Powermatic 3520C Malfunctioning Digital Readout Display FIX

[@paulrapp6]

Rod, I don’t own a lathe. Living in a trailer I have no space to keep one. But even so, your video is an excellent way for anybody to learn how to make a video. Fully explained. As well shot as can be done in such a cramped area with one camera and one light. Short enough to be concise. Long enough to be thorough. And entertaining to anyone who likes machinery. Many thanks for an enjoyable afternoon. Keep the aspidistra flying! God bless, Paul

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you very much, Paul, I sure appreciate that kind of feedback!

[@christopherhathaway6767]

As much as I love your turning videos, I have to say that I truly enjoyed this one - especially the fact that it fixed the issue for you. Great job, thanks for filming and sharing.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you very much!

[@janeoverby2151]

Wow that was a lot of work. Glad it's fixed Rob.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, Jane!

[@trurex007lee7]

Success is a wonderful thing! I don’t even have a Powermatic and you made it interesting to watch.

[@RHumphrey]

Thanks very much, I appreciate that!

[@dougrobinson9236]

I have the same lathe Rod. Thanks for the video. I cannot hook mine up until I move to a bigger house that has 220 in a shop. My lathe does not have the detachable control. Thank you so much.

[@RHumphrey]

You're very welcome Doug, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope you're able to use it soon! I can only imagine the anxious feeling of having a lathe but nowhere to plug it in!! 🤔

[@Pankreaslipase]

Don't hurry, we're waiting. =) Thank you for the insight in the repair process! May God bless you!

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you very much, Thomy! And you!

[@davidcampbell1669]

The same job lies ahead for me, but it just got a lot easier. Thanks for suffering through the process - I was glad that you seemed not to lose much blood. By the way, I also called Powermatic when my DRO quite (about 8 months after purchase) and the tech said "We know this problem" and immediately sent out a new encoder box. No cost, no questions. Again, thanks for the video - it helps.

[@RHumphrey]

I'm very happy Powermatic is handling this known problem the right way! Glad this is of use to you, David, and you're very welcome.

[@rayworstine4399]

Good morning, Rod. Excellent! 0 to 1500 RPM's in .875 seconds. Along with the instrumentation to prove it. Gotta love it. Nice detailed description of the fix. Looking forward to more of your Friday morning flicks. God Bless. Semper Fidelis

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you so much, Ray!

[@glencrandall7051]

It was great that Powermatic honored their warranty and that they responded quickly. 👍👍 Not so great that their engineers buried that box inside the headstock. 👎👎👎👎 Great work on your part working around all the obstacles. 🙂🙂 Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.😃😃😃

[@RHumphrey]

Full transparency, Powermatic sent me the parts "in good faith" not because of the warranty. They have a 1-year business and 5-year personal use warranty. I figured I'd be covered by the personal use warranty, but they said because I had sold something I made, I was a business... That being said, the tech people were very helpful. Thanks, Glen!

[@markanderson2713]

Hey there Mr. Humphrey, I just ordered my own new gizmo because the same thing is happening to my lathe. You are the man. I love your videos. This one was extremely helpful to me. Thanks!

[@RHumphrey]

Thanks, Mark, glad to have helped! It seems that folks are still having this issue (10 months later, sorry for the delayed response)

[@MH-qq3kj]

I’ve had issues with the exact control box on my Powermatic also. Great video Rod. I need to call tech support. Thanks

[@RHumphrey]

I believe this might be a known and somewhat common problem. Not 100% sure on that, but you and I are not alone with this issue. Here's the number contact info for them: powermatic.com/pm-contact-us-page

[@markmcgreevey5846]

Thanks for sharing this. I have a Powermatic 3520C, but have had no issues. If I ever do, I know who to call! Looking forward to your next turning video!

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you Mark, a year later... It's an ongoing issue with these machines, sadly.

[@markmcgreevey5846]

I hope you are well. You’re right Rod! It is ongoing. I had the same problem with mine after 3 years … powermatic sent parts at no cost. There are really good people there. I appreciate you detailing how to fix it Take care

[@stevebrooks2925]

Glad you got it fixed back. I know regardless of what brand malfunctions can happen.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, Steve! Very true and a good perspective to have.

[@jillhobbs79]

I’m sorry you had a problem with your lathe but I appreciate you bringing us along for the fix. Very interesting to watch.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you! I'm glad it was interesting, videos like this can be a bit dry, lol

[@GeraldJensen]

Thanks a BUNCH! My 3520C has a part-time display ... sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. My lathe is out of warranty, so it will be interesting to see what the PM techs have to say.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, Gerald! Glad to have helped. This is a known issue to Powermatic, so they should provide the components for free, out of warranty or not, in my opinion. PLEASE do leave a comment here regarding your experience with the PM techs regarding this problem, and what the resolution is/was. We'd all appreciate it!

[@martharoberts8533]

So glad to see you got it fixed and back in action...

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, Martha!

[@williamellis8993]

Yay! I'm glad that was the problem and it's fixed now. Billy Burt had some problems with his Powermatic but I think it was an inverter. I don't remember for sure. Bill

[@RHumphrey]

Thanks, Bill! Didn't know that, I'll have to ask him about it.

[@davidrohde6882]

Well, congrats! I now feel able to go out on the road to fix Powermatic lathes. Thanks for sharing, really like it.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, David! Late reply... 😊

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Fantastic fix Rod and a great video showing what was needed to be done. Looking forward to seeing a turning video from you. Take care my friend. Cheers, Huw

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, my friend! Cheers

[@ericcartrette6118]

I am glad you were able to get the lathe fixed! I recently replaced the motor on my power hammer. For some people, I guess it would be a piece of cake. For me, I' not an electrician, so it wasn't much fun. I look forward to seeing what you do next.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, Eric! I hear you. I'm no mechanical/electrical wizard either, but am reasonably unintimidated by the challenges. I guess the fun part for me is in the successful fix.

[@ericcartrette6118]

@@RHumphrey there is great satisfaction in the accomplishment.

[@glynis7970]

That was brilliant! Scared me a bit because it sounded like there was still power going to it even though you turned it off. Can’t wait for more turning

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you! No worries, it was unplugged the entire time my hands were vulnerable. Just shop noise.

[@glynis7970]

@@RHumphrey 😊

[@gary8033]

Congratulations on the fix! Glad to see your up and running again. 👍👍✌️

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, Bear!

[@mikem.2809]

Glad you got it going, and I look forward to the next episode! And I appreciate the support of your right arm bracelet brother!

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you very much, Mike! And absolutely!

[@davetomson1240]

Much thanks for the video. This is what my issue is so i appreciate knowing what my next steps are. Thanks again...Really helps!!

[@melissaready97]

Was nice to see repairs on the lathe, I always enjoy watching

[@RHumphrey]

Glad you enjoyed it! More turning coming soon 😊

[@garywright2788]

Just watched your video! Had to replace my digital readout also! Thanks for your help! God bless!

[@RHumphrey]

Thanks, Gary, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@stevebeck57]

I’ll just watch you work on it. We would have had to carry it out to the garbage man if I tried to fix it.♥️👍🏼

[@RHumphrey]

LOL! I understand completely!

[@millsinaz4220]

Back in business, nice work Rod.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you!

[@danellabarnes-penman1118]

MacGyver! Well done Rod!!

[@RHumphrey]

lol, not even close! But thank you! 😁

[@STMwoodturning]

Congrats on fixing your lathe! Hard to believe that a high end lathe like yours would have an issue so soon but oh well. Happy turning! Stuart

[@RHumphrey]

My thoughts are aligned with yours on that. Things happen, but I was and am very disappointed in the brand... love the lathe, but for the light use this one gets, it should've lasted a decade or two without failure. Parts aren't made to last anymore though; they're made to be replaced... or so it seems. Thanks MrTaco!

[@stephendonathan6782]

Great video Rod! I'm sure this will help anyone who owns a powermatic. I wish you did video taking down the big pine. It would've been a great video. Are you going to turn any of the pine? Take care and GOD BLESS 🙏!

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, Stephen! I'm not sure about turning any of the pine, but I did save some lengths for possible chain saw carving. 😊

[@donaldtrabeaux5235]

Awesome job Rod

[@RHumphrey]

Thanks, Cajun!

[@jarmstrong2843]

This video takes me back in time when I owed an industrial machining supply and repair business. It was not originally part of the business plan, but I did get sucked into making repairs to wood lathes, table saws and other power tools designed for home use. You’re actually very lucky the repair was so easy. Lots of times these power tools end up in the dumpster because it costs more to repair than they are worth. And many times parts no longer available. This is particularly true for those orange power tools from one of those big box home improvement stores. Some times they have parts interchangeable with other brands. But, many times when the parts are gone from inventories, they are gone for good. In the past, some Jet lathe parts were interchangeable with Powermatic since they are made by the same company. Ryobi, Ridgid and some Milwaukee parts are interchangeable with various tools in their product lines. Interchangeability of parts keeps production costs down. Once your power tool gets to around 5-7 years old, expect finding replacement parts more difficult; particularly in these crazy days and times for reasons we all know now.

[@RHumphrey]

Interesting. LOL, I didn't feel lucky, more like... irritated and disappointed that something so new and expensive failed already. Makes me want to stock up on parts! Semper Fi, brother!

[@jarmstrong2843]

@@RHumphrey Yeah, it is a little aggravating to have something new break on ya so soon after your get it. But sadly to say, that’s the way things are these days with the garbage we get from China. Nothing lasts. I use to service old Rockwell, Cincinnati, Fischer, Plum metal lathes that were 50-70 years of age and nothing went wrong on them. They were virtually indestructible. All they required was an occasional cleaning and lubrication. Even their electric motors were excellent and still going strong with some bearing replacements. Until the early 2000s, I use to work on large plastic injection machines that were beasts. They ran continually 24/7 only to stop for a mold change or required maintenance. But, those days are over since all that manufacturing basically went over seas. Semper Fi

[@jonenglish9759]

Thanks so much, I have to tackle mine this weekend!!!

[@RHumphrey]

Thanks for watching, and I hope it helped! How was Powermatic's response? I hope they're providing replacement parts for free, as this is such a common problem with defective parts...

[@marknelon6958]

You should come to SWAT sometime. Last weekend in August in Waco, TX. Largest assembly of turners in the country. Love to meet you there.

[@RHumphrey]

I really should! I tend to stay in hermit mode more often than not though, lol... some day maybe!

[@mawashiyomiradio]

Very nice. Good clip. Thanks for sharing.

[@RHumphrey]

Many thanks!

[@randykniebes5364]

Great job, Thanks!!!

[@chuckbell2949]

I hope that I never have to do this ! Thanks for making this video.

[@RHumphrey]

You're very welcome! I hope so too!

[@ThePapa1947]

Great fix on the readout Rod. Watching you work on the wires made me feel right at home. Except mine wires are on the built in generator on our motorhome. Found some rats nesting in the generator and they chewed 7 wires off of a plug. So I have been reaching in tight quarters like you just did. I hope to find the wiring harness so I can plug and play but I have traced the wires to know what what. Sure hope I get it going as smooth as you did your Powermatic! Your video is sure to help others. Now if you could do one on generator wire repair that would be great! LOL Take care, Gary

[@RHumphrey]

LOL, well... I'd seriously have to fake my way through a generator fix! Sounds like a good challenge though. Thanks for stopping by, Gary!

[@ThePapa1947]

I am finding it a big challenge but I have found the 4 out of the 7 chewed wires that are actually being used. Problem was they were all white wires. As soon as I found where they came from I was able to use an ohm meter to figure it out. Just hoping there are not more. I read that they use some kind of soy for coating the wires in newer rigs. We bought it new in 2016. This certainly is not as fun as turning on the lathe!

[@travisgreen3533]

Well done. Nice informative video. And, I found it interesting even though I do not have a lathe.

[@RHumphrey]

Thanks very much, Travis!

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Very nice video 👍

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you! It's a video that will do well over time, hopefully...

[@davebuts1921]

Great fix mate.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you!

[@MrGeroth]

Hey that was neat. I like it. Something different. God bless.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, Gerald!

[@awesomecarsforever]

Very interesting video to watch and informative also. Great job my friend. See ya soon Brother.

[@RHumphrey]

Thanks, brother!

[@graydog6284]

Just great work 👍

[@RHumphrey]

Thanks very much! It was easier than I had anticipated.

[@JS-ed2hg]

Wow that looked pretty difficult all those little wire looms to connect in such a small space but you made it look easy. Glad you got her up and running.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you! It was easier than I'd anticipated, but still a bit fiddly...

[@Knobstock]

The "special wrench" you needed is the tensioning adjustment handle you removed.

[@yaterdan]

Thanks for the video. I have to do the same thing.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you. Sorry to hear that!! I still have woodturners commenting saying the same. Did Powermatic take care of you?

[@yaterdan]

Yes, Powermatic replaced that black box as our lathe was still under warranty.

[@timf6916]

Good job

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you!

[@TheMessyStudio]

Cool, Top, this may well hope someone. Glad you got it back in operation!

[@RHumphrey]

I hope so too! It won't be a viral video, lol, but if it can help anyone... Thanks Billy!

[@CAPNMAC82]

Funny, I have distinct memories of USMC SGTs all yelling about "Iffin you ain' breathin' heavy, you ain' Workin'!" 🙂

[@johnveglio4433]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RHumphrey]

hahaha!! Now that you mention it... 😁🤣

[@heatherinparis]

Woo-Hoo! Job well done

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you! 😊

[@dtork47]

Hey, we’ve missed you. Helpful video replacement. How old is your 3520? I am currently waiting on a VFD box replacement! My powermatic is only 4 years old. Taking way too long for the unit to arrive! Stay safe.

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, I appreciate that. My lathe was less than two years old when it broke. Powermatic is not a brand I'd recommend... too many of us have had problems. The expense paid is repaid by Powermatic with frustrating quality issues... way too many. I hope they do you right and get you your parts quickly!

[@drgruber57]

Yay! It’s always a great feeling when you win at fixing something! Back in action. Blessings Rod!

[@RHumphrey]

Yes! Satisfaction after irritation, lol! Thank you!

[@ggbuck2625]

You could have used the handle to remove the front bolt instead of channel locks but it worked so no harm no foul.

[@RHumphrey]

lol... ugh! Thanks for making me slap my forehead!! lol, I probably needed it! 🤣

[@harrykeel8557]

Always sucks when the equipment doesn't work. All of the rachet handles on my lathe stripped out so I am using short metric bolts to hold everything, it's a pain at times but no more stripped handles.

[@RHumphrey]

I had a similar issue with my Jet when I had it up and running. Cheaply made parts, bad alloy.

[@tomcannon936]

Quite the mechanic Rod no busted Knuckles love it. Sometimes when your equipment breaks down it means you're supposed to do something else for a while the Lord can't do it all himself you know. Semper Fi

[@RHumphrey]

lol, I hear that! Busted knuckles are mandatory when I'm working on my truck though!

[@darinschneider8192]

cool video Top!!

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you, Darin!

[@bradbyers7505]

My 3520C has developed an audible “tick” related to the rpm sensor. It isn’t very loud, but is annoying and worrisome. Any suggestions? Is this a precursor of bad things to come, or does something just need cleaned? ANY help is appreciated.

[@RHumphreyOutdoors]

Sorry, I just saw your comment. I hope it didn't turn into yet another Powermatic fail... I don't have an answer for you but am curious how your lathe is running. For as much as these cost, I'm disappointed in the problems folks are having.

[@bradbyers7505]

@@RHumphreyOutdoors I loosened the belt and turned everything by hand, then tightened the belt back, but not quite as tight as it was. The problem went away and hasn’t returned. I’m lucky!

[@MikeB0001]

Woo hoo!😃

[@RHumphrey]

indeed! 😁

[@billy19461]

Well done! Our hands are larger than the Taiwanese.

[@RHumphrey]

I do have a couple of XL meat hooks! Thank you!

[@billy19461]

@@RHumphrey You are not the only one. I have a hard time finding gloves.

[@brianmclaughlin2621]

That’s a shame you haven’t had that for long

[@RHumphrey]

I completely agree!

[@johnveglio4433]

Easy as fixing a jeep !!😁😁

[@RHumphrey]

I do enjoy turning wrenches on older non computerized cars/trucks! I'm currently fixing up a 79 Chevy 4x4

[@toddvandyke8737]

OOHRAH!

[@RHumphrey]

Semper Fi, Leatherneck!

[@lyndacarter5090]

Thanks for the heads up on the magnetic bowl; it’d be great for keeping needles in one place while doing embroidery. An interesting video, thank you.

[@RHumphrey]

You're very welcome, my friend!

[@smitm108]

… the proverbial “black box”?

[@RHumphrey]

that it is! 😁

[@theangrywoodturner9972]

Good job. I would have dropped screws inside and said a few %#!$& angry woodturner words. Take care

[@RHumphrey]

LOL! I only had to go digging for one screw that got away and rolled into that debris pile I mentioned. I broke out the big magnet and found a drill bit along with it... unrelated... 🤣

[@mdansaryoutubechannel1598]

♥️♥️♥️♥️👉👉

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you!

[@brandonallan6807]

How can anyone afford one of those??

[@RHumphrey]

I saved and pinched pennies for it. I wouldn't advise anyone to go in debt for one of these... or anything else for that matter. Thanks Brandon!

[@coleyounger6758]

Gety rid of it,,,they are not as good as the old ones

[@RHumphrey]

lol, I would if I could afford it!

[@mrow7598]

I deal with encoders all the time. They're great but it stinks when they break and I swear they're never in an easy place to replace.

[@RHumphrey]

I'm just glad I didn't have to pull the spindle! I wasn't sure about that plate at first...

[@acousticmikeb8119]

Nice job!

[@RHumphrey]

Thank you!