The 90 I have is great. A 1973. The serial number tells the age. It has an 1 1/2×8 arbor, I think the 45 has a 1" arbor, which makes it easier to get accessories for. Have had no problems, and it is very quiet. The dust collector suction at the lathe is alot louder. But the DC is only about 70 decibels, so even it is not bad. I paid $400 about 3 years ago, and I think I got a steal because the owner wanted it out of his basement, which was a 12' deep one. Took it apart and hauled it out in pieces. Most I have seen go for $800 +. Some models have the motor in the lathe bed and 1 belt. Mine has the motor in the cabinet with an intermediate shaft and 2 belts. I think that is a better design.

 

Chris, if it has a sheet metal cabinet, it will have some constant noise. It's totally tolerable, but if you think you can turn without hearing protection, you are in for some hearing loss in your future…..... ....... Jerry (in Tucson)

 

Thank you ibewjon, most of the ones I have seen, have been about $800 to. How can you tell the age by the serial number?
Thank you Jerry, when you say that I am in for hearing loss without protection, do you mean specifically with this lathe, or with wood turning in general?

 

With the lathe running and no dust collector running, but not turning wood, the lathe itself runs at about 68 decibels, the level of conversation. Turning wood will add to the level, but I consider this one of my quietest tools. My Laguna 14" bandsaw, running but not cutting is about 71 decibels. I have never had anyone measure the noise while I was cutting or turning. For the date, my serial number is as follows:. 390112 where the 3 is 1973, the 90 is the model, and 112 is the 112th machine made in 1973. Replace the 90 with 45. This is not the only system used, but it works for this era. I believe the year became multiple digits later.

 

Thank you so much ibewjon, I really appreciate all the information.

 

Glad to help.

 

My PM45 is very quiet and I can't remember ever needing or wanting hearing protection. Price is all over the map depending on many factors such as location and condition. I bought mine fully restored, with an upgraded 1hp single phase motor, original 3/4hp three phase motor, a ton of turning tools and a few centers for $500. I still think I overpaid for it, but not by much.

Cheers,
Brad

PS: Age can be found using the serial number and going to the VM Wiki page for Powermatic serial numbers.

 

Thank you MrUnix, I was really hoping that you would stop by and give me your take.
I can't understand how you think you overpaid on yours, if I had gotten all of that, for only $500, nobody would ever hear the end of what a great deal I had got. As it is, I stand very little chance of ever scoring such a bargain, guys like you snatch them all up while I am deliberating on whether or not to pursue it : )

 

I had 4 of them in my woodshop where I taught and they held up very well to student abuse. They were 47 years old and going strong when I retired 4 years ago.

 

Not aware of a wood lathe in good condition being loud enough to require hearing protection (real lathe, not some V8 utube accident). Cutting tools dont add much. My drill for sanding is louder than the DC. You should plan on DC and depending that might get sound hi enough.

 

I have a Powermatic 3520A bought used 5 years ago. It's real quite compared to the Delta Milwaukee 1460 I was using. But, if OSHA can come into your shop and tell you that the fluorescent lights you have in the ceiling can cause hearing loss, how can you guys using a lathe with the noise source less than 18" from your ears say that it isn't an issue?? I don't have anything to back up the lighting comment, but I know it was stated to me back in the late '80's by someone from OSHA who just happened to come to my shop. He was there to warn me to make sure I wear a hardhat when on a ladder.

Considering some of the comments on hearing, I'm going out on a limb and say that some of us are destined to become hearing impaired while others will die at 90 years of age with perfect hearing. I remember the exact time that I felt I was going to have some hearing issues. May 23, 1966 at 1045 am, in Europe firing at a target with a 1911 45 pistol while lying on the ground. My ears have never been the same. ............ Jerry (in Tucson)

 

You got nothing else to worry about. I get it. But everyone looses some hearing with age. It just happens.

 

Another reason to change to LED lighting.

 

I remember the exact time that I felt I was going to have some hearing issues. May 23, 1966 at 1045 am, in Europe firing at a target with a 1911 45 pistol while lying on the ground. My ears have never been the same.

Same for me, only it was the 50 caliber in the turret of an M577 in September, 1969.

 

Back to the lathe, you'll want to make sure the reeve's drive is in good repair and has seen regular lubrication. They will get LOUD and vibrate like crazy if they're not taken care of. Belts can get old and develop a "set", and that will contribute to noise and vibration also. But that's pretty easy to fix. If you're a bowl turner, you'll find the minimum speed may be too fast if starting with out of balance work. Most of them were 3-phase when new, so if it hasn't already been switched to a single phase motor, you'll have that to contend with. The lathes themselves are fine, I think. It's just the drive that can be problematic.