Neptune Max Lathe

Dick Veitch takes us through the flexibility and features of the Nova Neptune Lathe.

[@JK-gw8dr]

Awesome demo, thank you for all the tips and tricks shown here.

[@markteeboon1289]

As usual Dick a great demonstration

[@rustynorley6885]

Are there any disadvantages to using a direct drive lathe?

[@SouthAucklandWoodturnersGuild]

We have not found any downsides, all the permanent lathes at South Auckland Woodturners are Nova DVR direct drive, this is also what most of our members are using in their own workshops as well. Nova DVR is smoother and quieter, with excellent power delivery and torque, ideal for the training programs we run at the club.

[@JamesBondDZero7Mi6]

It looks like a nice lathe for a midi lathe but for an everyday bowl lathe, I'd question the longevity of its design. It seems there is limited length in the spindle shaft for enough bearing support for heavy bowl roughing. The tailstock also looks a little lightweight to me. I'd consider this for a 2nd lathe for lighter finish work. I think it's still in the beta stage.

[@SouthAucklandWoodturnersGuild]

The design of this lathe is so well proportioned that it looks lighter than it is. If you require a larger lathe and desire the Nova direct drive then the Orion on Nebula may be a better fit for you.

[@RCDinsmore]

does the rotating head not have detents for alignment?

[@SouthAucklandWoodturnersGuild]

Yes it does have detents, but for accurate realignment with the tailstock we have found better results using the acruline (double ended morse taper) with all lathes that have a swiveling head.

[@marktrenier3358]

Nice looking lathe, but they won't be coming out until at least May of 2024.

[@SouthAucklandWoodturnersGuild]

Availability varies depending on the market. They are available in New Zealand, Australia and progressively rolling out around the world.

[@marktrenier3358]

Not available in the US until May.@@SouthAucklandWoodturnersGuild