Nova 1624 Headstock Running Warm

[Jarrett Sadowsky]

I am new to turning and purchased a Nova 1624 last month. I notice the headstock and chuck are very warm, especially when turning at higher speeds. Is this normal for a new lathe? I did some internet searches and found some information on running in headstock bearings. Was I supposed to do that? Also found some information that said the condition went away after some use.

Any info would be appreciated.

Jarrett

[Mike McAfee]

My 1624 is a couple weeks old and I've turned big, small, wet, dry, hard and soft at all but the top 2 speeds and haven't noticed anything I felt was "over" warm!

Hopefully it's nothing out of the norm for ya! Keep us posted!

MMc

[Gordon Seto]

Is the headstock also getting warm without load? Cranking the tail stock too tight can cause the bearings to heat up.

[GLENN THOMAS]

Ive been using my Nova for 2 years now and never noticed any heat build up.

[Paul Douglass]

In the two years I've had mine, the motor does get warm to the touch, in fact I was concerned about it at first. But it is an electric motor and they do get warm. I've never noticed it warm enough to heat the chuck up. You might call Nova and ask them.

[Steve Kubien]

I've got 3 years and LOTS of hours on mine and I've only felt warmth from the motor, and even that was not too warm to touch. Never felt anything from the bearings, and especially not into the chuck.

[Jarrett Sadowsky]

It isn't too hot that I can't touch it. Just warm to the touch.

I have not checked it without load.

How tight should you set the tail stock? I have been turning the hand wheel until it is pretty tight.

Jarrett

[Gordon Seto]

Crank it tight, then back off very slightly. The amount is so small, it is mostly by feel. It will get loose during turning. Stop, check and tighten if you need to.

[Jarrett Sadowsky]

Thank-you. I will give that a try, and post back how that worked.

My procedure so far has been to keep tightening it as I turn.

Jarrett

[Gordon Seto]

BTW, if you over-tighten, the tail stock live center also gets hot.