Nova lathe question

[Bryan Field]

Just received this from Teknatool.

[td] ​ ​

[/td]

[td] Dear Customer,​ ​ ​

​ [td] over the past few years, the world has changed in ways none of us could have predicted. Global shifts in trade, the economy, and supply chains have challenged businesses everywhere—including ours. But at NOVA, we see change as an opportunity! To ensure we continue bringing you the best tools at the best value, we’re making a big move: we’re opening up direct sales! This means better access, more control, and a stronger NOVA for the future. And that’s not all—we have some exciting new products on the horizon that we can’t wait to share with you. Our commitment to this craft and community remains as strong as ever, and we’re here to support you for many more years to come. Thank you for being part of the NOVA family. We’re just getting started. Your team at NOVA​ [/td]​

[/td]

 

[Earl McLain]

I got the same e-mail as @Bryan Field . Spent a few minutes on the "Shop" site, all of the machines i linked to showed "Out Of Stock", didn't look at any of the chucks or accessories. In a sense, the new Direct Sales site makes me wonder if the Chapter 11 filing for the USA company might have something to do with being a way to terminate some reseller contracts?? Just a thought.

 

[Marc Morgan]

I am considering a Nova lathe (one of a couple models), but I haven't been able to determine if they have a bore through the headstock spindle. If not, how do you get a stuck drive spur out of the spindle, since a knockout bar won't be useful?

I have a Nova Nebula and it has a hole all the way thru headstock spindle(#2 morse taper)

Marc

 

[Gary Beasley]

Oneway has a great swivel vacuum adaptor with custom segments for different lathes that screw into the handwheel hole. I have his for my DVR and love it. Just needs a small faceplate to make a vacuum chuck for it.

 

[Dave Hempstead]

My Nova 3000 and Nova DVR XP both are bored through the headstock spindle

 

[Robert Levin]

@John Whitley I can relate to the firmware dev package developer perspective... Allegedly...

I suspect that nova completely outsourcing their circuit dev is the most likely scenario. I suspect that is why you have the privilege of downloading firmware updates for your brand new drill press ... Because the inventory on hand was assembled before the update was ready and they opted to ship the unit and tell Nova to tell their customers to update it themselves...

I do my own pcb repair on my AC unit on my roof, so sweating off some caps in the DVR controller doesn't seem too much worse. Regardless, as others have indicated Nova seems to have found a good motor/controller supplier. Since Harvey has introduced their own servo based lathe, I think the dramatic advantage Nova had in lathe technology has ebbed significantly.

Good on you for doing your own pcb repairs. I haven't done that in 30+ years.
When I received my Nova Nebula last year the front panel control knob was broken. I was prepared to make the repair myself but Nova customer service sent me a new control assembly so I had no need to take it apart. That has become the way of the world on many electronic systems - techs have become board changers!

 

[Robert Levin]

The bankruptcy is not good news. I bought a Nova Nebula in July of 2024. While it has been working flawlessly I am now concerned that the warranty is worthless!

 

[Robert Levin]

Hey Bryan,it’s been a minute since this post,but I ordered my Nebula over a month ago and am waiting patiently for it to ship.
I was wondering how you were liking your Nebula after some time to use it.
Thanks,Alan

I have had the Nebula since July 2024 and I love it. The features I love most are a) the motor and speed control which runs from 50 to whatever ( I only take it up to ~2,000) and the ability to turn the headstock to whatever angle I need so that I can get into the bowl without hitting the tailstock.

 

[John Whitley]

The bankruptcy is not good news. I bought a Nova Nebula in July of 2024. While it has been working flawlessly I am now concerned that the warranty is worthless!

I get this worry, but the sense I'm getting from multiple fronts is that Teknatool (International) is working to get through this, and to (eventually...) restore customer confidence here. Of note: no one outside the USA has any idea that there have been any of the problems (including massive lathe delays, the bankruptcy, etc) that we've had. I think it's worth keeping an eye on things and reaching out to Teknatool with questions like this one about warranty coverage, particularly as the bankruptcy case is resolved.

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

IMHO the warranty is with Teknatool International (the manufacturer) and not USA but USA acts as thier agent.