I am a beginner. I recently purchased my first midi lathe: Nova Comet II (with extension.) It will be used almost solely for spindle turning. (Bowls - maybe in the future.) The lathe has variable speed, but I find that the ranges per belt are limiting. For this reason I am considering returning the Nova. I would love some help.

Details:

The lathe has the following speed ranges:

  • Low Speed Pulley: 250 RPM – 680 RPM
  • Middle Speed Pulley: 530 RPM – 1420 RPM
  • High Speed Pulley: 1380 RPM – 4000 RPM


Nova claims that "The middle step usually provides enough range for most woodturning applications." However, for finishing, I think that going faster (2500?) is better. I am finding myself changing belts much more than I wanted... Am I wrong?

It seems that the Penn State Turncrafter TCLC12V, for example, has a more useful range of 950-3800