Thoughts on the new (2013) Nova Comet II 12 inch?

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hagemierj

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Jan 20, 2014
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I was THIS CLOSE to getting one of the new Comet IIs until I saw the shipping costs associated with the transaction. Still thinking to go that route when I get back stateside. Seems like the most options for the price (to me at least) if you want something compact enough for pen work but beefy enough for the odd bowl or other turning project. What are your thoughts on/experience with Nova Comet lathes?

Thanks for reading,

J
 
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I have one and I like it very much. I upgraded from a tube lathe about five or six months ago. I like the variable speed and the belt change is very easy. I only turn pens so its perfect for me. The tail stock is accurate and I drill on the lathe with no problems at all. I also like the reverse feature for sanding.

There is plenty of power for a pen. I have not turned anything else to test the power of the lathe. Although I do have a segmented vessel in the works that will push the limits of the lathe as far as diameter and length so we'll see about the power for that. If you want to do peppermills and longer items you might want to get the extension because there is not a lot of room for drilling by the time you have chuck on both ends and a bit to drill with. There is only a bit more than 16 inches between centers. Another thing about turning bowls and odd shaped things you probably want to bolt it down it is not really that heavy about 80 lbs. so an out of round bowl blank might cause a little vibration.

My only complaint about the lathe is the control location. It is just a matter of preference but I would rather have them on the left hand side of the lathe rather than the right hand side. So far that has not bothered me enough to want to do anything about it just a tad uncomfortable.

As far as price, check with woodturningz they had it for about $450 with shipping included when I was searching for mine. I ended up buying mine used but was going to buy from woodturingz because they had the best price I could find. I just checked Amazon and they have the nova listed at 600 now. At that price I would go ahead put a little more money into the investment and buy the Jet 1221VS.

Bottom line I would by this lathe again in the 450 price range. If I had more to spend I would go ahead and get the Jet 1221VS.
 
I also have this lathe. It works great. I have not had any problems at all with it. I was considering upgrading but not sure if I really need to. Been using this one for over a year.
 
mikespenturningz said:
I also have this lathe. It works great. I have not had any problems at all with it. I was considering upgrading but not sure if I really need to. Been using this one for over a year.
Click to expand...

Mike, thanks for the response, do have or use any of the accessory attachments? I though the ability to add your grinder wheel right to the lathe was a great idea...
 
I don't use any of the attachments I didn't even install the accessory coupling. I have a great Rikon grinder and love it. You absolutely won't be sorry. I do agree if I was going to pay $600 or more I would purchase probably the Jet but for the money I like this Comet 2. I use the mid and high speeds the forward and reverse I drill on it, I use it to square blanks it does a lot of work.

Mike



hagemierj said:
mikespenturningz said:
I also have this lathe. It works great. I have not had any problems at all with it. I was considering upgrading but not sure if I really need to. Been using this one for over a year.
Click to expand...

Mike, thanks for the response, do have or use any of the accessory attachments? I though the ability to add your grinder wheel right to the lathe was a great idea...
Click to expand...
 
Not having any of the other shop tools at all, I am still thinking seriously about using the attachments to save cash and save space. Seems like people are happy with the quality and reliability too. The local woodshop I use has Jet lathes and I am not too impressed if I'm honest. Thanks for your inputs Mike!

J
 
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