Nova 1624 or Jet 1642?

[Steve Cuthbert]

Hi Guys
New to the group and Hi from over the pond in the UK!.
About a year ago I started turning using a little cheapo lathe to see if I liked it (I do) and now ready for a better lathe. I seem to have short listed the Nova 1624 which over here is sold under the brand name `Record` and the Jet 1642. The Nova sells over here with stand for £799 ($1380) and £999 ($1725) with outrigger and Supernova chuck and the Jet for £1300 ($2240).
I like turning all the usual stuff like vases,platters etc and recently segmented turning so don`t envisage big heavy stuff and both these lathes seem more than adequate for my needs. A few people in the UK have recommended the Nova 1624 with manual speed change but folk in the US seem to be the main users of the Jet with again very favourable comments and there seems to be very little if any negative comments on either. I did think about the variable speed Nova (£1799, $3105)but have been told to be wary about combined inverter/head models with possible heavy repair bills.
I am very tempted with the Jet but is the variable speed (plus a few other little bits) worth the extra $900 ish (or $500 depending on the package) ?? I don`t turn for a living but would I be likely to regret buying a manual change lathe in six months time? decisions, decisions :confused: I`d be very interested in comments from the group.
Best Regards
Steve

[Steve Schlumpf]

Steve - Welcome to the Creek! Looking forward to seeing some of your work!

I am the proud owner of a Jet 1642 EVS and love it! I can't really do a comapre for you against the Nova as I have never used one. I do, however, highly recommend the 1642 for a couple of reasons: the sliding headstock and the variable speed. I turn a lot of bowls and hollow forms and find being able to slide the headstock down to the end of the bed really saves my back as I do not have to lean over the bed. The variable speed is a must-have feature for me anymore! When you turn an out of balance blank you can adjust the speed ever so slightly to reduce/remove any vibration in the lathe. Plus while turning - if you want the speed higher or lower it is simply a matter of turning a dial and continuing with your turning. Once you use a variable speed lathe you will find the 'option' is something you are glad to have!

Best of luck with your decision! Looking forward to seeing photos of your new lathe - whatever it may be! And again, Welcome to the Creek!

[Steve Cuthbert]

Hi Steve
Thanks for the quick reply. You echo what most VS lathe owners I`ve spoken to say where you wouldn`t be without it now. I suppose I`m still learning at this game and its easy to get carried away with lathes having all the bells and whistles. One other thing to consider would be the warranty. Over here the Nova has a 5yr one but not sure about the Jet as it states 5yrs on the US sites so maybe the same in the UK? have to check that out.
Thanks again
Steve

[Paul Douglass]

I went from a VS lathe to the Nova 1624 and I really do not miss the VS. BUT, I'm a hobbiest, I do not sale or have to mass produce. I turn for my own pleasure so taking a few seconds to change a belt does not matter to me. In, fact for some crazy reason I prefer it.

[David Walser]

...I turn for my own pleasure so taking a few seconds to change a belt does not matter to me. In, fact for some crazy reason I prefer it.

Paul,

I'm not going to disagree with your point of view. I've got a Woodfast lathe that has VS and a 5 step pulley. For some reason, I too like to pause now and again to change the belt. Maybe that's because I usually change a belt when going from one "phase" to another -- roughing out a blank to round being phase 1, shaping the outside of a bowl being phase 2, etc. -- so I associate belt changes with "progress".

However, I still love having VS on my lathe. It's NOT just a matter of conveinance. VS allows me to do things that I could not do without it:


As pointed out above, sometimes a small change in speed will cause the lathe to run more smoothly. With some blanks, a particular RPM range will set up a harmonic vibration that makes it very difficult to turn. Reducing or increasing the RPM outside that range eliminates the harmonic vibration. Without VS, my 5 step pulley would give me 5 speeds ranging from a low of 370 RPM to 2700 RPM. If one of those speeds produces a harmonic vibration, I'd be forced to turn substantially slower or faster than I wanted. That's not the case with VS.
I like to apply finish on the lathe. My preferred finish is lacquer. If I apply a heavy coat of lacquer, it's apt to run -- but NOT if the lathe turns very slowly while the lacquer sets. Very slowly for these purposes is a lot less than 370 RPM! Without VS, I could not use my favorite method of applying finish.
I turn the speed way down when sanding on the lathe. I used to sand at above 600 RPM (the slowest speed on my old HF lathe). I figured that faster speed meant faster sanding. I've learned that faster usually means more heat and less effective sanding. (That particularly true when power sanding.) Again, my preferred method is to sand with the lathe running at about 150 RPM. I couldn't do that without VS.

Are any of these "benefits" worth the cost of VS? YMMV, but to me they are.

[Don Carter]

I was at the same point you are just a couple of months ago. I decided to go with the Nova 1624 and I am very pleased with this lathe. I too am a hobbiest and I am now addicted to turning. Changing belts is not a problem for me, in fact, it does give me a moment to think of the next step. I do think that you will be satisfied with either lathe. I looked very hard at the Jet 1642 and I know from reading this forum that it is a great lathe. Some of the differences are simply personal opinion. My advice would be to try both of the lathes out if possible and see which one you like.
Let us know what you decide.
All the best.

[Paul Douglass]

Just a quick point, Nova slow speed is 178 rpm. That has always been slow enough for my needs. I do have to add the reason I ended up woth the Nova is I set a limit on what I would pay for any lathe. I felt the Nova was the best I could get within my price that I set. If I had set the limit higher, I would have ended up wit a VS. Not sorry about my limit because that is what a lathe was worth to me.

[Jim Becker]

The VFD-provided VS on the Jet would make this the complete winner without question for me...

[Bill Blasic]

You will not go wrong with either of those two lathes. They are both great values.

[jay richins]

Hello, I am new to Sawmill and would appreciate any helpful comments. I like the Jet but I am concerned about the future cost if the Inverter needs to be replaced.
The New Zealand - Made Nova 1624 has a great reputation but I am concerned about the new models now made in a new factory in China.

Also, has anyone used the Jet Outrigger stand for Outboard turning. It is cast - Iron and looks heavy enough, but wonder if a Outboard unit is better if it is attached to the lathe.

Thanks, Jay Richins

[charlie knighton]

Jay,

i bought the 1642 with outboard turning stand this summer, love the 1642 but have not used the outboard turning stand as yet, i do not have any blanks large enough to warrent turning outboard yet, hope to lay some up this fall

i have sort of looked at the stand and tried to picture a 4 x 4 across the bottom of bed legs so that the outboard turning stand can not creep (be pulled into)into the turning piece

anybody else have any suggestions

i have not used the nova

[Steve Cuthbert]

A thought I had about the Nova or indeed any manual change lathe. My little cheapo lathe has that variable speed device whereby the pulley is in two halves and opens or closes for the different speeds and I always start slow and increase speed when work is put into the chuck. Obviously with a manual lathe it starts at whatever the last speed setting was left at and the thought of not fitting a chunk of wood quite correctly and then spinning at speed :eek:.
No doubt this is would be down to my own carelessness rather than a problem with lathe but I have had some near misses in the past ;) , just a thought !.
Cheers
Steve

[Paul Douglass]

Isn't that the same wit a VS? It is going to start up at the speed you left it at, least mine did. I've never had that problem on either lathe (ya watch it happen now!) but on my nova I can look through the Little windows on the front and tell at exactly what speed it is sitting. Not that I look! But I could..

[Steve Cuthbert]

Hi Paul
Point taken, I forgot about the window on the Nova :o. Didn`t know that they are now made in China but the quality of the one I saw in my local dealer looked excellent and very chunky, never saw a NZ made one to compare.
We have a major woodworking show on soon over here in Harrogate North Yorkshire where the world and his wife are supposed to be displaying their wares although just found out `Jet` not going unfortunately Doh! Maybe some nice deals on ?.

Steve

[Steve Kubien]

When I was not-quite 16 I was in the high school band and we went to England for 2+ weeks. The main idea was to take part in the annual youth music festival in Harrogate (does it still happen?) and stay in peoples homes around the country (also spent time in Shrewsbury, Cantebury and London via Bromley). Best two weeks of my life! Amazing but at that time it didn't matter how old you were, if you were Canadian (loved how they could tell by our accent), you got served in any pub, and likely didn't have to buy a pint all night.

The only help I can be with your lathe is that I have the Nova and like it a lot. Speed changes are very easy so don't worry about it. I think the idea that the made-in-China version is any different is complete rubbish. All the factories do there is make things to the specifications they are given and any decent company (including Teknatool) will have quality control people on site to make sure.

Take care,
Steve

[Daniel Heine]

Steve,

I was in your position about four months ago. I could not decide between the Jet 1642 and the Nova 1624. Three major factors played into my decision to puchase the Nova 1624:

1. My shop has a very limited amout of space. I operate in a rather small section of the garage between my wifes car, and 48 years of crap she has hoarded.

2. I am not a woodworker, so I never plan to turn any long spindles. If that changes in the future, I can always get a bed extension.

3. Not true for all lathes, of course, but my experince with variable speed has been a lack of torque. I can run my Nova at its lowest speed, push my biggest gouge in as hard as I can, and the lathe will not stall.

I love my Nova 1624-44, and have not regretted my decison for 1 second. It is very easy to change speed by moving the belt, and it is a VERY high quality, well built machine. I also saved enough money to buy a chuck and a Tormek clone from Grizzly. If at some time in the future I decide that I need the variable speed, my choice will be very simple: DVR XP. Maybe someday I will be able to afford a mustard monster or mayonaise beast, but for now, my Nova does everything I ask and much more.

The most amazing thing about the Nova (I upgraded from a Palmgen/Craftsman 15" reeves drive lathe) is that the quality of my turning has improved exponentially!!! I give the Nova 5 stars, and I'm sure you would too if you make that choice.

Good Luck,
Dan

[jay richins]

Thanks Charlie, I think the 4 x 4 is a good idea

[Skip Spaulding]

I have 1624 Nova, I turn pens, wands, bowls, lamps etc.,etc. I have the outboard set up and use it a lot. I have turned 17"x22"x6" (finished) walnut burl, didn't weigh it but probably 40-50lb. range, also do 14"- 16" Cherry bowls no problem in or out.
Would like Powermatic 3520 or OneWay but I turn for fun and haven't hit Powerball as yet! I don't think You would go wrong with either lathe (Jet or Nova). If You have room, longer bed and veri speed would be great.
I have found good chucks and gouges etc. make turning much more fun.
Good Luck!!

[Rusty Smith]

Earlier this week I picked up a Nova 1624-44 from the Kansas City Woodcraft store. I've been wanting to upgrade from my mini to something that I can do larger turnings on but was stopped by the prices. Woodcraft has the Nova on sale right now for $849.99. After reading several reviews, I just could not pass up that kind of a deal. :D

[Scott Hurley]

I've had a Jet 1642 for almost 3 years not, and it's rock solid. I especially like the construction of the legs - they're heavy in themselves, and you can easily add several hundred pounds of sand (I did). It takes a very large, very out of balance blank to make it dance around...

Scott

[Fred Floyd]

I have two lathes. A Jet 1642 EVS 2hp and a Jet 1014 variable speed mini lathe. I bought the 1642 first. My short list was Jet 1642, Powermatic 3520 and the Nova. I chose the Jet because of the faster response for the variable speed and the fact that the legs were cast iron.

My two primary requirements for any lathe are variable speed and reverse. I couldn't get along without either feature. The Jet 1642 with the 2hp motor is enough of a lathe that it compares favorably with the Powermatic 3520 as it has the same 2hp motor. You can add a box underneath to increase the weight.

Most blanks I have are 15" or less, so the capacity has been more than adequate. There are only so many salad bowls you can make. After you get into hollow forms and the like, the 1642 will be all you ever need until you step up to a Oneway, Stubby or VB36. Those all are north of $5000.

The mini lathe was an after thought. Many of the folks in the Seattle AAW have mini lathes for portability, and small projects. The variable speed 1014 Jet is a quality small lathe. One guy in the club has four of them. Many have wired in a reversing switch as I have. This gives you a small, portable variable speed/reversible lathe for about $400.

Anyway that's how I see it

[jay richins]

I like the jet 1642, but I am concerned about the cost of a new inverter if it so out. The warranty on the motor and the inverter is 1 year. Does any know how much the cost to replace. I have not contacted Jet yet to ask.

Thanks Jay

[Wilbur Pan]

By inverter, I think you actually mean variable frequency drive (VFD). VFDs for a 2 HP motor can be found in the $200-400 range. One way of adding variable speed to a lathe that doesn't have one is by getting a three phase motor and a VFD.

Here's (http://dealerselectric.com/mfg-subcat-item.asp?cID=28&scID=165&mID=-1&SortBy=&pgID=0) a good selection.

[Eugene Malone]

Steve, I live in Ireland and was at the same crossroads you are at now. Knocking on the door of 70 and not as mobile and strong as I was,I looked at the same lathes as you are considering now, and as someone else pointed out I'm a hobbist and not in it for the money.
I was able to judge both lathes before I made a choice and choose the Nova. Cost had a small part to play the deal from Nova with outrigger, Supernova2, and the legs ,cost far less than the Jet. I bought from ASKtools in UK and had it delivered cheaper than I could buy the Jet in Ireland.
I am so glad I made the choice .Small work area small lathe, but with enough power to turn anything you put up to it. If I had to make a decision now 3mnts.later It would be the same one. Hope this is of some helpin your dillemea Good luck Eugene ...

[Steve Cuthbert]

Hi Guys
Many thanks for the helpful replies and sorry for the delay in replying, just had a much needed break!.

Steve
Glad you were made welcome in Harrogate we tend to be a friendly bunch in Yorkshire especially to our American/Canadian friends. Not sure about the Youth festivals? my own `youths` have flown the nest many years ago now :rolleyes:.

Daniel
I can identify with all your points, I too don`t turn for a living so maybe the lack of VS won`t be an issue?

Rusty
$849.99 :eek::eek: You chaps over in the US seem to get all your gear that much cheaper than us over here :(. We have a very tax hungry government over here (over $9 for a gallon of unleaded,more for diesel I kid you not!)
In my other life as an amateur astronomer check out Meade telescopes 2-3x US prices :(. Wonder if I could get a flight over and...... perhaps not.

Eugene
Funny you should mention `Ask tools` I was thinking of buying from them as they are not too far away and heard good reports about them.

Best Regards
Steve

[Hilel Salomon]

Steve,

A few days ago, someone in this forum had priced a DVR XP for 1799. What is it selling for in the UK? Everyone in this forum who has one likes it, and if it is almost 500 dollars cheaper than a Jet, I'm wondering if you shouldn't consider it.
Good luck,
Hilel

[Steve Cuthbert]

Hi Hilel
Thanks for that. The DVR XP (I assume thats the variable speed Nova? I get confused with all the model numbers) is currently £1799 including outrigger and chuck over here in the UK. I did like the look of that lathe myself but I`ve been advised by someone to be wary of combined inverter/motor type lathes as apparantly repairs for these are astronomical as opposed to a straight motor swap on other types?? Not too sure about this myself as the variable speed Nova seems a very popular model?.
Regards
Steve