I too went from an 1836 to an Orion. I like how the Orion spindle is about 4" taller which helped with bending over. I find the rotating headstock is a huge help for hollowing. As for the Orion being 110V, if you swap out the plug to 220V, it will be a 2HP machine. I agree that the Laguna has a better finish. You can upgrade the Orion firmware to the Nebula firmware also and have the drying mode on it. I did that at my home unit.
@redbeardthepirate4720 pretty easy. Takes about 5 minutes between taking the hmi off, brining it to a PC, flashing it and reinstalling. 6 screws and 1 cable. We took off firmware access from the site as people were installing incorrect firmware and bricking their HMIs. Foe this though we could send the correct files if you email us.
Thanks for the review/comparison. Regarding the alignment of the tail stock - once you use the alignment tool, do you find that the tail stock remains aligned throughout the length of the bed? Same question for the Laguna. I make kit-less pens, and having a repeatable center for drill bits is critical… looking at both these lathes as an upgrade to my current budget tool. Thanks again!
In response to your first question, YES. Once aligned everything runs smoothly on the Nova. The Laguna headstock does not pivot so alignment is carried through from the factory. I have not ever heard anyone having issues with it unless it came from the manufacturer with an issue already. Glad I could help! I hope you get the machine that works best for your needs! Cheers!
I believe that Nova states on their website that they recommend against using a mobile base for their lathes. As for lighting, I have not really looked too deeply. Laguna has a number of accessories (like lighting) for their lathes, so if that might be a purchase point some would be interested in.
Unfortunately I do not. However, I do know the Nebula is similar to the Orion in many ways. I might even think of it as an upgraded version, but that might be a bit of a stretch.
I'm sure that tech heavy machines are the direction of industry travel , but I'd personally be very wary of the Nova. Electronics still have a rather short service life. Ask yourself how long your last laptop lasted?. 5 years seems to be about the limit of mine!. In 5 years time replacing the electronics in the Nova may well cost more than it's worth?. I have a Record coronet regent with it's sum total of electronic brains housed in a small easy to replace box & even that worries me a little. My Delta unisaw is now 24 years old and it'll likely keep working for another hundred years even when I'm long gone. Complex electronics and fine sanding dust are best kept in separate rooms, just saying!.
About warrantees customer service? I heard bad stories regarding some major lathe manufactories when help is needed. Not sure if any the two on this video is one of them, but nothing worse than spent big chunk of money on a machine and when reach for help, no support is avaliable.
About the weight on each one? Or which one is havier and more friendly to additions? Thanks!
I too went from an 1836 to an Orion. I like how the Orion spindle is about 4" taller which helped with bending over. I find the rotating headstock is a huge help for hollowing. As for the Orion being 110V, if you swap out the plug to 220V, it will be a 2HP machine. I agree that the Laguna has a better finish. You can upgrade the Orion firmware to the Nebula firmware also and have the drying mode on it. I did that at my home unit.
Love the feedback! Great info there! Cheers!
How hard was it to upgrade the firmware and how did you do it....I own an orion also. Cheers
@redbeardthepirate4720 pretty easy. Takes about 5 minutes between taking the hmi off, brining it to a PC, flashing it and reinstalling.
6 screws and 1 cable. We took off firmware access from the site as people were installing incorrect firmware and bricking their HMIs. Foe this though we could send the correct files if you email us.
Thanks for the review/comparison. Regarding the alignment of the tail stock - once you use the alignment tool, do you find that the tail stock remains aligned throughout the length of the bed? Same question for the Laguna. I make kit-less pens, and having a repeatable center for drill bits is critical… looking at both these lathes as an upgrade to my current budget tool. Thanks again!
In response to your first question, YES. Once aligned everything runs smoothly on the Nova. The Laguna headstock does not pivot so alignment is carried through from the factory. I have not ever heard anyone having issues with it unless it came from the manufacturer with an issue already. Glad I could help! I hope you get the machine that works best for your needs! Cheers!
Unfortunately my 50 year old Rockwell Delta is the only lathe that I see in my future. Great comparison Don.
I can totally understand! The Nova was my first big lathe so I have the feeling I will have it for a long time! Thanks for stopping by!
One more question about the Nova DVR lathes. Do you know if they offer lighting options or a mobile base as Laguna does?
I believe that Nova states on their website that they recommend against using a mobile base for their lathes. As for lighting, I have not really looked too deeply. Laguna has a number of accessories (like lighting) for their lathes, so if that might be a purchase point some would be interested in.
It’s March 4, 2024. Do you have experience with the Nova Nebula that I’m comparing with the Laguna 2024? Thanks. Harv.
Unfortunately I do not. However, I do know the Nebula is similar to the Orion in many ways. I might even think of it as an upgraded version, but that might be a bit of a stretch.
I’m sorry. I meant the Laguna 2436.
See my previous response. Thanks for stopping by!
I'm sure that tech heavy machines are the direction of industry travel , but I'd personally be very wary of the Nova. Electronics still have a rather short service life. Ask yourself how long your last laptop lasted?. 5 years seems to be about the limit of mine!. In 5 years time replacing the electronics in the Nova may well cost more than it's worth?. I have a Record coronet regent with it's sum total of electronic brains housed in a small easy to replace box & even that worries me a little. My Delta unisaw is now 24 years old and it'll likely keep working for another hundred years even when I'm long gone. Complex electronics and fine sanding dust are best kept in separate rooms, just saying!.
I hear what you are saying. Let's hope that it lasts a lot longer than a laptop! ;)
About warrantees customer service? I heard bad stories regarding some major lathe manufactories when help is needed. Not sure if any the two on this video is one of them, but nothing worse than spent big chunk of money on a machine and when reach for help, no support is avaliable.