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Nova Lathes

Nova’s DVR wood lathes give you direct-drive torque, smooth speed control, and low-vibration stability for clean, predictable turning.

Choose your Nova Lathe:
Nova Nebula 18" DVR — the most capable option; pro-level power, stability, and control for large bowls and detailed work
Nova Neptune Max 15" DVR — full-size performance in a smaller footprint; versatile for general turning and mixed shop work
Nova Neptune 15" DVR Bench — compact DVR turning with the same smart control in a bench-friendly size
Nova Comet II DR Midi — a versatile, space-saving midi lathe built for everyday spindle work, small bowls, and hobby shops

Lowest Prices Guaranteed | Authorized Nova Dealer

Why Choose a Nova DVR Wood Lathe for Your Shop

Nova’s DVR lathes deliver direct-drive torque, smooth speed control, and low vibration without belts. They’re built for predictable cuts, steady power, and clean results in everyday turning work.

  • Direct-drive torque at any speed keeps cuts smooth without stalling or chatter.
  • Low vibration and rigid builds improve accuracy, finish quality, and tool control.
  • Instant speed changes make it easy to move from roughing to detail work.
  • 360° sliding and swiveling headstocks (Nebula & Neptune) improve access and ergonomics.
  • Smart motor control maintains consistent speed under load for cleaner cuts.

Which Nova Lathe Is Right for You?

Most shops compare by footprint and capacity. Here’s how the floor and bench models differ:

Floor Lathes (Maximum Stability & Capacity)

Nova Nebula 18" DVR Wood Lathe

Nova Nebula 18" DVR Wood Lathe

The top choice for serious turning. Nebula offers the most power, stability, and control for large bowls, wide blanks, and fine-detail work.

  • Largest capacity and torque in the Nova lineup
  • Heaviest, most stable platform for big or unbalanced blanks
  • Widest usable speed range for roughing to finishing

Nova Neptune Max 15" DVR Wood Lathe

Nova Neptune Max Lathe

A full-size lathe in a smaller footprint. You get DVR precision with enough capacity for most turning tasks without stepping up to Nebula’s size.

  • 15" swing and 28" between centers for mixed turning work
  • Lighter full-size frame than Nebula
  • Sliding and swiveling headstock for flexible setups

Bench Lathes (Compact & Shop-Friendly)

Nova Neptune 15" DVR Bench Lathe

Nova Neptune 15 Inch Bench Lathe

Compact DVR performance for tight shops. Same smart motor control as Neptune Max, but in a bench-friendly frame.

  • 15" swing with compact footprint
  • Sliding and swiveling headstock for ergonomic access
  • Ideal for small- to mid-size bowls and spindle work

Nova Comet II DR Midi Bench Lathe

Nova Comet 14 DR Lathe

A versatile, budget-friendly midi lathe. Ideal for pens, small bowls, and everyday bench turning.

  • 250–4000 RPM variable speed with digital readout
  • Forward/reverse for cleaner finishing
  • Cast-iron stability in a compact footprint

Nova Lathes FAQs

What is a DVR motor?

Nova’s DVR (Digital Variable Reluctance) motor is a direct-drive system with no belts or pulleys. It uses onboard software to keep torque steady, reduce vibration, and hold speed under load. The result is smoother drilling, cleaner holes, and simple speed changes.

What power requirements do Nova lathes have?

Nova DVR lathes run on standard household voltage (110–120V in North America). Always check your circuit capacity and follow the electrical guidelines in the Nova user manual to ensure safe operation.

Are Nova DVR lathes quieter than belt-drive lathes?

Yes. Without belts or pulleys, DVR lathes eliminate most mechanical noise and vibration. You’ll still hear the cutting action on the wood, but the motor itself runs with a steady, quiet hum.

Can Nova lathes handle large bowls and unbalanced blanks?

Yes, especially the Nebula and Neptune Max. Their direct-drive torque and heavier frames help maintain steady rotation with large or unbalanced workpieces.