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NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch

NOVA

NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch

  • Variable speed 250-4,000 RPM
  • 16-inch swing
  • 18-inch between centers
  • Headstock indexing
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On this page

Is the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch ranks #1 in our Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026 list (best overall). Its biggest strength: variable speed with electronic control maintains consistent RPM under cutting load. The main caveat: 18-inch between centers limits spindle turning to shorter projects.

Overview

What the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch does well

Best mini wood lathe. The highlights are nova is New Zealand's premium lathe brand -- higher quality than WEN at the mini price point and variable speed with consistent power at low RPM -- correct for starting large, unbalanced blanks. Keep in mind that mini form factor limits the size of work.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • Variable speed 250-4,000 RPM
  • 16-inch swing
  • 18-inch between centers
  • Headstock indexing
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Variable speed with electronic control maintains consistent RPM under cutting load
  • 16-inch swing accommodates most bowl-turning project sizes
  • NOVA's headstock quality and spindle runout are better than most competitors at this price
  • Headstock indexing for fluting and decorative cuts

Cons

  • 18-inch between centers limits spindle turning to shorter projects
  • Higher price than basic midi lathes
Fit check

Should you buy the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed?

Think twice if this matters to you

  • 18-inch between centers limits spindle turning to shorter projects
  • Higher price than basic midi lathes
Where it ranks

Featured in 2 best-of lists

ListRank
Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026· Best Overall#1 / 8
Best Wood Lathe 2026· Best Mini#4 / 8
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Head-to-head

Compared with

Buying advice: woodworking

  1. Clamps, a combination square, a good saw and a drill cover most beginner projects.
  2. You can never have too many. Bar clamps handle wide glue-ups; quick-grip clamps are fast for smaller work.
  3. Standard wood glue suits indoor projects. Water-resistant glue suits outdoor work and cutting boards.
  4. Oils are easy to apply and repair. Polyurethane and varnish protect tabletops and floors better.
  5. Eye and hearing protection and dust collection matter from the first project. Lay oily rags flat to dry to prevent fires.

Read the full guides

Answers

NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch: common questions

Is the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch ranks #1 in our Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026 list (best overall). Its biggest strength: variable speed with electronic control maintains consistent RPM under cutting load. The main caveat: 18-inch between centers limits spindle turning to shorter projects.

Who is the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch best for?

Based on our research it suits buyers who want the best overall package. It's ranked #1 of 8 in our Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026 list.

What are the downsides of the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: 18-inch between centers limits spindle turning to shorter projects; higher price than basic midi lathes.

What are the key features of the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch?

Variable speed 250-4,000 RPM, 16-inch swing, 18-inch between centers and Headstock indexing.

What are the best alternatives to the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch?

Worth comparing: WEN 3421 3.2-Amp 8-Inch by 12-Inch Variable Speed Mini Benchtop Wood Lathe, JET 12-Inch x 21-Inch Variable-Speed Woodworking Lathe, 1 HP, 115V 1Ph (JWL-1221VS) and Powermatic 20-Inch x 35-Inch Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 2 HP, 220V 1Ph (3520C). Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the NOVA 46300 Comet II Variable Speed Mini Lathe 12-Inch x 16 1/2-Inch?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

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