The Powermatic 3520A Lathe and the Jet 1014 Mini Lathe

The Powermatic 3520 Lathe turns up to 20" in diameter and has plenty of power and torque for using hollowing tools, such as the Monster Hollowing System and bowl coring such as the Kel McNaughton or similar systems.  Have nothing but good things to say about this lathe, sturdy and smooth - this transfers to your turnings.  Am partial to Vicmarc Chucks for this lathe. We've 2 of  the VM100, one with the standard jaws and one with the pin jaws, this makes for quick and easy changeouts for different pieces of work without needing to fumble with taking the jaws off each time. The VM120 is for bigger jobs. These chucks are machined nicely and have an indexed enclosed back which keeps woodchips out and allows indexing. Can you tell we LOVE these Vicmarc Chucks??!!!

The Jet Mini Lathe is excellent for smaller turnings up to 10". I am continuously impressed with the Jet brand - their customer service is knowledgeable and parts come quickly. Recently replaced the a belt, inner and outer bearings on this lathe (bought in 2002) and parts were here within 2 days and now it runs like a champ! We have several Nova chucks (by Teknatool) that we use on the Jet mini lathe. We find the Nova chucks are counterintuitive, meaning there's a tendency to turn them the opposite direction when tightening or loosening. They do what they're supposed to do, but...
Woodturning Shop /Studio Tools & Instruction
One of our other passions are viewing rare OOP movies. When we're not tracking down movies for our customers at www.Lawkidvd.com, we can usually be found in the shop turning, burning or embellishing wood.
LEARN to TURN
Let your imagination run wild!
Personalized instruction
GOT WOOD?
Most times we use timbers that were felled due to storms and construction, however there are times when we use sustainably harvested kiln dried wood. If you want to exchange timbers that are indigenous to your area with timbers indigenous to ours, then please write or call us so we can arrange to swap some wood!
  "Music in the soul can be heard by the universe."
- Lao Tzu
Kathy learning to woodturn a bowl on the mini lathe
Next... About the Artists
Pile of wood shavings at the powermatic lathe
ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?
You know you're having fun when you have a pile of wood shavings like this, Woohoo!
snowy day and deer
Whether you're new to turning or want to learn more...

We encourage you to come out for a visit to the studio. We're very down to earth, have a peaceful backyard that will help you feel at ease.

Contact us for pricing or to set up your personalized one-on-one lesson. 
Personalized Woodturning Instruction
Wood turning Shop and Embellishment Tools

In addition to an assortment of high speed steel gouges, skews, etc. We also use other tools on the lathe like the Monster Hollowing System, Dennis Stewart Chatter Tool, Kel McNaughton Bowl Coring System and Sorby Texturing Tool, plus many tools that we craft ourselves to adapt them to individual needs.
Jerry learning to turn a bowl on the lathe
Here's Jerry Simpson woodturning in the studio.
Turning on the powermatic lathe
Some of our backyard critters
whom you might spot while turning....
Some of the other stationary tools used in the shop are a Drill Press, Grizzly Bandsaw with a 6" riser block for ripping logs. A 4" Delta Belt Sander and a Slow Speed Grinder with attached Wolverine Jigs to keep a consistent edge on the HSS gouges, skews and scrapers. A Dust Extractor with 1 micron bag, as well as an overhead filtering system. When spending a lot of time in the shop - invest in a good filtration system - your lungs will thank you for it! Extras include an Air Compressor, good for cleaning between sanding grits and needed for use with the Powercrafter for wood piercing, carving and embellishment. We've fitted a spare grinder with the Beal Buffing wheels, great for putting the finishing touches on some pieces. Other fun stuff includes an Airbrush - Golden Paints, Razertip Wood burner, Pneumatic Impact Hammer with Needle Scaler (points have been rounded), Torch and several flex shaft carvers.
the woodturning shop
Woodturning Instruction on the Jet Mini Lathe
Kathy Silgailis Ph.D. learning to turn wood.