Should I buy a Nova 3000 lathe???
user-74502
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
So I had an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up – a bunch of woodworking tools sold in a package deal from a guy who was trying desparately to get rid of them (belt sander, disc sander, jointer, planer, dust collection system, lathe). He gave me a price of $2000 for the whole lot. In it was the Nova 3000 lathe… I’m going to buy the package anyway, but what is your opinion on this lathe… I know it’s a good deal, but is it a good product?
Thanks,
Jake Humphrey
Replies
If it's in good condition, it's regarded as a very good amateur lathe.
I've been doing some lathe research myself for a while now and the Nova is a well regarded unit. It's not 'huge' but it has a large enough capacity for most work.
It's one of a final few I've been eyeing, but I haven't made up my mind yet.
One thing that I've heard everyone say though, lathe tooling *will* cost more (1.5-3x+) your machine cost. Gouges, rests, bowl mounts, centers, etc... :)
If you choose to get rid of it, I may entertain an offer. Email me if you would like to get rid of it.
Cheers,
michael
Jake
I have had a Nova 3000 for about 5 years now and and am very satisfied with it. Not the biggest or most powerful lathe, but for my use, it is ideal. One thing that will increase the value (and usefulness) of this lathe is the method of changing speeds. Mine came with a Leeson speedmaster electronic speed control which added about $400 to the total price (total was about $1300.) It is a very versatile tool; one thing I especially like about it is the swiveling head. I don't use it every day but have turned everything on it from baby rattles to large bowls, using a shop made floor stand. Have not had any trouble with it at all.
Don't forget to ask the seller if he has chisels or chucks or other accessories that go with it. As mentioned, they can add considerably to the cost of turning. Gary
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