Jet 1640 vs. Nova DVR XP

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Do you think the Jet has a big advantage since it includes a cast iron base/legs? Can one build a sturdy enough base for the Nova that would keep this lathe "grounded" ? I like a lot of the features on the Nova like having no belts and the swivel head stock. The latter is really convenient to me as it makes turning bowls a lot more comfortable.

[Alan Trout]

Alan, Here is the thread on my stand. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=99001 Of course I am biased but I have turned on both and I personally like mine more. My DVR XP is as stable if not more stable than a PM3520.

I agree the DVR has some nice features and things that I see as an advantage. They really are nice machines.

Good Luck

Alan

[alex carey]

Well heres the thing, the Nova doesnt come with a stand, if you look at Alan Trout's stand you can see that it is definitely sturdy. The upside with the nova is that it can swivel where as to get the same effect with the jet you need to slide the headstock down and some how create an outboard tool rest. Leaving all else equal you either have to build an outboard tool rest for the jet or build a stand for the nova. An outboard tool rest is probably easier to make and will allow you to turn to the floor.

I wouldn't even think about the belt changing for the jet. Most people are able to keep it on the same belt the entire time. Others will have to change it only once per turning. Anyways it takes only 15 seconds.

[Bernie Weishapl]

I bought a universal stand for mine, enclosed it and put in some shelves. I put 300 lbs of sand in the bottom. It does not move at all and I have had some big out of round pieces on it.

[Alan Tolchinsky]

So it sounds like you're saying that the Nova has the advantage except you have to build/buy a stand. I forgot that you never have to change any belts on the Nova but I take it this is minor. How easy is it to change speeds on the Nova xp? I've only used a Delta with a very noisy reeves drive that drives me nuts. I can't wait to step up to a smoother quieter lathe. I actually prefer my Jet mini simply because it's so quiet. BTW is the Nova quiet? I would think so but thought I'd ask. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

[Mike Lipke]

I do like the dial speed control, vs punching a button repeatedly to speed up or slow down. That's just me though.

[Alan Trout]

The DVR XP is one of the quietest smoothest lathes out there. Changing speeds is easy. The lathe has 5 preset speeds and it also can be changed in 5rpm increments from 100RPM to 3500RPM. It is not as fast as a knob but in reality not a big deal at all.

Alan

[Bernie Weishapl]

Ditto Alan. I have my preset speeds set at what I mostly turn at. I really don't see a problem with the buttons. Sure it isn't as fast as a knob but being a hobby turner changing speeds is a none issue to me. I like the smoothness, quiet and no belts.

[Jake Helmboldt]

Alan, I asked the same question of both Allen Lacer and Bill Grumbine. Both feel the Jet is the better machine. Bill G. likes the DVR but notes some potential concerns. Allen on the other hand doesn't like the DVR at all.

I can share the specific comments if you'd like.

JH

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Originally Posted by Jake Helmboldt

Alan, I asked the same question of both Allen Lacer and Bill Grumbine. Both feel the Jet is the better machine. Bill G. likes the DVR but notes some potential concerns. Allen on the other hand doesn't like the DVR at all.

I can share the specific comments if you'd like.

JH

Jake, I would be interested in hearing what their concerns/dislikes were. It may not be of concern to me but I'd like to know anyway. Please Nova owners do not be offended by this as it is just personal preference like many other things in life. You sound like you like your machines regardless.

[alex carey]

changing the speeds at 5 rpm increments is as big a deal as changing belts on the jet.

The bed seems smaller on the nova, I haven;t used it so I can't say.

[Narayan Nayar]

I think it'd be hard for Nova DVR owners (like myself) to be offended. Most Nova owners I know are absolutely ecstatic about their lathes and probably heard the "negatives" when considering the DVR.

The most common negative is the hypothetical situation: "What if something happens to the drive? On most lathes you can just swap out the motor. On the DVR you have to replace the whole head unit. And what if Nova goes out of business?"

This is a valid concern, I suppose, but wasn't enough to sway me (or many others, apparently) from the positives:

• Small footprint but expandable
• One of the smoothest running lathes in existence
• Variable speed w/ presets & safety controls
• Swiveling headstock
• Ability to run on either 110 or 220

Another concern I heard when considering the purchase was that the electronic drive units provide constant torque, so "if you get a catch, it's almost always a bad one". The safety feature on the Novas is brilliant and clearly the individuals who make this claim never used a Nova, since safety feature basically stops the lathe if it encounters too much resistance (and you can set that to low, medium, high, or off).

I'm by no means a Nova or DVR fanboy, but I do love my lathe and think I made the absolute perfect choice for myself. I also realize, though, that everyone has their own priorities and preferences; all I can do is convey my experiences.

I turned on (i.e. messed up a few pieces of wood on) the Jet and the PM before deciding on the Nova.

[Narayan Nayar]

Originally Posted by alex carey

changing the speeds at 5 rpm increments is as big a deal as changing belts on the jet.

The bed seems smaller on the nova, I haven;t used it so I can't say.

In the previous post I claim that I'm not a DVR fanboy, and I'll stick by that statement . But I will correct others' statements about the Nova when they are erroneous.

Alex, if you haven't used the DVR, it's hard for me to understand why you'd say changing the speeds at 5rpm increments is as big a deal as changing the belts on the Jet.

I'd agree that changing the belts on the Jet isn't a big deal and frankly shouldn't be a negative against the Jet. But on the Nova, just to set the record straight, you can easily select a preset (there are five presets w/ defaults set at the factory, you can override these presets and save your favorite speeds if you wish), then just hold down the + or - button until you reach your desired speed. You can move in increments as fine as 5rpm if you want, or you can just hold the button down and the speed changes are quick.

I would agree with anyone who says a knob would be a better interface--I like physical controls. But I disagree that holding a button down is the same thing as changing a belt. You can hold a button down while the lathe is still running, and if the piece is vibrating, you have much finer control to find a speed at which that vibration stops.

Nine times out of ten the speed I want is already a preset.

[alex carey]

I think you misunderstood me. I mearly meant that neither of them take a long time and neither of them should be taken as a big disadvantage.

The Jet takes only 15 seconds to change the belt. Hardly a nuisance, especially when you rarely have to do it.

The Nova has 5 presets and changing speeds is hardly an ordeal but really quite simple.

My point was that neither of them are a big deal at all.

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Is the belt change on the Jet the same as the Jet mini? I have the mini and it's just opening two doors and moving the belt over. Although it's easy I sometimes find it sort of a pain to get the belt in just the right groove. And as said above it does make you stop the lathe. Thanks guys for all the input.