Shopsmith Forums

SS now has on sale ($5 + off) (through tomorrow) the Nova 10-Piece Lathe Live Center System. I want to learn to turn on my SS 510, but I haven't found the time to do much so far. I did purchase a SuperNova chuck, but it still is in the box, and I own a SS live center.

Anyone care to comment on how useful the 10-piece system is? Is it overkill for a starter like me? I would not be considering it now, but for the fact that it is on sale.

Thanks, Hank

A while back, before shopsmith sold them, I was looking for a center system and the one I got was this nova 10 piece set.

I've not had any problem with it and it has done all I have ask of it. I feel good about this purchase and would buy it again should the need arise.

Only you can decide if it your time to buy one, and if the price is right. I'm pretty sure you will enjoy using it when ever you get it.

Ed

As Ed said, you need to decide if the price is right. I have this system and it is very versatile and would buy it again if the need arose. There are similar systems out there with fewer pieces at a lesser price (probably of Chinese construction if that makes a difference to you), but I've found Nova to be a good company.

As you stated, you've not fired up the lathe. I put my priorities of buying Shopsmith offered items into three categories. 1) Future "anticipated and probable" purchase when it goes on sale at a decent discount. (With SS if you pay attention you can usually time when they will put an item on sale. That way I can tuck away some money each month)

2) Fun to thnk about, no real plans to buy unless I have a project that I need it.

3) Buy it if I need it and nothing else really is acceptable (qualify that with "in the long run")

Items that are not Shopsmith are much easier to budget for. They are usually always available, therefore I look ahead and figure a time frame when the money meets the purchase order.

It's been a while since the "money burning a hole in my pocket" situation has presented itself.

Let your addiction (present and future) be your guide.

BTW, I bought my Nova 10 through Amazon. I had an immediate need (at least "I" thought I did , but I can justify anything). With the free shipping I don't know how it compares to SS sale price and shipping cost.

Be well,
Ben

Thanks, Ed and Ben. I appreciate your advice. Hank

I would recommend, since you already have a live center, that you defer the purchase of the Nova live center. Get the Nova chuck mounted, get some wood on the lathe and turn some stuff!! Lots of stuff to buy - e.g.

1. Critical to have some way to sharpen your chisels (a lot more often then you might think).

2. More lathe chisels!

3. A shopvac or the like to keep the sawdust cleaned up.

Etc, etc!

$5 off is not a very significant savings - it's fine if you need to item anyway but I wouldn't rush out and buy something that I may or may not use anytime soon just because I can save $5. I agree with the above post that you should use your existing live center and chuck and start turning stuff - they will be more than adequate for your needs and down the road if you find you want more versitility, buy it then...if it's not then on sale, it's only $5, which won't make or break anything.

Bob & dgale, I eventually decided not to purchase the system. The price savings was not great enough to persuade me to buy. I need to get back to my Shopmith (I am with it for only part of the year) and do more turning. After I am more experienced, I can worry about additional equipment. Thanks for your comments. Hank