Cool Tool Monday - Lathe Edition // Nova Comet II DR Mini Lathe Review

This week, we are checking out the Nova Comet II DR Mini Lathe.
Although "mini" this lathe packs a serious punch, and is loaded with cool features. It is also an all around well built, solid piece of equipment.
Nova Comet II DR Mini Lathe: amzn.to/3hXC7sG
As always, thanks for watching and your support. Please let me know if I can help with anything, or answer any additional questions.
Till next time,
Jonathan
Jon Ford Woodworks
@jonfordwoodworks
[e-mail]
#CoolToolMonday #JonFordWoodworks

[@JGV_IX]

Just ordered one! Can’t wait to get turning 😃😃 Nova owes you some commission! Thanks for the great video!

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Oh cool, I'm glad I was helpful. I've been really happy with this lathe - hopefully you will too!

[@dbredeson77]

I wasnt really considering a lathe for my shop but I always want to learn and this is interesting. Now I am interested. Thanks Jon. Keep making.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

I never thought I needed, or wanted a lathe either, but it's a blast to have. I find myself trying to think of reasons to use it, or ways to incorporate turned pieces into other projects. It is a bit of a rabbit hole though with all the different turning tools and attachments! Thank you too D.

[@rwithrow5969]

These are great, Jon! Keep up the good work!!

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thanks so much - let me know if there is something you would like me to cover. I'd be glad to try and help!

[@jaycelliott2]

Great vid. I just bought this and unpackaged it today. I did read the part about breaking in the motor. But...I guess I didn't understand the part about the head stock lock on the back. I thought I read, and I've went back several times, I thought it reads to keep the lock on which made sense to me at first, sort of like locking in the gears to run. So when i looked as some other videos on this unit, they said you'll hear some loud noise or swooshing type noise to it. So when I ran it, it made a loud screaching noise so I thought that was the brushes breaking in. But the head wasn't spinning and when I opened the area to adjust the belt, nothing was spinning. So I unlocked that on the back, and then it spun and the numbers started to work! So duh I guess. I swear the instruction says to lock it oh well. But so now I have ran it for about 15 mins, have to finish that 45 mins soon.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

I was glad I saw somewhere that the motor needed to be broke in myself. Even though I try to read instructions completely, I don't always do it. I'm glad it all worked out for you. Have you gotten a chance to use it? I'd love to know how you like it. Thanks so much man!

[@jaycelliott2]

@@JonFordWoodworks Yes, I did get to use it. Threw on a couple pen blanks and turned a nice pen on it for its inaugural turn! It's smooth as butter and love the adjustable speeds this has too. It has plenty of power that is for sure!

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Awesome John, I'd love to see some of your work! I agree with you man, it's really only a mini lathe in size - power and everything else is not mini.

[@Rhadaghasl]

Love that lathe

[@usaf4dbt]

Thank you.

[@stephaniestrobel3331]

Thanks, this is really nice overview. Looks pleasant to use. What do use to sharpen your turning tools?

[@hacc220able]

Jon, mounting feet look like suction cups. How do you recommend mounting the unit and on what base do you recommend placing it on. Do you turn at the location shown in the video - Looks like cleanup could be a problem. What type of clothing, breathing protection do you wear when turning. What type of fence do you use if you do not use the one with the kit. Does the G# work well. Thanks.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Hey Ralph, haha the feet do look like suction cups, but they are just heavy duty solid rubber feet. There is also a mounting hole that goes through the base and feet, which makes mounting to a worksurface easy. I do turn in the location shown, but I have moved things around a little, so it is easier to move around the lathe. I have the lathe mounted to a wooden table I made - nothing fancy, but sturdy. They also sell steel bases, which are great, but somewhat pricey. Cleanup is definitely a problem, but I'm not sure if any worksurface would make that any better? You can get a wide attachment for your dust collection, but even that won't catch everything. I personally just make a mess, and then clean it up! As far as clothing, just avoid anything that's too baggy and might get caught in the lathe while it's spinning. I do wear a mask to protect my lungs, and generally wear a face shield to protect my face. I'd be happy to provide some of the specific products I use if that would be helpful?

[@JonFordWoodworks]

I do use the tool rest that came with the lathe, but I also have several other ones that are different lengths. I have a few that are curved, which make it easier to get inside of bowls, or around curves as well. The G2 Chuck is great, and works really well. I have gotten several different jaw attachments, which make it very versatile.

[@jaycelliott2]

This is not my first lathe but I haven't found a way to not make a mess when turning! They do have for some beds you can get deflectors so that the shavings don't fly over so much, and some of them have vacuum attachments to them too that help. I just live with it and clean up afterwards. I do have a heavy small 'blanket' of sorts that I lay over the bed that makes it easier to clean up some. Doesn't get too much in and around the motor and surfaces that way.

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Haha they are messy! I don't do anything to help with the mess. Like you, I just clean it up afterwards. I have considered getting one of those vacuum attachments, which I'm sure help a little?! If you find a cool solution please share.

[@56101921]

Hello, merci pour cette vidéo, j'ai le même tour a bois, le votre en vitesse pleine marque t'il 4000 tours/min.le mien ne dépasse pas 2200. Merci pour votre réponse

[@dasfreakster]

Nice video. Been eyeballin this one for a while. What is that drum sander in the background?

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Thanks man. For a mini lathe this one is excellent. The drum sander is a Super Max (i.e. Laguna) also excellent!

[@JonFordWoodworks]

Let me know what you end up going with, and what you think.

[@jaimegenovajr3257]

First