Replies

1. 
   gpwest | May 10, 2002 07:33am | #1

   Steve,

     I ordered a Nova 3000 through Woodcraft catalog last fall. I am very pleased with it.  Mine is the 1 1/2 hp 220V variable speed model.  If you want a good look at it, it's the one featured in Conover's  "Lathe Book".  I believe Woodcraft may be offering their current belt driven models at a discount now, in preparation for their push on the direct drive "DVR" new models.  One concern I would have with the direct drive model is this:  Teknatool's site, last time I looked at it, touted their new model as being slip proof; in other words, even at low speeds it supposedly will not loose traction between the workpiece and the motor, because there is no belt.  In my opinion, it is sometimes safer to set the drive belt a little loose to encourage slips, in case of a bad catch between tool and workpiece.   By the way, I'm an intermediate turner, not an expert.  

      Anyway, I'm very happy with mine and don't really see how it could be improved upon.  It's not the most powerful or biggest lathe out there, but with the variable speed, swiveling head, expandable bed plus the many aftermarket accessories that Teknatool offers, it is very versatile and well built (and HEAVY).    GP

2. 
   Jimma | May 10, 2002 04:28pm | #2

   Steve: I have the earlier Nova 3000 model and have been very satisfied with it for the kinds of work I do (currently a run of pepper mills). I bought it with the DC motor and controller combination, a feature I've found to be very useful as speed is continuously variable -- but still with belt drive. (The belt drive system has performed very well, and it allows me to make a mistake from time to time without straining the motor unduly because the belts slip when the load is too great. Also, you can easily adjust the belt tension to suit.) While the swivel feature allows you to mount a larger work piece outboard which might not fit over the normal bed, I would not feel this lathe would be the right choice for someone whose primary (primary, that is) use would be bowls. Most of my turning is spindles and I bought an extra bed section to allow me to turn table legs, etc. Small bowls can be turned quite nicely in the normal over-bed position, and I have used the outboard position just to try it. It works well this way, but I wouldn't want to put a heavy work piece outboard of the bed, plus you'd need several accessories to use it this way. The mass of the Nova is a real plus, but you will still need a very, VERY massive base if you'll be working with anything other than small pieces. I made my base out of 2 X 6s with a 2-inch thick manufactured lumber top -- it must weigh a couple of hundred pounds -- and it will still jump a bit when a large out-of-round workpiece is mounted. Sorry I can't comment on the new direct drive model, but I would definitely buy a Nova again. Why not check out someone who's got one one in your area?

3. 
   ThompsonME | May 10, 2002 07:46pm | #3

   Steve,

   I got the chance to play with the new Nova 3000 in a turning class I took a few weeks ago.  That is one beautiful machine.  Its easy to use and has plenty of torque (even at low RPM) to spare.

   The only drawback I heard (I personally didn't find this a drawback at all) was the speed at which you can change the RPM of the lathe.  One or two individuals indicated they found it too slow.  I didn't see it that way.

   If I had the $$$$ it is definitely a lathe I would purchase.

   Hope this helps.

   Cheers!!