Nova 3000 vs DVR XP

[Keith E Byrd]

Can someone tell me what the advantages/disadvantages of the Nove 3000 vs DVR XP?

[Scott Hackler]

The Nova 3000 is just about the same thing as the the Nova 1624-44 (which I own). The biggest difference between the 3000/1624 and the DVR is variable speed. (belt speed changes take about 1 minute after you get used to it, but there is a big area inbetween the different speeds. Like 1000 RPM to 1400 RPM)

I have owned my 1624 for a little more than a year and a half and the only thing I really wish I had (being lazy and impatient) is variable speed. BUT having said that, the price difference between the two is pretty iffy to me. I am a strong believer that the 3000 or 1624 is a great lathe, expecially for the price. I dont regret buying mine and am still turning away on it. Just now I am conidering a FINIAL upgrade to a high end lathe. 1) for the variable speed 2) for swing capacity 3) for more HP and 4) for shear weight of the lathe for unbalanced blanks. The Nova DVR ISNT on my list. I am leaning towards Robust or Stubby.

So the Nova 3000 / 1624 is a great lathe that will do darn near everything you need at a reasonable cost, but you sacrifice the extra luxuries I meantioned above.

[Steve Kubien]

Knowing what I now know as an owner of a Nova 1624, I would go with the DVR because of its more sturdy headstock. The variable speed would be nice but the design of the headstock with its 3 bearings and better support of the spindle is far more important in my opinion.

[Steve Vaughan]

I have the DVR and like it just fine. It's handled everything I've thrown at it and the variable speed is great. If you can wait and catch it on sale, I think it's a good deal. I upgraded to the DVR from that flimsy 12" craftsman thing with the round tube for a way, so, I'm seriously excited with what I've got now. Don't know that I'll ever need to upgrade from this.

[Ralph Lindberg]

The Nova 3000 is just about the same thing as the the Nova 1624-44 (which I own). .....

You are aware there is a DVR-3000? That is a DVR motor, but the older (lighter/smaller) bed and a slightly less powerful (~0.25 hp) motor?

[Scott Hackler]

Yeah but the original poster didn't meantion a DVR 3000, so I thought he was trying to justify the price difference between a DVR XP and the 3000/1624.

[Keith E Byrd]

Here is the deal: I found a Nova 3000 for 1500 and Nova DVR XP (still in the box) for 1600 - so I am thinking the DVR makes the most sense.
I have a Craftsman 12 inch with the tube that the headstock bearing housing just went out on and looking to upgrade - I think Steve mentioned the same lathe.

[Alan Zenreich]

Keith,

Get the DVR.

[Scott Hackler]

$1500 for a non variable speed 3000 is almost double what its worth. I paid $800 for my 1624 with free shipping. Now if its the dvr 3000 then its worth more but the new DVR XP is a better lathe then the DVR 3000.

[Steve Vaughan]

Yup, get the DVR XP no question.

[Ralph Lindberg]

Yup, buy the DVR-XP