# NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe vs Rikon 70-220VSR 12-1/2" x 20" Midi VSR Lathe: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe (Nova (Teknatool)) and Rikon 70-220VSR 12-1/2" x 20" Midi VSR Lathe (Rikon) among wood lathes. NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe is the cheaper of the two at $599.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe | Rikon 70-220VSR 12-1/2" x 20" Midi VSR Lathe |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $599.99 | $649.99 |
| Brand | Nova (Teknatool) | Rikon |
| Swing over bed (in) | 12 | 12.5 |
| Distance between centers (in) | 16.5 | 20 |
| Motor power hp | 0.75 | 1 |
| Speed range (rpm) | 250-4000 | 250-750 / 550-1650 / 1300-3850 |
| 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) | 84 | 115 |

## Key differences

- Swing over bed (in): NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe 12 vs Rikon 70-220VSR 12-1/2" x 20" Midi VSR Lathe 12.5
- Distance between centers (in): NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe 16.5 vs Rikon 70-220VSR 12-1/2" x 20" Midi VSR Lathe 20
- Motor power hp: NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe 0.75 vs Rikon 70-220VSR 12-1/2" x 20" Midi VSR Lathe 1
- Speed range (rpm): NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe 250-4000 vs Rikon 70-220VSR 12-1/2" x 20" Midi VSR Lathe 250-750 / 550-1650 / 1300-3850
- Weight (lb): NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe 84 vs Rikon 70-220VSR 12-1/2" x 20" Midi VSR Lathe 115

## Sources

- 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)
- Rikon 70-220VSR 12-1/2" x 20" Midi VSR Lathe: https://web.archive.org/web/20230401182946/https://www.rikontools.com/manuals/70-220VSR.pdf (web.archive.org, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/wood-lathes/nova-comet-ii-dr-vs-rikon-70-220vsr/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, NOVA Comet II DR Midi Lathe ($599.99) vs Rikon 70-220VSR 12-1/2" x 20" Midi VSR Lathe ($649.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/wood-lathes/nova-comet-ii-dr-vs-rikon-70-220vsr/
License: CC BY 4.0.