Unboxing & Setting Up My New Comet II Midi Lathe from Teknatool

[@alfindigo]

Just ordered one of these and was interested to see the size of the box it came in. I will be picking it up and putting it in my Car to drive home 400 miles. Thanks for not taking hours to inbox it like most seem to do with new tools!

[@thomrider]

Great video Zac, Thanks for mentioning my video. Can't wait to see what's next.

[@ZacHiggins]

Hey Thom, thank you for your video. I probably wouldn't have noticed the break in period otherwise! I do have another video coming soon... the unboxing of a SuperMax 19-38 drum sander. I'm loving that thing, and I should have the video up in a few days.

[@martymorgan9977]

Hey Zac, I enjoyed your video about the Comet II, so much in fact, I ordered one last week. I was on the fence, and you helped push me off on that side. I really appreciate it. I am mostly going to learn pen making and maybe a few bowls. Keep up the good work, I'm gonna try my hand at making a video or two, so I may have a few questions. Thanks again, Marty Morgan

[@ZacHiggins]

That's awesome Marty! Great machine for the money. That's awesome you're thinking about starting some videos up, be glad to help out =D

[@matt420740]

The belt controls the head speed, not the speed of the motor, so changing position of the belt during break in period is not necessary. Thanks for the video.

[@MrHoopler]

Zac, Just set mine up yesterday. Love the quiet feature. Seller also threw in a g3 chuck for turning bowls etc. Looking forward to what you create.

[@ZacHiggins]

+MrHoopler That's a smokin deal!! I think you'll enjoy the Comet and the chuck too. My Comet has done everything I've asked of it so far! I hope to see some of your work too :) Send in some pics when you get some projects turned up

[@AllenOxendine]

Just purchased my Comet, been building a stand. I'm new to wood turning so I need visual help, thanks for sharing...

[@ZacHiggins]

Glad it was helpful Allen, and great to hear that you're getting up and running!! The fun is just beginning =D

[@davidclauson6681]

Like the video, I think the allen screw on the face plate is to keep it from coming off when you are sanding in reverse. Looks like a good all around lathe. But the funniest part of the video is at the end, when I noticed that you're shirt is on inside out. Lol Thanks

[@ZacHiggins]

LOL, good catch David. I noticed the shirt I was wearing had a stupid saying on it that I didn't really feel like having on the video and I was too lazy to get another shirt out. Good call on the allen screw, my old lathe didn't have reverse. The mechanics of it don't even cross my mind yet.

[@P010010010100101]

That is an amazing difference in noise level! It might have been even quieter had you attached the feet. I upgraded from a small ShopFox to this model and it's only slightly less quiet for triple the HP.

[@tedspens]

I'm currently using a Central Machinery midi lathe (Harbor Freight) but have been eyeing the Comet II for a while now. I hope budget will allow me to upgrade some time soon. Thanks for pointing out that the motor needs to be primed. I would have missed that since reading the instructions usually my plan B.

[@ZacHiggins]

Ted Weddell LOL, me too. Luckily I saw Thom's video before I got my Comet or I would have missed it too. So far, the Comet has been a really great machine. Still running strong. Only shortcoming has been the bed length. Had just a couple projects that could really use a longer reach between centers, but I could fix that by getting a bed extension for it.

[@jarrodderr]

I regret getting and installing the grinding wheel accessory. Every time I get a wobble I get paranoid that’s the grinder. Seems to adds an X factor to my equation. Just set up a sharpening station elsewhere and keep your lathe simple. 👍

[@rbollard1]

Have to admit, same here, watched his video before mine arrived!!!

[@rbollard1]

Good video Zac, Love mine as well. Nova has a real winner, I think! Good thing You talked about the break-in period, so many guys don't read the book til too late.

[@ZacHiggins]

Thanks Bob, it's a pretty nice little lathe. I can't take credit for actually reading the manual, I happened to see Thom Rider's video on YT, luckily he mentioned it.

[@bradgiez6192]

Zac, I know you bought a larger lathe a few months back, knowing what you know about this lathe would you recommend it to other or suggest something else for a table top lathe? I own a PSI 10" Turncrafter Commander and I find that when I move the tail stock my indexing of the live center changes about a mill or two. I drill my pen blanks on my lathe and this tail stock play is an issue for me. Did you find side play on your tail stock with the Nova Comet II? if not I might buy a Nova or a Jet lathe

[@HansZarkovPhD]

Cluttered shops always look so cool, like you have a lot going on. If I weren't so OCD about putting everything away, my shop would look like I actually use it once in a while :) A lathe spraying wood chips all over would go a long way towards that. Please make a review video after using it for a long time. I would like to buy one, but there are quite a few bad reviews on Amazon. 3.8 stars out of 5.

[@ZacHiggins]

LOL I used to be the same way, but I have so many things going on at once I had to just give in and live with the clutter. I just try to keep most tools put away and have organized disarray going on everywhere. I'm pretty happy with the Comet, however I'll admit that I haven't really turned for any significant length of time on any other mini lathes. I'd say it's got the most features for the price tag. Just from looking at the stats and pictures, I'd probably say the top of the line Jet and Rikon mini lathes are a little heavier duty. The pulleys and belts are definitely heftier... however they're also about $200 more

[@gmanjeep1]

So now that you have owned this for a couple of years now how is it holding up I was thinking of buy it also

[@pashnit]

Ha just watched this. I to have a shopsmith. Unfortunately it just died and am now looking to get the nova. Ss is the only lathe I’ve ever used. I have a question about belt changes. I was understanding that variable speed didn’t require belt changes. When are belt changes necessary? Thanks

[@ZacHiggins]

I think you'll really like getting into a dedicated lathe. Everything is so much more solid on them. There are 3 belt positions, and a dial to adjust speeds per belt. It just depends on what you are doing with the lathe. Larger pieces will require you to drop to the lower belt to increase torque and get to the lowest speeds. Pens and other small things will require you to go to the high belt to get max speeds. Overall, for pens and smaller things I kept the belt on high, then I would drop to a lower belt when sanding or doing larger pieces

[@garymac121]

Thanks for the video. The comet looks like a good lathe. I have heard from a couple that it seems a little light weight which might not be good when ruining things larger than pens. Especially since you are used the larger shop Smith. What do you think? It seems very quiet Is there a readout somewhere showing the rpm?

[@ZacHiggins]

It's a decent lathe for the price, the flagship Jet and Rikon minis are definitely more substantial though, but they also cost a few hundred more. You can definitely turn some larger pieces than pens on the Comet, small bowls, lidded boxes, etc. will be fine on it. The motor isn't the most powerful though, it can stall a bit if you are trying to take too big a cut on larger items. There is no actual speed readout, but the variable speed dial has a speed chart on it, you can get a good idea of what RPM it is going that way

[@andrewsfury]

Hi man.i just hot this.can you tell if this is normal? When i remove the belt and spin the hand wheel it wont even make a complete turn ?

[@williamallegra1865]

I just bought a small wen lathe, and am already looking to buy this lathe.

[@Marcus_Caius]

Hey Zac, I would like to know after |4 years, are you still using that late? And if so did you get some of the accessories that attach to it like the grinders? Would be nice if you can make an update video of the late :)

[@ZacHiggins]

Hey Marcus, I had been using it up until the beginning of this year. It was a decent lathe for the price. I upgraded to the Laguna REVO 24|36 this year though, and I absolutely love that one!! Here's the unboxing video if you want to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2q5d4yKhqmWfac

[@Dave-ni4vg]

Any problems after 4 years

[@Dave-ni4vg]

Or should I just keep saving

[@scififekken]

Love the channel looking at starting up turning what would you recommend for a start out lathe. A good cheaper price to quality machine ratio thanks keep up great work

[@ZacHiggins]

Hey Brad, great to hear you're looking to get started turning! Lathe selection is a tough one, and It kind of depends on what your budget is and what types of projects you want to turn on it. If you're looking at mini lathes, the Comet is a pretty decent lathe packed with a lot of features and falls around the middle of of price range for mini lathes. It's handled everything I've thrown at it with no problems. They're around $465 on Amazon right now, here's my affiliate link to them if you want to check them out: amzn.to/2ffYjjT I've heard nothing but good reviews from people who have Rikons too, so I'd probably recommend checking them out too and comparing the features vs. price. Also, if you have a local woodturning club, reach out to the president to see if the club has lathes or if any members would be willing to let you "kick the tires" on a couple different models. Also, if there is a Woodcraft/Rockler or other woodworking store nearby, you can probably test drive some there. You may find you like one over another, and it's not a bad idea to meet some turners too and get some hands on with a little guidance =D

[@E094228]

Think this would be a decent lathe for turning acrylic and resin shave brush handles?

[@ZacHiggins]

That's basically what I use it for. It's a great little lathe for the price. If I were in the market for a mini/midi lathe right now, I'd also look at the Jet and the Rikon variable speed lathes. They are a bit more expensive, but look to be a tad bit heftier than the Comet. It's tough to beat the current price of the Comet though, you even get a G3 chuck with it for $497 with Amazon Prime right now: amzn.to/2gv5jZW

[@todddruien9236]

i just unboxed mine and put on the few parts... but when I turn the tailstock handwheel, the quill doesn't move in or out. I know how to unlock so it spins but no movement. Am I missing something or do I have to take the tailstock to the store tomorrow? thanks

[@ZacHiggins]

+Todd Druien Sounds like something's wrong if the quill isn't moving. I think you should have the store check that out for sure.

[@todddruien9236]

Ok thanks

[@markkraska]

So how do you fix the Comet when it develops the dreaded wobble or what some people call runout...

[@ZacHiggins]

+mark kraska If you're getting runout, I'd contact Nova. I got them to replace mine when a bearing went out in my first one. If it's out of warranty, I guess it would depend on what's causing the wobble. May be a bearing, could just be the centers or mandrel that aren't true.

[@markkraska]

+Zac Higgins Thanks Zac. It's only 3 months old. I love this lathe. Centers are true when stopped. when i start it, the chuck side wobbles a bit. Mandrel is true (checked on another lathe). I'll give Comet a call tomorrow. Thanks again. great video.

[@gregoryhall1611]

OK have a garage/woodshop and small art room. Been thinking about a mini lathe for a few months and did some research made a few calls too.Saved up was going to buy a Grizzly..but this looks much nicer.Going down tomorrow to get it.....And TY for the heads up on the break in.Respectfully "The Artistic Termite"

[@ZacHiggins]

Hey Gregory, I think you'll like it. I did have a problem with the headstock bearings on my first one, but Teknatool sent me a whole new lathe and it works fantastic. Let me know how you like it and definitely share some projects you turn on it, can't wait to see what you make! Got the break in tip from Thom Rider, I definitely would have missed that if it wasn't for Thom!

[@gregoryhall1611]

Thanks Zac my facebook page is Gregory A. Hall Anderson Indiana.And "I just Love it"keep in touch and again Thanks

[@ZacHiggins]

Gregory Hall I'm glad you like it, it's a nice little lathe. I checked your facebook page out and saw some of your work, very nice! Love those bolt action pens!

[@dpillarella]

im looking to get one.can you do bowls

[@ZacHiggins]

Sure! I've done a few bowls on it now. It's got a 12" swing, so you can turn a decent size bowl. Here's a recent one I turned made with resin & pine cones: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p32tfmWGaq-Xpbs

[@dpillarella]

nice thx man .I think this is the one im going to get then

[@ZacHiggins]

Awesome! I think you'll be happy with it. It's a good little lathe. Hasn't let me down yet!

[@jeffoldham3466]

does this lathe have self ejecting tailstock

[@ZacHiggins]

Yep, you just crank the quill back and anything that's in the tailstock will pop right out.

[@jzkartchner]

I'm impressed with the lathe but I have two comments. One: lift up the lathe so that the spindle is elbow hight. It will ease your back pain. To begin, try puttina a 2X something under the lathe and move it a little close to you. The rubber feel are nice, but the lathe is narrow enough that sooner or later you are going to get some vibration. Throw the rubber feet away and replace them with dense rubber pads, then bolt the lathe to your rise and the rise to your bench. If the two X does not rrotrude from the front of the lathe too far (1/2" maximum, you will find that you have plenty of room to change the belt from pulley to pulley with no problem. Everyone has their own solutions, but this works for me. Good luck. JZK

[@ZacHiggins]

Hey John, thanks for the suggestions. I actually have moved the lathe onto a stand now and it's adjustable. It's much better having it at the correct height! They didn't have the stand in stock when I bought the lathe, so I just made do without it for a couple weeks. I do like the lathe quite a bit still, but I'm starting to get the itch to find a bigger one some day!

[@joespina308]

There is no point to changing the belt position being the motor will run at whatever speed you set it.

[@ZacHiggins]

Great point! Didn't cross my mind at the time =D

[@markf.4063]

Not entirely true. The motor has a set RPM range that it will operate in. The different sized pulleys further that range along.

[@chrishaney9507]

That was a hoot... NO FUN, oh how I know, just how loud my SS Mark V 510 sounds like... lol!

[@ZacHiggins]

+Chris Haney LOL, Shop Smiths definitely make a racket! But hey, it got the job done for a while and the quick speed change is really nice! Thanks for watching Chris!

[@clarkgarber5495]

Replaced the bearings in my ss. It is now quiet.

[@ماجدالعراقي-ق8ي]

.How much is this god and thank you