A wood lathe is an indispensable part of a woodworker’s arsenal. Woodturning is one of the most self-rewarding and innovative woodwork options available. With the lathe, your wood crafting imaginations will have no bounds. Eager to buy a wood lathe for your toolkit? In that case, look no further than the Nova wood lathe reviews.
In this piece, we review three unique wood lathe options from Nova. Wood lathes from Nova will be one of your most valuable investments. But, given the wide range of selection in the brand, the buying decision is like a maze. With this Nova wood lathe review, you can discover and understand all your possible options. Let’s jump to the product reviews!
How Did We Review?
The immense saturation of high-quality wood lathes in the market makes it impossible for a buyer to select just one product. In these Nova wood lathe reviews, we landed with three great options to make woodturning a seamless process.
We considered the different aspects that make up a good wood lathe. Our criteria were price, features, durability, quality, warranty, and innovation. We also relied upon customer reviews from different eCommerce websites.
About Nova Wood Lathe
Nova began its journey in 1956 as a general engineering manufacturing company in Auckland. Initially, the firm was called Latex Ltd. A radial arm saw was the first of the brand’s products. It was only in 1978 when Nova products for woodturning came into existence.
You’ll be surprised to know that Nova is an award-winning name with a wide range of products. Nova’s revolutionary products, such as the swivel headstocks, extendable beds, self-centering chuck.
Nova wood lathes possess not only high-quality and features but also affordability. Being an industry leader, Nova is rapidly diversifying its product range as well as its user base.
Table of Content:
In the Nova wood lathe reviews, you’ll find various topics about the product. If you’re curious about the contents of this review, take a look below.
Comparison Chart:
If you don’t have much time on your hands, we’ve got you covered. This comparison chart will break down each feature of the three products for convenient comparison.
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Nova 71118 Comet II DR – Midi Lathe Flexible Woodworking |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
 |
Teknatool T30590-12″ x 16-1/2″ Nova Comet |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
 |
NOVA 24146 1624-44 8 Speed Wood Lathe |
|
Check Price On Amazon |
3 Best Nova Wood Lathe Reviews in 2022
This section will highlight all the features, pros, and cons of the three products. After going through all these details, you’ll be prepared to make a buying decision.
1. Nova 71118 Comet II DR – Midi Lathe Flexible Woodworking System
One of the highlighting features of the Nova 71118 Comer II is the strong variable speed motor. The motor provides an RPM range of 250 to 4000. The super-low and super-high-speed options make it easy to craft items like bowls and pens.
Furthermore, it allows the woodworker to achieve more precision and neatness. You will also spot a forward and reverse switch, which makes it easier to operate the device. Most importantly, the 3-step pulley system offers various speed ranges and flexibility.
You can you the two extra steps for more torque while indulging in critical applications. The swing capacity over the bed is 12 inches, and between the centers, it is 16.5 inches. In the comet ii review, we also spotted the Versaturn adaptable technology.
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
The Nova 71118 Comet II DR – Midi Lathe wood lathe is for a beginner woodworker. This tool is for anyone who does not want to spend a fortune on wood tools. If you do not want to compromise with quality despite being budget-conscious, you’ll appreciate this wood lathe.
2. Teknatool T30590 Nova Comet II Bench Lathe
With a ¾ HP motor and a 250-4000 rpm range, this Nova wood lathe is a pro for creating wood objects. This product has all the satisfactory features to impress a DIY-enthusiast or beginner woodworker. Durable construction is another reason why you can opt for this tool.
You’ll appreciate that the lathe lets you control the speed to carry out different wood projects. The wood lathe has a swing capacity of 16.5 inches in between the centers. This capacity enables more versatile use and control.
We love how the Nova t30590 review thinks about the minute things. They’ve tagged along with a chisel set that has all the various essential accessories. You can attach these accessories to your lathe to create more stunning details in your wood pieces. This add-on prevents the requirement of buying additional attachments.
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
If you’re new in the world of woodturning but looking for a professional-level tool, this one is your safest bet. Its straightforward features make it a suitable choice for beginners. Even the professionals vouch for its motor performance. Besides, if you are looking for a tool that can handle intricate woodwork, this is it!
3. Nova 24146 1624-44 Wood Lathe
The Nova 24146 review thinks that this tool can help you create the masterpieces you wish to make. With a superb 16-inch swing capacity, you can craft real beauties. To extend its swing capacity to 29-inches, you can use the outrigger accessory.
This tool can tackle the hardest of woods with its rugged and sturdy motor and solid cast iron body. The air-conditioned motor has 1.5 horsepower that runs between 215 to 3600 rpm. Its 24-inches is adequate to offer you the flexibility to work. Since it comes from a brand like Nova, you don’t have to worry about its quality or functionality.
Rather than including an electronic variable speed, this unit equips an eight-step pulley system. Most users claim that the Nova 162-44 performs incredibly during power tests. Its simple design will offer you years of problem-free operation.
For Whom Is This Product Designed?
This product can suit buyers who willing to spend top dollar to get the best performance from their lathe. It has a design that will fit the day-to-day requirements of both professional and beginner woodworkers. If your tasks demand intricacy and detailing, you’ll find this tool to be potent.
How to Use Nova Wood Lathe for Beginners
If this is your first time buying a wood lathe, you’ll also require some help using it. You can undertake a variety of crafting projects with a wood lathe. Using a wood lathe can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first time.
The Nova wood lathe reviews will also walk you through the process of using a wood lathe. The section is divided into two portions to make it easier for you to understand the process.
1. Setting Up A Nova Wood Lathe
To convey the whole process, we’ll be turning the wood as an example. Before you begin the setup, make sure that the lathe is switched off to avoid accidents. As you move on with the setup process, you have to organize the tools.
It is essential to set your tools because you’ll require to choose the correct tool-bit. The wrong selection can damage your whole work. Make sure that the tool bits are well-sharpened before starting.
It is also essential to secure the lathe tightly to prevent any accidents from occurring. We recommend high-speed steel blades as they retain their sharpness for a long time. Avoid using carbon steel as it quickly losses its sensitivity.
The ideal angle to cut into the material is from 90-degrees. As you learn more woodturning skills, you’ll learn to work with different angles, depending upon the application.
2. Using The Nova Wood Lathe
Nova fans claim that their wooden lathes are extraordinarily safe and are very reliable. Once the setup is over, your unit is red to be up and running. In the setting up section, we mentioned that the ideal angle for turning is 90-degrees.
Therefore, you’ll need to maintain this angle for consistent performance. You’ll require a tailstock wheel to put the tailstock into position. The stock you’ll be working on needs to be above the spindle and into the spur center.
Another essential step is making sure that the stock is tight enough. You don’t want the stock flying off to hurt and hit you. Without ensuring this, you must never start with the work.
Plus, the tool-rest on your lathe should be aligned to the stock. It should be at a convenient distance between the stock and the bit. While turning on the wood lathe, it is best to start with the lowest speed.
You’ll notice abundant resistance the tool throws at you as the tool bit moves to cut the wood. It will create incisions, so don’t fret.
Cover all the directions as you are driving the lathe into the stock. The tool-bits will differ from project to project. It’s better to practice on a spare stock if you don’t feel ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you still have doubts about Nova wood lathes? In that case, go through these frequently asked questions, which will solve your dilemma.
Where are Nova lathes made?
Most of you will be surprised to know that this Newzealand-based brand has its production unit in China. It is because Nova believes in offering consistent quality. You must also know that Nova won the ‘Supreme Award for Best New Zealand Business in China.’
Are wood lathes dangerous?
The best part about buying a Nova wood lathe is its safety. Some of the Nova wood lathes have a safety sensing feature. Additionally, the instructions manual that comes along with the lathes suggests extra precaution methods for users.
Is Nova good for woodturning?
Nova has several products under its range which can do a good woodturning job. There’s no other brand that can battle with Nova wood lathes when it comes to woodturning. Regardless of your requirements or budget, you can indeed find the perfect lathe from Nova’s vast range.
Bottom Line
The quality and performance of the wood lathe can make or break your whole experience. We highly recommend refraining from low-priced products with cheap quality. Though all the Nova wood lathes are exceptional performers, the Teknatool T30590 Nova Comet II Bench Lathe is our favorite.
In the Nova wood lathe reviews, this product secured a near-perfect score in all categories. The swing capacity of the product is way more reliable than the standard products in the market. Apart from that, there are also the cast iron body and 8-speed options on this tool.
