I have used a NOVA DVR XP for about ten years now.  I would classify it as a high-end hobbyist lathe with a 16" swing and variable speed.  Personally, I think they're a bit over-priced new relative to some other offerings but they can be found used at very reasonable prices.  I see them on FB Marketplace regularly with few hours...folks get them on a whim and then realize they're either not into turning, don't have the time/space, or simply tired of seeing it collect dust.

You can read what lathes I have under my name/avatar,
The only complaint I would have about the Jet is that the banjo isn't the best. It's the same one they use for their 14" lathes and is simply too small for a 16" lathe.
The Grizzly is an older, smaller, reeves drive lathe. It is what it is, no more no less.

I have a Jet, single speed, mini-lathe I bought new in 1998 and used only to turn some (~100) pens.  It has sat unused for several years.  I wanted to get into more turning and last month I got a fantastic deal on a used (less than ten hours) Robust Scout.
By the way, any suggestions to remove a frozen face plate on the Jet?  I have used PB Blaster several times along with three different kinds of oil filter wrenches to no avail.

Mike smith wrote on Sep 11^th, 2021 at 6:22am:


I've always felt that when looking at a new tool...determine what you want to do first, then determine your budget, and of course...then solve for 'X'.  The Teknatool line for example all use the same motor configuration your so you're simply looking at different set-up configurations.  Jets and Grizzlies...both good tools, have differing motors and configurations they've used over the years.  Lagunas appear to be the next step up and/or at least a newer edition to the hobbyist turning world.  AFter that...you get into the high end world of Powermatics and Vicmarcs with their own loyalists.  And of course the premium of American machines...Robust.  I'm sure I'm missing some in betweens but you get the idea.

I currently have a Nova 16 belt drive lathe.  No real plans to change.  I am a light and occasional turner.  Mostly I have been making fishing rod handles and reel seats along with some bowls.

Steve MItchell wrote on Sep 12^th, 2021 at 6:30pm:


Swivel headstock? On a Powermatic 3520C?

I have a Record Coronet 3, it's 7in x 48in and has a sliding headstock that also swivels There's also an outboard toolrest that can be mounted to the ways that will let me turn much larger pieces with the headstock swiveled 180 deg.It has a belt drive with 4 speeds, a bit limited in speed control but very little to go wrong.I don't do a lot of turning so this will be my only lathe.