Replies

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 18, 2008 06:02am | #1

   Richie,

   I don't have experience with the Novas but, as a bowl turner, I would automatically rule out any lathe without a handwheel.  But that's just me.

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   jerry07 | Feb 18, 2008 07:11am | #3

   Hi

   I don't have any experience with this lathe either.  I agree not having a hand wheel is a real problem for bowls or spindles.  One thing that I do like about this lathe is it is one of the few in this size range that has a speed slow enough for the big turnings it is capable of.  It has lots of other stuff going for it like and 1 1/4 spindle where some of it compitators have 1 inch.  I don't pretend I have looked at all lathes but if I could aford it so far I would buy this one.

   jerry

    

    

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 19, 2008 04:31am | #4

   Jerry,

   Among all the other things on my to-do list, I want to build a lathe.  A friend of mine is building a bowl-turning lathe for himself.  The bought a used 2-3/4HP motor and salvaged a set of bearings from a tire-balancing.  I got the motor for a song and the bearings for even less.Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

2. 
   user-1119429039 | Feb 18, 2008 07:09am | #2

   Dear KzooRichie,

   The DVR XP has a unique and extremely versatile variable speed control. And, as the editor involved in the Fine Woodworking tests of lathes, I can say that the DVR also has ample amounts of torque; it's extremely quiet and smooth-running. The motor/speed control is what adds to the lathe's price. If it fits your budget (and if you want the variable-speed control) the DVR would be an excellent choice.

   David Heim
   Managing Editor
   FineWoodworking.com

3. 
   lumbertrader | Jun 10, 2008 07:15am | #5

   I have the DVR XP. I labored over which Nova lathe to buy. It seemed hard to justify spending twice as much just for the variable speed, but oh how it was money well spent. The DVR XP has loads of torque and it senses when there is a catch and sort of powers down for a split second which is enough to minimize dig ins. It is quiet and runs so smooth. I made my own stand out of Keruing and so far haven't needed to add any ballast. So until I can afford a Oneway or comparable, this suits me just fine. Good luck with your decision.

   Ps. You already made the most important one. You're getting a lathe. Can't go wrong there. Ha!

   
   

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   Edited 6/10/2008 12:19 am ET by lumbertrader