used on older powermatic models.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

It is a good design but costs more than what was on the 3520A and B.

[@watupwitu]

this is a review I can trust! thank you- getting ready to purchase one

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I know you will enjoy it.

[@kenvasko2285]

Good review. Maybe you can come back in one year and give us an update.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Will do!

[@jbrinkman8671]

Add mine for three years. Replaced a 3520 B

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes, this would be a great downsizing lathe if you needed a smaller foot print.

[@jerrystark3587]

Looks like a very nice piece of gear. Good choice! 👍

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

It sure is!

[@LewisKauffman]

Thanks for the additional information, Mike!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You bet!

[@michaelmcdermott2178]

I love my 2014. It did die on me (no start) and I'm waiting for the part so I can take it to the warranty repair place. Customer service was great but the part is taking a long time to come in. Otherwise, after mebbe a hundred bowls, a couple hundred 'magic wands' and many other projects, I'm really enjoying it.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Sorry to hear about that. I thing every lathe model can experience a problem. The key is how quickly customer service can get you up and running again. How long have you been waiting on the part? Switch or VFD?

[@michaelmcdermott2178]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning It's over two months now since I first reported the problem as intermittent and several weeks since the lathe failed completely. I'm told the part is on the way and then I have to take headstock to the technician closest to me. We'll see how that goes.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I hope your tech support place is nearby. I think lots of folks that get a part can install but I have heard that maybe the speed sensor is difficult to get to to tighten up the set screws.

[@michaelmcdermott2178]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Yeah, I just prefer to have a fully competent person do it.

[@garryevans3594]

what is the foot print of the lathe bed ways?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

32.5"x11.25"

[@garryevans3594]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning THANK YOU

[@DavidSuggs-f9j]

Mike, I really appreciate the unboxing and review videos you did on the PM2014. I have taken classes using Powermatic 3520B lathes and really wanted a 3520C, but couldn't justify the money for my level of skill and need. I decided to go for the PM2014 during the Powermatic Summer Sale, because of the discounted price and free shipping, influenced by your videos. I am upgrading from a Jet 1220VS and am looking forward to the added swing, better stability of a 1" toolrest post, and overall beefier lathe, better headstock bearings, digital readout, remote control box, etc. Thanks for the reviews!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You will enjoy your upgrade.

[@DavidSuggs-f9j]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Not so much, yet. I plugged it in, turned on the switch and got nothing. No lights on the remote, no rotation on the spindle. Calling Technical Support tomorrow.

[@tompuskar4426]

I've had this lathe for several years and I love it! I bought it with the stand and extension. It replaced an older Jet, 1236, I think. The only downside I have found so far is that the headstock doesn't swivel. Not a real problem but would be nice if it did. I also keep hoping that they will come out with a tailstock swivel that would allow you to drop the tailstock without actually removing it. Would be useful for bowl turning because that tailstock is pretty heavy! Great product for a small shop and great review. Thanks.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing. I think for a lathe this size , there would be a small market for a swing away like on the big PMs. I think having a cart or table nearby wold help. I would not want to continually go to the floor with it.

[@tompuskar4426]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning I agree there would probably be a small market for a swing away but a guy can dream!. I keep hoping that they might be working on a prototype and need someone to beta test it. I'm here PM! LOL

[@bobbyfowler7319]

What a nice lathe!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

It sure is!

[@-ZIO]

nice!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for the visit

[@michaelglackin2420]

Hello Mike does the aluminium turn handle that runs parallel with the motor get warm after using the lathe for a while

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Not that I have noticed. Not sure why it would. Have you experienced that on this or any other lathe?

[@michaelglackin2420]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning yea i have a Twister fu 180 lathe and it would heat up a bit after using it for a wile. Thanks for getting back to me Mike class videos as always

[@wesleyhead]

Nice review of a nice lathe!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Wes. Wish the club had a bunch of them. Missed you Tues.

[@johnfritz3792]

I bought the extension for mine

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Great idea if this is your primary lathe. For a teaching lathe, I did not think it would be that helpful and increases the overall lathe footprint in my congested turning area.

[@johnfritz3792]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning you mentioned the machining on the deck, the transition between the extension and the main lathe could be better. But I love the lathe!

[@stevenhansen8641]

🕶Thanks Mike Nice lathe