After many many years away from turning I plan to jump back in.

contemplating a nova comet 11

I need advice on what I need to buy in addition to chisels (advice on those would be good too)

I will focus mostly on bowls and cups

 

I want quality better than harbor freight but top of the line is not necessary.

 

suggestions of what to get and best price source?  Thanks. 

First off, Welcome to The Patriot Woodworker! Glad you found us!

 

The Nova Comet is nice and will turn bowls up to about 11" in diameter. It is a 230v machine, if that's any concern. It's also a benchtop machine which will need a sturdy mounting to prevent vibrations.

 

Other shorter lathes may fill your needs- something like https://www.rockler.com/laguna-revo-15-24-110v-lathe. If you want to move on to longer pieces, an extension can be added later.

 

Grizzly also has a similar lathe with a bit heavier base. https://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G0838-16-Variable-Speed-Wood-Lathe/dp/B07KFZ4Q88/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=2F7NWTF8NJR76&dchild=1&keywords=nova+1624+lathe&qid=1605104725&sprefix=nova+16,tools,215&sr=8-18-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRVVBUlpCWjVRTE5SJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTMwOTUyMUhINDNYNkxERkpNOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODQ2ODA5MkFZMEpHMDJRWVJURSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=&linkCode=sl1&tag=themoneyfam08-20&linkId=5e6d3ea27dc371406b5258e518de685c&language=en_US

 

What turning tools did you use in the past? HSS tools have improved and you may already have a sharpening system. For bowls, you probably will want a chuck. Make sure the chuck threads match the lathe you are contemplating.

 

I am a fan of carbide tools, but not every turner shares my enthusiasm for them.

 

 

Not sure how large of a lathe you want but if it is a small one the Laguna Revo 12/16 has a good rep in our club. next step up would be Jet 1640 or 1840 (16 inch and 18 inch).

 

Chucks I recommend Nova . For my size lathe the Super Nova II . for small lathes the G3.

 

Gouges I recommend Thompson tools. Maybe a 3/8 or 1/2 bowl gouge, 3/8 spindle gouge, a parting tool (cheaper ones work well). Those will get you started but you have opened a can of worms and there will be many more suggestions. One carbide would be good but they are not cheap either. By the way you do not have to buy handles as you can turn your own.

I have and really like the Delta 46-460.  It is still made and sold but some have had problems acquiring parts for it.  I have used mine pretty hard and the only trouble I have had was from a bad storm which caused a power surge when four poles on the street came down and caused all types of havoc.  

Hmmm. The comet 11 is about $600. Around the range I want to stay...the others cited are quite a bit higher.  One  spec said the comet was 230 another I saw said 110...the manual does not specify which is strange..it says to keep it at a 15 amp breaker 

Here is the 120v spec. But I also saw 230

1 hour ago, Steveo said:

Here is the 120v spec. But I also saw 230

https://www.teknatool.com/products/lathes/nova-comet-ii-midi-lathe/

Consider used machines. Much more affordable. Pawn shops, phone applications and Craigslist. You want to see ane hear it run.

Howdy and welcome from Texas!

 

Already some great advice in this thread from some very knowledgeable folks.  Here is my .02.

 

• Buy more lathe than you think you need as most will quickly outgrow the smaller entry level machines.
  • I would suggest
    • Minimum 14" swing
    • Minimum 1 1/2 hp 
• Lathe accessories add up quickly and can end up costing as much or more than the lathe.
• HSS tools REQUIRE frequent sharpening.  What's your plan to keep your tools sharp?
  • Check out Tormek, Sorby Pro-edge, and Wolverine. 

.40

Thanks for all the suggestions.  Will continue to research. Space is a concern. Would like to keep the whole package within $1,000.  Lathe, stand, chisels and chuck.  What I do know is to stay away from harbor freight quality....jet, nova, rikon.  Grizzly seems to have several some of which may be rebranded harbor type.  
 

maybe some post Christmas sales too.  Thanks!

1 hour ago, Steveo said:

Space is a concern.

 

Would be helpful to know what the dimensions of said space is.  10x12 or 24x96??  

1 hour ago, Steveo said:

What I do know is to stay away from harbor freight quality....jet, nova, rikon.  Grizzly seems to have several some of which may be rebranded harbor type.  

 

 

You will find the design the same but the quality level different between various "brand" names.  All depends on what quality level is being paid for by that company.  Lower quality = lower price. 

Me thinks keeping it no more than 36” overall will be ok. I don’t envision long turnings but more bowl..12” swing preferable which is why I am leaning towards a nova comet 11

As far as steel chisels go I am a fan of Thompson. Have several and love them. I am a fan of Grizzly, have their Shop Fox  lathe and love it also. When it comes to lathes the heavier the better and many have made some pretty heavy wooden bases for bench tops and done well. In the end it’s the artist holding the chisel not the machine. 
Paul

7 minutes ago, Masonsailor said:

In the end it’s the artist holding the chisel not the machine. 

 

 

Very true, in Iraq I used a drill with a small bearing and a bracket for a tailstock.  Turned pens and other small stuff.  

 

I guess my decision on what brand of midi was made for medieval to availability..supply chain..issues.  Ordered a turncrafter commander 12.  Should be here in a few days. 

I see spell check did me wrong...