Nova COMET 14DR User manual

127-0919-001
OPERATION MANUA L
COMET 14DR Lathe™
Publication: 127-0919-001
Date: 6 September 2019
Models:
46900 - USA

127-0919-001
Contact
Teknatool International Ltd
Phone: [phone]
Teknatool USA
Phone: [phone]
Customer Solutions
For all worldwide Inquiries, Repairs or Services (issues must be in writing)
Email: [e-mail]
Or you can contact the retailer where you purchased your NOVA COMET 14DR, for the contact details please
see our website www.teknatool.com

127-0919-001
Table of Contents
Contact..............................................................................................................................................................2
Table of Contents..............................................................................................................................................1
General Safety Rules ........................................................................................................................................1
NOVA COMET 14DR Features .........................................................................................................................2
Lathe Features...............................................................................................................................................2
Lathe Specifications.......................................................................................................................................3
Package Contents.............................................................................................................................................4
Connecting to Power .........................................................................................................................................5
Surge Protection (Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI) / Residual Current Detectors (RCD)) ................................5
Setting up your NOVA COMET 14DR lathe.......................................................................................................6
Setting up your workshop environment ..........................................................................................................6
Motor Break-in Operation...............................................................................................................................6
Assembling the NOVA COMET 14DR Lathe .....................................................................................................7
Assembling the Tailstock................................................................................................................................7
Installing the quill lock handle .........................................................................................................................7
Operating the NOVA COMET 14DR Lathe........................................................................................................7
Turning the lathe ON / OFF............................................................................................................................7
Switching between Forward and Reverse Modes...........................................................................................8
Changing the Speed ......................................................................................................................................9
Changing Belt Positions..................................................................................................................................9
Using the spindle index................................................................................................................................11
Locking and Unlocking the Spindle...............................................................................................................11
Mounting a Faceplate or Chuck onto the lathe..............................................................................................11
Operating the Tool slide...............................................................................................................................12
Positioning the tool slide...............................................................................................................................12
Adjusting the tool rest height.........................................................................................................................12
Operating the Tailstock ................................................................................................................................13
Positioning the tailstock................................................................................................................................13
Extending / Contacting the tailstock quill.......................................................................................................13
Locking the tailstock quill in position.............................................................................................................13
Mounting accessories into the tailstock quill .................................................................................................13
Dismounting the accessories from the tailstock quill.....................................................................................13
Maintaining the NOVA Lathe ...........................................................................................................................14
Maintenance after each use.........................................................................................................................14
Monthly maintenance...................................................................................................................................14
6-months Maintenance.................................................................................................................................14
Cleaning the Tool slide.................................................................................................................................14
Cleaning the Tailstock..................................................................................................................................14
Troubleshooting...............................................................................................................................................16
Mechanical Issue.........................................................................................................................................16
Electrical Issue.............................................................................................................................................16
NOVA Teknatool Warranty..............................................................................................................................17
NOVA COMET 14DR –EXPLODED PARTS ..................................................................................................18
NOVA COMET 14DR –PARTS LIST..............................................................................................................19
NOVA COMET 14DR –Subassembly list........................................................................................................20
Appendix .........................................................................................................................................................21
Using the included knockout bar accessory .................................................................................................21
Controller Wiring Diagram............................................................................................................................21

1
127-0919-001
General Safety Rules
WARNING
Failure to follow these rules may result in serious personal injury or death.
❖IMPORTANT: Before switching the lathe on, ALWAYS check the machine for the correct setting and speed
1. BEFORE OPERATING THE TOOL READ THE
MANUAL! Learn the machine’s application and
limitations, plus the specific hazards particular to it.
2. ALWAYS USE SAFETY GLASSES (must be ANSI
approved) Everyday eyeglasses usually are only impact
resistant and safety glasses only protect eyes. A full-face
shield will protect the eyes and face. Also use face or dust
mask if sanding operation is dusty.
3. WEAR PROPER APPAREL. Do not wear loose clothing,
gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets or other jewelry which
may get caught in moving parts. Nonslip footwear is
recommended. Wear protective hair covering to contain
long hair.
4. USE EAR PROTECTORS. Use ear muffs for extended
period of operation. Use muffs rated to 103 DBA LEQ (8
hour).
5. DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT. Don’t
use power tools in damp or wet locations, or expose them
to rain. Keep work area well lighted. The NOVA COMET
14DR is intended for indoor use only. Failure to do so may
void the warranty.
14. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.
15. USE CORRECT TOOLS. Do not use a tool or attachment to
do a job for which it was not designed.
16. USE RECOMMENDED NOVA ACCESSORIES. The use of
improper accessories may cause hazards.
17. DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL. It will do the job better and be
safer at the rate for which it was designed.
18. MAINTAIN TOOLS IN TOP CONDITION. Keep tools sharp
and clean for best and safest performance. Follow
instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
19. NEVER STAND ON TOOL. Serious injury could occur if the
tool is tipped or if the cutting tool is accidentally contacted.
20. REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES. Form a
habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches
are removed from tool before turning it on.
21. DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at
all times.
22. DIRECTION OF FEED.Mind the direction of
spindle/chuck/work to ensure a safe environment.
23. PAY ATTENTION TO WORK. Concentrate on your work. If
you become tired or frustrated, leave it for a while and rest.
24. SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vice to hold work when
practical. Severe injury or death can occur if an object comes
free as it can become a dangerous projectile.
25. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS. Before further use of the tool,
any part that is damaged should be carefully checked to
ensure that it will operate properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of
moving parts, mounting, and any other conditions that may
affect its operation. Any damaged part should be properly
repaired or replaced.
26. DRUGS, ALCOHOL, MEDICATION. Do not operate
machine while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any
medication.
27. DUST WARNING. The dust generated by certain woods
and wood products can be harmful to your health. Always
operate machinery in well-ventilated areas and provide
means for proper dust removal. Use wood dust collection
systems whenever possible.
28. DO NOT MODIFY OR USE THE LATHE FOR USES
OTHER THAN FOR WHICH IT WAS DESIGNED.
29. CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 –SEE PAGE 22
6. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas/benches
invite accidents. Build-up of sawdust is a fire hazard.
7. KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. The NOVA
COMET 14DR is not recommended for children and ailing
persons. Such personnel and onlookers should be kept a
safe distance from work area.
8. MAKE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF with locks, master
switches, or by removing starter keys.
9. GROUND ALL TOOLS. If the tool is equipped with a
three-prong plug, it should be plugged into a three-hole
electrical receptacle. If an adapter is used to
accommodate a two-prong receptacle, the adapter plug
must be attached to a known ground. Never remove the
third prong and add surge protection.
10. MAKE SURE TOOL IS DISCONNECTED FROM POWER
SOURCE whilst in service/maintenance mode.
11. DISCONNECT TOOLS FROM WALL SOCKET before
servicing and when changing accessories such as bits,
cutters, fuses, etc.
12. AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Make sure switch is in
the “Off” position before plugging in power cord.
13. NEVER LEAVE MACHINE RUNNING UNATTENDED.
Do not leave machine unless it is turned off and has come
to a complete stop.

2
127-0919-001
NOVA COMET 14DR Features
Lathe Features
Icon
Feature
Description
Versatile Variable Speed Range
2-step Electronic Variable Speed range.
Low range: slower speeds from 250 RPM up to 1100 RPM for
larger spindle and bowl work.
Fast range: from 750 RPM up to 3450 RPM for miniature
turning work.
Dial-In easy to use speed adjustment
with speed screen
Quickly dial-in the correct speed for the job, material and
conditions. you’re not limited to potentially dangerous fixed-
speed steps. The NOVA Comet 14DR is the perfect solution
for a wide variety of projects from small pens to larger bowls
and platters. The easy to read screen lets you know at what
speed you are turning.
Forward and reversing function
Quickly and easily change direction between forward and
reverse. This offers you additional flexibility and allows
you to achieve a superior finish, reducing the need for
extensive sanding.
Flexible capacity to match your project
•14"/355mm Capacity Over Bed
•18.5”/469mm Between Centers standard
•44.1”/1120mm between Centers with ONE extra
accessory bed extension (extra purchase) to extend the
beds as long your project demands.
Solid, precision cast iron for durability,
stability and vibration dampening
CAD designed webbing to absorb vibration throughout the
bed length.
Exceptional structural strength, precision machined for
superior fit and finish.
Easy belt/ pulley access
Quick and fast to lift cover and adjust belt.
Strong 2MT spindles
The precision machined 2MT allows for quick and secure
mounting of accessories onto the lathe.
Quick action cam controls
With comfortable rubber grip for fast and secure locking
Large range of NOVA accessories
NOVA Chucks and Jaws, Faceplates, Chisels, Centers all
enhance your use of the NOVA Comet 14DR Midi Lathe.

3
127-0919-001
Lathe Specifications
Metric
Imperial
Swing Over Bed
177.8mm
7”
Distance Between Centres
469.9mm
18.5”
Swing Over Tool Rest Base
285.75mm
11.25”
Maximum distance
Tool rest to spindle centre
217.49mm
8.5625”
Floor to Centre Height
381mm
15”
Overall Size
920mm(l) x 330mm(w) x 510mm(h)
32.7” (l) x 12.99” (w) x 20” (h)
Footprint
822.32mm (l) x 215.9mm(w)
32.375” (l) x 8.5” (w)
Weight
47 Kg
103.61 lb
Headstock
Spindle Thread
1” x 8TPI (Right Hand Thread)
Headstock Spindle Taper
Morse Taper #2 (MT2)
Spindle Bore
10.31mm
13/32” or .40”
Tailstock
Quill Taper
Morse Taper #2 (MT2)
Tool Rest
Width
152.4mm
6”
Shaft Diameter
25.4mm
1”
Post Length
88.9mm
3.5”
Base Height
84.14mm
3.3125”
Construction
Bed
Precision –Ground Cast Iron
Frame
Cast Iron & Steel
Headstock
Cast Iron & Steel
Tailstock
Cast Iron & Steel
Pain Type/ Finish
Enamel/Powder Coat
Other Specification
Bed Width
203.2mm
8”
Faceplate Size
80mm
3 - 9/64”
Electrical Specifications
Input Voltage
120V
Input Frequency
60Hz
Full Load Input
Current Rating
7.3A
Power Input Plug Type
NEMA 5-15P
Motor Specifications
Motor Type
Universal Brush Type
Motor power output
0.75KW (1HP)
Motor speed
1400 RPM
Phase
Single Phase
Input Current
7.3A
IMPORANT NOTE
Due to NOVA’s continuous product improvement and development policy, specifications, features and images contained in this manual may change without
notice. Teknatool is not responsible for omissions or errors herein or for incidental damages in connection with the furnishing of this information.

4
127-0919-001
Package Contents
Package Items
Description
SKU
Quantity
1
COMET 14-DR Lathe
46900
1
2
Faceplate
4718065
1
3
Spanner
4718071
1
4
Heavy Duty Live Centre
4718069
1
5
Live Centre
4718066
1
6
Spur Centre
4718064
1
7
3mm Hex Key
AK03
1
8
5mm Hex Key
AK05
1
9
8mm Hex Key
AK08
1
10
Operating/Knock Out Bar
4718071
1
11
Handwheel
471834
1
12
Handwheel Handle
4718035
1
13
Handwheel Handle Screw
4718036
1
14
Power Cord
4718063
1
15
Tool Holder
4718072
1
16
Tool Rest Post
9095
1
17
Tool Rest Bar
9027
1

5
127-0919-001
Connecting to Power
WARNING
Improper power connection may result in a risk of electrical hazard
Before plugging the NOVA COMET 14DR lathe, shut off the power source
The power cord installed on the NOVA COMET 14DR lathe will have a grounding three-prong plug. The plug
must be connected to a matching outlet that his properly installed and grounded in accordance with local
electrical codes.
For 115V outlet only:
A temporary adapter can be used to plug into a two-pole outlet if a three-prong outlet is unavailable in your
environment. The ground tab on the adapter must be connected to the screw on the outlet for proper grounding.
This adaptor should only be used until a qualified electrician can install a properly grounded outlet.
➢Note: If an extension cable is required, make sure to check the following:
1. Extension cable gauge
2. Is the cable properly insulated?
If in any doubt, please contact your local electrician to inspect the cord according to the local electrical standards
before using it.
Surge Protection (Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI) / Residual Current Detectors (RCD))
It is recommended to use a surge protection device rated to 15A for the best protection of the lathe. GFI and
RCD are the recommended standard type of surge protection device.

6
127-0919-001
Setting up your NOVA COMET 14DR lathe
Setting up your workshop environment
Your workshop should be set up appropriately for you to effectively use the lathe. The workshop should be
setup with the following factors taken into consideration:
1. Lathe location
Position the NOVA COMET 14DR lathe close to a power source, and in an area with enough clearance for
workloads. Other machines in the workshop should not interfere with the movement/power of the lathe.
2. Lighting
The work shop should have adequate lighting, with enough lighting around the lathe not to cast shadows
upon the workpiece. If possible, locate the lathe near a window. A portable spotlight might be helpful.
3. Ventilation
Workshop must have an adequate level of ventilation. The level of required ventilation depends on the size
of the workshop and the amount of work that is done within the workshop. The use of dust collectors and
filters will minimize your health risk.
4. Elements/Environment
Every shop environment is different. The physical environment where the machine is operated is important
for safe operation and longevity of machine components. For best results, operate this machine in a dry
environment that is free from excessive moisture, hazardous chemicals, airborne abrasives, or extreme
conditions. Extreme conditions for this type of machinery are generally those where the ambient temperature
range exceeds 41° –104°F (5° - 40°C); the relative humidity range exceeds 20%–95% (non-condensing).
Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury, damage to equipment, and/or poor work results.
Motor Break-in Operation
Run the lathe motor without any load for approximately 30~45 minutes before start using the lathe to cut
wood/apply significant load. The motor and bearings break-in should be done at the fastest speed possible and
not be unattended.
The NOVA COMET 14DR features a variable speed DC motor that contains brushes that make physical contact
with the motor rotor. For the best motor performance and life, the motor brushes should be slightly worn out to
ensure the brushes are making good contact.
➢Note: A clicking/swishing noise in the motor is normal which will reduce as the brushes wear in.

7
127-0919-001
Assembling the NOVA COMET 14DR Lathe
Assembling the Tailstock
1. Insert the wheel handle screw into the
handwheel handle
2. Use a flat head screw driver to screw on the
handwheel handle onto the quill adjusting
wheel and tighten.
Installing the quill lock handle
1. Turn the tailstock quill so the machined
slot is in line with the quill lock handle
hole.
2. Thread the tailstock quill lock handle into
the tailstock body.
3. Make sure the tailstock quill does not
rotate with the handle rotation.
Operating the NOVA COMET 14DR Lathe
Turning the lathe ON / OFF
The LCD digital speed readout will light
up and display “0” when the lathe is
plugged intothe power source and “FWD”
LED light of the left side of the will begin
to flash.
LED flashing
Tailstock
Handwheel
Handwheel handle
Handwheel Screw
Tailstock Quill Slot
Tailstock Quill
Lock Handle