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The Nova Comet

Shows the unique 'Acruline' pin sharp centre adjustment for the Comet

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The Comet is a unique mini and one of the most versatile lathes you will ever own. Introduced in 1997 it has found a firm niche at the top of the mini lathe market with its rock solid performance and features. It has a number of unique features and accessories not found on other lathes: Extendable capacity (both diameter and length), adjustable centre accuracy and a tailstock drilling collet accessory.

EXTENDABLE CAPACITY
The Nova Comet is the only mini with the ability to extend its capacity in both directions! The standard capacity of the Comets puts most minis in the shade - 254mm (10") diameter plus up to 355mm (14") between centres but within a convenient and space saving 610mm (24") overall length. This big capacity is backed by a strong, rigid cast iron construction and utilises the same bed as the much larger Nova 3000. This means that it can tackle the biggest turning job with no vibration and delivers quiet running with even a temporary stand or bench mounting. However this generous standard capacity can be stretched much further for those who want to stretch their Comet to match just about all of their project needs. The optional Gap Bed accessory fits snugly between the headstock and standard bed. This is a 'real' gap bed - it enables you to turn bowls up to 355mm (14") diameter with a depth up to 190mm (7.5"). Of course it also extends your bed length to some 585mm (23") BC. A neat bed filler unit (one is provided with each gap bed) enables you to fully access the extra bed length with the toolrest. This is not usually provided for most gap beds. To really increase bed length you can add an extension bed (optional accessory) which gives you another 500mm (20") extra capacity, or maybe two for 1000mm (40") more capacity! This is unheard of even for large lathes. Add a gap bed and an extra bed extension and you increase the length to 1100mm 43" between centre capacity. Because of the rigid, well-engineered cast iron construction all of this extra capacity is useable.

PIN SHARP CENTRE ALIGNMENT
The Nova Comet is the only mini lathe with a fully adjustable centre alignment. Precise alignment really matters in Mini lathes with thin walled work, where very accurate drilling is required. Each Comet lathe is factory set using our unique "Acruline" alignment method (this involves a double Morse taper with fits into the spindle and tailstock). The headstock and bed are adjusted and locked in place while the centres are held in perfect alignment. This method ensures perfect accuracy, which can't be met by any other mini Lathe. The big bonus also is that it is also adjustable in the field by the user if necessary.

COLLET DRILL ACCESSORY
The Comet has another unique accessory - the Collet Quill. Each Comet has a threaded tailstock quill. This is able to take an optional Collet Quill accessory for holding drills. The basic unit comes with two collet sizes and there are a range available from 3mm (1/8") up to 12.5mm (½"). There are two big advantages in using the Collet system over normal drill chucks. First the overhang of a drill chuck and arbor reduces centre accuracy at the drill point - where you need it! Drills tend to wander. The collet quill enables you to lock up the drill point as close as convenient to the tailstock. This leads to the second big advantage: reduced overhang means that there is increased drilling capacity between centres - this is an important consideration with mini lathes where bed lengths are short. All in all the Nova Comet is a surprising little, ….well big lathe. The extra features turn it into the most unique and versatile mini on the market. Its portable size means you can turn wherever the mood takes you. And its more cost effective than larger lathes, delivering a quality machine that is real value for money and which has many features of a larger lathe. providing you with the best woodturning options for your money.

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