Nova Mercury Mini Lathe

My first "real" lathe was a 1930 Oliver. After a careful restoration/rebuild, the lathe served me well for several years. It was a "serious" machine-50" between centers, leather drive belt and a weight somewhere over 500lbs. As my skill and interest grew, so did my affection for this machine. I came to appreciate the value of heavy castings. heavy duty bearings and spindles and the basic integrity of the design of the Oliver. There were only two areas where the machine was not sufficient to meet my growing needs; the lack of precise speed control and the swing over the bed. Still, I did not consider another lathe until I saw the first picture of the Oneway. It was obvious to me that this new machine was the epitome of form and function. I ordered one (2436) and then later I bought the smaller version (1018). Both lathes have received a lot of use and both have performed well beyond my expectations. It has been nice to have two machines for some projects and to share shop time with friends. 

Imagine my surprise when I found myself taking a second look at another new lathe. The Woodcraft Catalog arrived and on the cover was a picture of the new Nova Mini Lathe. I was attracted to the design. The way it was put together seemed quite impressive. Then I saw the lathe had electronic variable speed. When I saw the price, I placed an order. I shared the news with a friend and he had a current Mercury owner contact me. He was very dissatisfied and said that the machine was so underpowered that he stalled it on a pen blank. He had sent his lathe back. I became somewhat concerned.

When my lathe finally arrived I found I had nothing to worry about. Upon examining and using the machine, I was even more impressed with the way it was put together. I have used this lathe now for several weeks preparing for a demonstration at our next Spokane, Washington  Lathe Club Meeting. I have been turning ultra thin 1/16th inch thick bowls and hollow vessels that are 4 inches in diameter or less. I have used some very old and very dry blanks of maple, maple burl and plum. At this point, I feel I am quite familiar with the attributes of the machine. 

FORM

The solid one-piece casting  is of very high quality. The ways are precision machined for easy, smooth operation of the tail stock sliding/locking mechanism. The headstock-tailstock alignment is perfect. However, if it wasn't perfectly aligned, I can't see how it could be adjusted. 

The tool rest and tailstock assemblies are solid and well designed. The fit and finish are as good as I have seen elsewhere. All levers are metal-unlike Oneway on which I have broken several of their plastic ones. All tighteners are adjustable and easy to use. The spindle is another impressive feature. The three pulley wheels are machined into the one piece assembly. As headstock support and rigidity are so important, I see this as an extremely good design. The bearings seem to provide  good support. Within its size limits, the Nova turns very much like the Oneway in terms of stability.  

In theory, the speed range adjustment mechanism is well designed. The manual states that the motor should be held in place with a finger-tightened nut located within the headstock. The only problem is that reaching in the small hole, I can't grasp the tightener. My fingers are too large. I found a wrench fits nicely. I am careful not to over tighten it. Quill travel is 2.5 inches - sufficient for the size of the machine. The tailstock mechanism also seems a bit unconventional. The whole assembly will rotate and not advance unless there is slight pressure applied using the quill lock knob. This is a minor annoyance. I plan to disassemble it soon to become better aware of how it works. The tailstock is drilled so a knockout bar can be used to remove accessories. 

Both the headstock and tailstock are machined to accept #2 Morse tapers. The threads are the same as are found on most mini and midsize lathes (1 inch diameter 8 tpi) The total weight of the lathe is 59 lbs. It is heavy enough that I don't plan to mount it on a base. With the speed control it should handle anything I plan to put on it. By the way, the lathe can be extended by 12 inches on inboard or outboard side. With the optional outboard extension attached, you can turn up to 14 inches diameter. But given the power of this machine, I would recommend a larger lathe for a project that approaches the 14 inch diameter size. Close examination of the parts of this lathe leaves me wondering how they could offer such quality with no significant compromises for such a low price.

Specifications:
     Capacity 8" over bed, 11" between centers
     1" X 8 Spindle Tread inboard and outboard /w #2 Morse taper
     1/4 HP DC motor - **Upgradeable**
     Electronic Variable speed /w 3 power ranges - 100-1350, 200- 2800, 250-3800
     2.5" quill travel
     Hollow tailstock quill and headstock spindle (10mm)     
     59 pounds - vibration dampening 220 grade cast iron
     5 year factory warranty
     Aircraft quality bearings
     One-piece headstock spindle

FUNCTION

How does it work?  I chucked up my first blank with some worries. Would it vibrate too much? Would the locking mechanisms "creep" like they tend to do on some other low priced machines? Most important, would the motor stall when I rough out a piece?  The first piece was a five year old piece of plum wood. The blank was just over 4 inches in diameter. I put the lathe on the mid speed range. I approached the out of round piece carefully. As soon as I began what I would describe as an aggressive fine cut, the lathe stalled. I found the trouble to be a slipping belt. I used the wrench to tighten the motor lock assembly. I finished the piece without incident until the very last scheduled cut to refine the base. I caught the tool and put a hole through the bottom. One moment of letting my mind wander. Well, we have all done that. It will provide a good example of what not to do. 

I moved the speed to the lower speed range and turned several more pieces without incident. As I became more familiar with the machine, I became more cognizant of how quietly and competently it functions. I now look forward to turning most of my small pieces on the Nova. It is everything I had hoped for and more. Form and function merge to provide a very high quality turning experience. It is easy to become "one" with this machine. It has the potential to enhance the spiritual aspects of wood turning.

MY SUGGESTIONS

Turning with limited power is somewhat like piloting a sail boat - you have to make accommodations. The potential for a satisfying experience is there but you don't depend on a sail boat to make your next business appointment. So, why not double the power of the motor? This would make the lathe a potential work horse without destroying the current feel. I would pay $50 to $100 for such a feature without a second thought. The resulting machine would be a "micro-Oneway". Who wouldn't want one of these? Then, to make it truly portable, make a hard-sided travel case with wheels-like the cases most travelers use as carry-on luggage. With such a container I could easily transport this machine to demonstrations or even on vacation. Think about the possibilities! Well, as you can see, I am enthusiastic about my new machine! I hope, however, that you will listen to others who may comment before deciding to buy. Be sure the lathe matches your needs.

Jim, nice review. I bought this lathe from woodcraft to use as a truly portable lathe for demonstrations. I also have a 2436 and 1018 Oneway. It is a great machine for the price. I think two improvements would be a longer cord and
some type of lever on the motor lock nut. Mine came with a cord too short to reach any wall outlet. The motor lock is very hard to use. A half horse motor would make the little guy scream.
Al Hockenebry - Maryland

I also purchased   a Mercury lathe and took it back two days later. I found the variable speed control to be very unstable. At a given setting the motor speed would "modulate" up and down without any load on it. Then with minimal load it would bog down badly. The fit/ finish and construction of the lathe was good but the electronic speed control was clearly faulty and unacceptable. So perhaps they have a quality control problem. My full size lathe is a Oneway 2436 which I have used for 3 years and I am totally satisfied with it.
J. R Young - Portland, OR

I agree that this is a well built lathe, I have one and use it in conjunction with a larger unit. But this lathe would be a much better and even more useful if it had a 1/2 HP motor instead of the 1/4HP. Then this lathe would be hard to beat.
Roland F. Pimm - Moselle, MS

Keep in mind that I have not used this lathe. The local Woodcraft (Corporate Store) returned all of these lathes that they had in stock. They said the motor had a stalling problem. It was possible to reach out and stop the running shaft. No mention was made about a loose belt. As far as I know, they have not re-stocked with a new improved version
Bob Elliott -  Casselberry, FL USA