I'm going to buy a lathe in the near future. I have been using a shopsmith for 30 years. Good news - or bad for the wallet - a friend recently opined that my turning skills have exceeded the design/tolerances of the shopsmith; speed control is difficult and too much vibration/chatter. So, I'm looking at the Nova Neptune and Laguna Revo 12/16 midi, or similar machines. Footprint is a big consideration and I will never turn a bowl larger than 12 inch diameter. Reaching out for your collective thoughts and suggestions regarding these two lathes or others I should consider. Thanks.
Buying a lathe
- Thread starter ednl
- Start date
Both are fine lathes and while I know you don’t plan to go over 12 inches, it’s nice to have the capacity. That’s particularly true because you have to remember that the banjo is a couple inches, so your clearance over the banjo is less than the capacity over the bed. The 15 inches on the Nova gives you a true 12, and the Nova has a higher hp than the Laguna.
I only know 2 people with the Neptune and 4 with the Laguna and all like their choice. I used to have a Nova DVR, which is a full size version with the direct drive and it was great until I needed additional capacity. I don’t think you can go wrong, but I’d probably lean toward the Nova all other things being equal.
The one thing I recommend checking out is any reports regarding the electronics on the Nova. Years ago there was an issue, but I understand it was fixed with the newer generations. Laguna gets a bad rap for customer service, and it is sometimes deserved, though I do have multiple Laguna machines (jointer and planer) and have not had those issues on the couple times I contacted them.
Good luck with the purchase.
I only know 2 people with the Neptune and 4 with the Laguna and all like their choice. I used to have a Nova DVR, which is a full size version with the direct drive and it was great until I needed additional capacity. I don’t think you can go wrong, but I’d probably lean toward the Nova all other things being equal.
The one thing I recommend checking out is any reports regarding the electronics on the Nova. Years ago there was an issue, but I understand it was fixed with the newer generations. Laguna gets a bad rap for customer service, and it is sometimes deserved, though I do have multiple Laguna machines (jointer and planer) and have not had those issues on the couple times I contacted them.
Good luck with the purchase.
I have the Laguna Revo 12/16. I’m also in Apex, not far from you. You’re welcome to come give it a test run. I had mine for several years and can’t say anything bad about it. It’s solid built midi lathe. Laguna also has an outlet store you can order from at a discount. I made a couple large purchases through the outlet due to the discount price and don’t have anything negative to say about the tools I received.
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I purchased the Nova Neptune about a year ago. Previously owned a HF and worked with Rikon midi and full size lathes. I’m spaced constrained and 79 years old. What lead me to purchase this lathe was the lack of belts and the ability to swivel the headstock making it more comfortable to hollow out a bowl.
I had an initial issue with the lock knob. Teknatool service was easy to contact and quick to send a replacement part. The only other minor gripe is that the paint seems to chip rather easily. I’m very happy with my purchase.
I had an initial issue with the lock knob. Teknatool service was easy to contact and quick to send a replacement part. The only other minor gripe is that the paint seems to chip rather easily. I’m very happy with my purchase.
Sounds like your mate's given you the nudge most of us get sooner or later. Thirty years on a Shopsmith is a solid run, but once your skills outgrow the machine, the difference with a proper lathe is night and day.
I've got a Laguna Revo 12|16 available, and I'd be willing to part with. It's smooth, well-balanced, variable speed is spot on, and it's a big step up in terms of rigidity, so chatter is kept to a minimum. For anything up to a 12" bowl, it's right in its sweet spot without taking up a heap of floor space.
I looked at the Neptune as well before settling on the Laguna, and while both are good machines, I found the Revo to have a bit more refinement in the controls and overall feel. It's been a dependable lathe.
I've got a Laguna Revo 12|16 available, and I'd be willing to part with. It's smooth, well-balanced, variable speed is spot on, and it's a big step up in terms of rigidity, so chatter is kept to a minimum. For anything up to a 12" bowl, it's right in its sweet spot without taking up a heap of floor space.
I looked at the Neptune as well before settling on the Laguna, and while both are good machines, I found the Revo to have a bit more refinement in the controls and overall feel. It's been a dependable lathe.
