Need recommendations for new benchtop wood lathe

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cenogene

cenogene

Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2021
Messages
15
Location
Bloomington, Indiana
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!
 
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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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
Problem turned out to be the Tailstock Quill lead screw. About 1/2 of the threads were flattened. The part is obsolete and I'm unable to locate one. Anyone out there have one from the Nova Comet 2? I am trying to locate a left handed die to chase the treads and possibly fix it but have no real hopes at this point.

Looks like an unexpected expense is in my future unless someone has spare screw. 🤑
 
My only suggestion would be to do like @monophoto suggested but use the file to clean up the threads all the way through. If the threads are crushed but still somewhat intact, a file will allow you to dress off the thread side walls where they are crushed, get them to a size that will allow the quill to turn pretty normally and still travel back and forth. I would focus on the threads sides but try not to take anything more off the thread top. If there is enough of thread left on the rest of the circumference of the screw, things should still work OK until you find a replacement. Only file enough to stop the binding. To help you with the process, do like you would sharpen a skew - use a sharpie to put a good black line on the thread sides for the length of the crushed area. Then slowly turn the screw into the quill and see where it binds. Backing the screw out should show a wear mark in the sharpie line where it was being rubbed hard by the quill. Start filing there. Repeat until you have a smooth turning screw. Hope it works!!!!

Kevin
 
If it were me, I'd replace that lathe with something of a higher quality. My honest opinion is that nova comet lathes are crap. I had one and gave it away.

You aren't super far from the East Coast and I believe there is a member here selling a vicmark vl100 with a bed extension.

Specifically, it is in Connecticut.
Lathe

It is worth the drive. That is the last pen lathe you'll ever need.

If I wasn't in Colorado, I'd drive there and buy it.
 
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