I have a Nova Comet 14Dr by Teknatool that just quit on me a couple of weeks ago. I've run troubleshooting as instructed by Teknatool--wer--tech, but no joy. The controller is out of stock in their catalogue. I wonder if anyone has substituted a different bnoard, and if so, what did you use? I very much appreciate any help!
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Controller substitution fpr Nova Comet 14 DR?
- Thread starter Michael Burns
- Start date
Teknatool confusingly claims the motor is "Motor – 1HP, 120V, Single Phase, 60Hz" on their website. I would assume it is actually a DC motor, check the motor plate. If in fact it is a DC motor, you can get a controller like this, but KB controllers also need a hp resistor to match the motor rating. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RW7LSX...QYWAA4ZT&psc=0&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Thanks-- I need to do some homework to figure out what that means!Teknatool confusingly claims the motor is "Motor – 1HP, 120V, Single Phase, 60Hz" on their website. I would assume it is actually a DC motor, check the motor plate. If in fact it is a DC motor, you can get a controller like this, but KB controllers also need a hp resistor to match the motor rating. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RW7LSX...QYWAA4ZT&psc=0&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Michael,
Did you ever sort your controller issue? I think I may have the same issue.
Chris
Did you ever sort your controller issue? I think I may have the same issue.
Chris
I did reach out to Teknatool and they informed me that they had just received a new shipment of controllers. They did inform me that it was highly likely that this new shipment was already sold out but that new controllers would be coming in the next month or so (as of 8/4/25). In the interim, I was sent a wiring diagram and troubleshooting guide to see if my current controller is fixable. We'll see.
Given Teknatool's current financial problems, you might want to consider buying a back up if, in fact, you plan to keep the lathe for awhile. I began turning about 8 years ago with that lathe (although it was an earlier model). I think that is a common problem with the controller. Mine stopped working also. I did get a tech support guy on the phone who helped me run through steps to determine the cause but, in the end, they essentially washed their hands of the whole thing, indicating that I contributed to the problem because I had not plugged the lathe into a surge protector. I got a new controller, a surge protector, and used the lathe for awhile. About 4 years ago I bought a full-size lathe and was fortunate enough to be able to sell the Nova lathe for a decent price. It seems to me that the controller shouldn't stop working shortly after the warranty runs out, but it was clear Nova would take no responsibility for the problem.