Need recommendations for new benchtop wood lathe

[cenogene]

Greetings all! I think I'm at the point of replacement for my Comet Nova 2 benchtop system. I can't seem to identify the problem and am unable to locate replacement parts without a several week wait. If I have to replace it, I want to go with something variable speed with a digital readout. I don't need anything to turn large vessels but it would be nice to have the option of a larger bowl sometime. Definitely not a deal breaker...

My problem is the tailstock quill is freezing or free spinning. I thought my problem was with the quill lock handle but it looks fine. The quill itself has been sanded and waxed as usual. It will only allow me to advance the quill a few millimeters before stopping. I have to release the handle completely, retighten to the point of contact to avoid the quill spinning and then then I get a little more MM out of it before repeat....

Anyone have any ideas (besides replacing the lathe) that I can try before I invest? I really don't have the money to drop a grand on a bench top at this time.

Thanks for any/all input!

 

[monophoto]

Are you periodically maintaining the tailstock quill?

I periodically remove the tailstock quill altogether, wipe off the accumulated crud, and then use a small file to smooth the edges of the aligning groove in the quill. What happens over time is that as the screw is turned to lock the quill in position, it abrades the edge of that groove, and after a while those bumps start interfering with quill travel. Using a machinist's file to remove those burrs makes the quill run smoothly.

I also wipe some dry lubricant on the quill before reassembling it. Don't use a wet lubricant - it will combine with sawdust to make a paste that jams up the quill.

 

[NJturner]

I agree with @monophoto . I had a Comet for a while and the tailstock and quill assembly did need a fair amount of maintenance to keep it moving freely. I have the larger, older Nova DVR XL lathe which uses the same type of tailstock design as the Comet and have the same issues. Lubrication of the screw on the lockdown and the quill, keeping the slot and its locater pin clean, and insuring the surface of the slot where the locator pin rides in is clean and bump free is a must. Use a good dry lube, not something sticky that will build up and stiffen as well. Buildup of anything in this assembly is not your friend, so expect to put some regular effort into cleaning it.


Kevin

 

[Woodchipper]

Re: maintenance, my grandfather always said oil is cheaper than machinery. He was a fanatic about cars trucks and farm equipment. I remove the quill, clean and polish the flats with 500 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Wipe clean and apply a very thin coat of Ballistol, similar to WD-40 but thicker. I need to do the same for the lathe bed.

 

[cenogene]

Thanks all, I have been using a dry lubricant and basically making sure it has a clean travel path. I pulled my dad's old machinist files to find the smallest one I could try to use to gently file down the small abrasions I could feel on on the sides of the fluted path in the quill. I hope to try those tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.