# JET JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Wood Lathe vs NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the JET JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Wood Lathe (JET) and NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe (Nova (Teknatool)) among wood lathes. NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe is the cheaper of the two at $599.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | JET JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Wood Lathe | NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $989.99 | $599.99 |
| Brand | JET | Nova (Teknatool) |
| Swing over bed (in) | 12.5 | 12 |
| Distance between centers (in) | 21 | 16.5 |
| Motor power hp | 1 | 0.75 |
| Speed range (rpm) | 60-3600 | 250-4000 |
| Variable speed | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle thread | 1 x 8 TPI | 1 x 8 TPI |
| Bed material | Cast iron | Cast iron |
| Tailstock taper | MT2 | MT2 |
| Weight (lb) | 121.25 | 84 |

## Key differences

- Swing over bed (in): JET JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Wood Lathe 12.5 vs NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe 12
- Distance between centers (in): JET JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Wood Lathe 21 vs NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe 16.5
- Motor power hp: JET JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Wood Lathe 1 vs NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe 0.75
- Speed range (rpm): JET JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Wood Lathe 60-3600 vs NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe 250-4000
- Weight (lb): JET JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Wood Lathe 121.25 vs NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe 84

## Sources

- JET JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Wood Lathe: https://jettools.com/jwl-1221vs-12-x-21-variable-speed-wood-lathe (jettools.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe: https://www.teknatool.com/products/lathes/nova-comet-ii-dr-midi-lathe-46303/ (teknatool.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/wood-lathes/jet-jwl-1221vs-vs-nova-comet-ii-dr/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, JET JWL-1221VS 12" x 21" Variable Speed Wood Lathe ($989.99) vs NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe ($599.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/wood-lathes/jet-jwl-1221vs-vs-nova-comet-ii-dr/
License: CC BY 4.0.