In Brief: Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe Review
The Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe delivers stand-alone lathe power in a benchtop body. The 5-amp motor provides variable speeds of up to 4,000 RPM. This allows for maximum efficiency and accuracy in small turning operations. With the 16” between centers, this lathe is even capable of handling some medium-sized turning operations.
Nova is a line of lathes that has been produced by Teknatool International.
In the business of global manufacturing since their origination in 1980, they now have facilities in China, New Zealand, and the United States.
Teknatool International stands out due to the fact that, despite being a large company, it is still family-owned and operated.
They continue to bring a passion to the lathe industry, looking to develop new and emerging technologies while improving their line with each new product.
Key Specifications of the Nova 46300 Comet II
What makes the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe a standout is the fact that it brings so much power into such a compact build.
This is a great lathe for small shops or even garage setups, maximizing the power despite the small footprint.
Moreover, the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe delivers a range of speeds starting as low as 250 RPM and going all the way up to 4,000 RPM.
Because of that, this lathe can handle a wide array of projects ranging from bowls to pens and spindles.
The digital readout also makes it easier to program adjustments in short order. The quick-dial functionality lets you get the right speed for the material, the conditions, and the job as a whole.
With fixed-speed setups, you could be leaving yourself in a precarious position. But the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe delivers safety and quality with the variable speed settings.
Read the long list of Nova 46300 Comet II specs here :
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Model Number/ Name | 46300 Comet II |
| Ideal For | Wood |
| Volts | 230 |
| Current (amps) | 5 |
| Speed (rpm) | 250-4000 |
| Distance between centers (in) | 16 |
| Spindle thread (in) | 1”-8 TPI |
| Overall dimensions | 33 x 9 x 18 |
| Weight (lbs) | 88 |
| Other Features | 2-year warranty |
Top Features to Look For
There may be bigger and more powerful options on the market, but the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe brings it with versatility, a unique pulley system, and an easy to use digital readout system.
Getting maximum efficiency out of your lathe has never been easier.
Digital Readout
The difference between a traditional readout and a digital readout is that you can quickly dial in the proper speed for the material, job, and conditions that you are working under.
The screen is easy to read and will show you what your exact dialed in speed is for maximum accuracy.
Flexible Capacity
With a 12-inch capacity over bed and almost 17-inches between centers, the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe can handle a wide array of turning jobs.
There are even extension accessories to extend the bed for even greater functionality and capability.
3 Step Pulley System
The Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe has a unique 3-step pulley system to offer a different range of speeds while at the same time providing great flexibility.
The middle step is typically enough to handle most of the woodturning applications that you will need and the 2 steps provide additional torque for heavy-duty applications.
Power and Performance
Despite its small frame, the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe brings the power.
With 5-amps of power, the motor can deliver the optimal torque for just about any situation or circumstance. Not only that, it can deliver up to 4,000 RPM for optimal efficiency.
Ease of Use
The Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe has the power and versatility of a larger lathe, but it comes in tabletop form for maximum ease of use.
Combined with the digital readout display users will be able to get through their setup far quicker and get right into the turning operation instead.
Ease of Maintenance, Repairs, and Warranty
Maintaining the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe is a breeze due to its compact size.
A quick blow off using an air hose followed by a wipe down and you will be ready to go again.
It is always advised that the cutting tool be replaced fairly often to uphold its integrity and to prevent damage to workpieces or materials.
Warranty
Teknatool International has a five-year limited warranty on their line of lathes. In that warranty is a two-year coverage on the motor for the lathe as well.
The warranty helps to protect any potential issues pertaining to workmanship or material defects that may have occurred during the manufacturing process.
If you have any further questions, check out Teknatool’s warranty page for any additional answers.
Price of the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe
While not extremely expensive, the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe is on the pricier side of the spectrum for benchtop lathes.
That is because it delivers full-size lathe power in such a compact size.
Not only that, the digital readout makes setups easier than ever and the 3-step pulley system delivers unrivalled torque when compared to others within the class.
Pros and cons of the Nova 46300 Comet II
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe :
Pros
- Plenty of Power
- Flexible Capacity
- Digital Readout
- Variable Speeds
Cons
- Limited to small-medium operations
Who Should Buy the Nova 46300 Comet II ?
Experienced amateurs and smaller shops would benefit greatly from this mini lathe – Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe.
Its power is unmatched on the market, setup is seamless thanks to the digital readout, and there is greater capacity thanks to the extension accessory.
This is simply a great lathe for smaller operations that don’t have the space to bring in a full-size standalone lathe.
Our Recommendation
If you’re serious about woodturning or own a small shop, the Nova 46300 Comet II Lathe is a must-have.
There are few like it on the market that deliver versatility, power, and precision quite like it.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
