When I was looking at lathes to upgrade to, I considered the Nova DVR and the Poolewood direct drive Euro range (apparently no longer available), as they were similar in construction. By chance, I also learned of the Hegner HDB200XL variable speed lathe, so the comparison began.
What decided me to go for the Hegner was its hollow drive shaft, powered by a belt via three speed pulleys (changed in seconds) from the motor's mainshaft, rather than directly driving a solid mainshaft (in effect, the motor's armature).
My reasoning was that if I was ever daft enough to jam something onto a hollow shaft
, a quick tap with the long tommy bar should free it, whereas freeing something jammed onto a motor armature could well be an entirely different and very expensive matter.
Such occasions might be rare, but in my view, having three speed ranges, each electronically variable, was more likely to retain torque throughout the speeds (90 - 3800RPM on the Hegner). Other reasons for my choice were the double-row angular contact ball bearings in the mainshaft (adjustable if necessary and very capable of taking load when faceplate turning), 1,015mm between centres and a 405mm swing over the bed (765mm with headstock swivelled).
In operation, the lathe is almost silent and is a really well-engineered product. I chose it because it has everything I will ever need, although I started out with different intentions.
I'm sure that there are plenty of Nova (and Poolewood) devotees who will chime in with the reasons for their choice. I have tried a Nova for a very short period and although I found it smooth, yet not as quiet, I still believe I made the right choice.
I have no connection with Hegner UK, Ltd., other than as a very satisfied customer.
Ray.
