I think that when making a lathe-buying decision, there is no substitute for a test drive. I
also think that turners are a friendly lot and if you go about it right the chances of
getting a test drive are pretty good almost anywhere. For those lathes where there are
internet users' groups, the chances of getting a test drive are even better.

Clearly there is the potential of a legal problem if someone allows someone else to use his
machine and the someone else gets hurt. Most of us, though, refuse to run scared from the
too-many-lawyers syndrome in this country. I'll invite and watch. If I feel comfortable
with their skills, no problem. If not I'll teach, suggest, ...

Now, for a maybe more controversial idea...

Maybe it is worth getting a test drive on a lathe which might be out of your price range.
That will give you a point of comparison and you will have a much better idea of what you are
giving up by buying the less expensive and less capable machine.

A test drive is really worth doing, I think.

Bill

In article et,
says...
Doug Dubowski wrote:
I am in the market for new lathe and I am seriously considering a Nova DVR
3000 lathe. I haven't seen one personally and don't know anyone who owns
one. What does everyone who owns or has used this lathe think about it?
Are there any accessories that should be purchased with the lathe? Thanks.

DD


Where are you located? If you have an AAW chapter nearby someone is
likely to have a DVR. If you have a Woodcraft nearby, go play with theirs.

I've had mine for about 6 months now, other than a few little problems
out of the box, (Which Woodcraft and Teknatool handled exceptionally),
it has been wonderful. The outrigger is a pain, but it is worthwhile if
you want to turn really big (18+ inch) stuff. I've done 16" Madrona and
Maple bowls so far, and they are plenty big for me. Switch it to 220
Volt operation if you are able, the increase in low rpm torque is nice.

Mike