New lathe

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The Falcons Quill

The Falcons Quill

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Joined
May 19, 2015
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Location
Columbia, Maryland
I am looking to get a replacement lathe, as I am currently working on an old turn master pen lathe, it's easily 10-12 years old. I am looking for some thing in a midi size so I can do small bowls and other projects. If prefer not to spend over $600.

I have found these 2 that are contenders. Any thoughts or comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Nova Comet II

And

Rikon 70-220VSR
 
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You have two good choices selected. Those who have either one report good experiences. The G3 Chuck is worth about $100 or so.
 
Both good choices. The Rikon has a 1 hp motor as opposed to a 3/4hp motor on the Nova. HP rating for these type motors is suspect so do not let that determine things. What I like to always do is google the item and check reviews. There are always reviews and tests on lathes from any of the big woodworking magazines. Good luck and happy shopping. I am a Jet fan (both football and lathes:smile:)
 
Thanks Ken, Yea the chuck is making my session weighted to the Nova, but the question is if I have the patience to wait until it's back in stock since they are currently over sold
 
I bought the Nova Comet II about 2 years ago and it works great . I've turned bowls and made a lot of pens , it has a 12 inch swing . With the side grinding attachment which can only be purchased in the States I got my aunt to send it to me and I love it . If you buy it don't forget to run the lathe for half hour so it wears in the brushes this is very important before you put a load on the lathe .
 
Shane,
I recommend going with the Rikon.
It is a heavier lathe = better with bowls that are out of balance or offset turning.
More hp as mentioned.
The banjo takes 1" tool rest posts = less rest/tool vibration.
Belt changes are more friendly.
The tail stock locks more solidly more easily.
Catch a sale at Woodcraft.
The G3 chuck is still a good chuck.

Good luck!
 
I have both I just upgraded to the rikon and dont regret it one bit thats just me and I had a few issues with the Nova that took awhile to get figured out but it was a good start for me. I do love the G3 chuck and it will stay with me if I sell the Comet right now I use it for buffing and polishing my pens.
Dave
 
Charlie_W said:
The Comet is a good "To Go" lathe for taking easily for demos, etc due to its lighter weight
Click to expand...

I saw that, and I do like that, I have wanted to bring a lathe to craft show to show how it's done, but that means my wife would have to run all the sales while I did that. She's great, but doesn't have the memory of all the names of woods and how they are made.

I do also want to try more bowls, I have had a stash of wood drying in my shed for the last year. Everytime a neighbor cuts a tree down I go grab a tree crotch and some smaller chunks
 
I never remember all the woods either. When people ask I say expensive wood. Trying to demonstrate and sell can be a double edge sword. Yes you draw a crowd but you may keep the buyers away. Unless you have a large enough area that you can isolate this. I recommend a video of sorts that can be displayed on one of those electronic screens that everyone seems to have. You also have to be careful of liability and some shows will not allow it.
 
jttheclockman said:
I never remember all the woods either. When people ask I say expensive wood. Trying to demonstrate and sell can be a double edge sword. Yes you draw a crowd but you may keep the buyers away. Unless you have a large enough area that you can isolate this. I recommend a video of sorts that can be displayed on one of those electronic screens that everyone seems to have. You also have to be careful of liability and some shows will not allow it.
Click to expand...

Yea most of the shows I have done are inside which would be a no go, or outside with no electric anyways
 
If I had started with that Rikon, which I wish I had, I would probably have stayed with that lathe for a while. As it is, I bought a Jet that must have been made late Friday night, I had a ton of issues with it and Jet--which I actually believe is NOT typical...and I ended up with a Nova DVR XP--all that said, I have worked on that Rikon some and it is a fine machine--I would recommend it wholeheartedly.
 
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