Teknatool Nova Mercury Operating Manual

Nova
Mercury

TM

Woodlathe

Part No. 100-0109-002 Updated 14 October 2003

O PERATING M ANUAL

Nova Mercury Lathe Features at a glance

Add on Bed System

A lathe that meets your woodturning needs, your workshop space, or your pocket! Each segment is 12” in length. This
feature appeals for many different reasons:

As a compact lathe (standard configuration) it is great for small turning workshop spaces or as a portable unit.
As an extended bed lathe for those wanting to do longer spindles. One additional segment increases the between center
capacity to 23”(580mm). Two additional segments would give a 35” (890mm) capacity.

Outboard Turning

The Mercury is a mini lathe ideal for all inboard work up to 8” (200mm) diameter but you can stretch this capacity outboard.
The physical capacity of the outboard rest is about 14” but we recommend that you turn bowls up to 10” (250mm) diameter.
This gives it a capability in the ‘midi’ lathe range. You could occasionally do slightly larger bowls but would need to pay close
attention to correct cutting techniques.

Speed Range

The Nova Mercury lathe has a 3 step variable electronic speed range, one of the very best available for mini lathe work. Low
range: slower speeds from around 200rpm up to 1750 rpm for larger spindle and bowl work. Medium range: up to 3670rpm
for smaller items (eg pen work). Fast range: up to 5350rpm required for all miniature turning work. Most other mini lathes do
not have this fast speed range for true miniature work.

Electronic variable speed allows you to dial in the correct speed for the job and the conditions and not be limited to fixed
speed steps.

Solid Construction

Well proven design, the Nova Mercury is made from Cast Iron components for strength and rigidity. The headstock and bed
is a one piece casting for maximum rigidity – no fastenings or joins to rattle or cause vibration, as with many other mini
designs.

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Welcome

Thank you for choosing our Nova Mercury Mini Lathe and welcome to the
Teknatool Product family. Your choice shows you want the best for your woodturning
and recognise the superior and unique benefits the Nova Mercury offers.

We strive to achieve the best value for your purchase - providing quality where it
counts, innovative features and a wide variety of accessories (some unique to
Teknatool). In addition - comprehensive, ongoing support: latest manual editions
downloadable from our website, free newsletters to keep you updated and woodturning
projects specially designed for your lathe and accessories.

In addition, especially for Mercury owners (many of whom are beginner turners) we
are going to build some special support features into our website.

Please send in your warranty registration to us (also can be sent to us via our
website) and feel free to contact us about any aspect of our products or service - we
regard our customers as our best development and improvement team - we'd love to
hear from you!

Once again, welcome to our 'Teknatool Family'. We hope you enjoy our products
and they enhance the creative pleasure you get from your woodturning!

Best Regards

Brian Latimer

Marketing Director

Teknatool International Ltd

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Contact Teknatool

℡Phone: [phone]

¬Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.teknatool.com

}Teknatool International Ltd

P.O.Box 180034 Luckens Point

Henderson, Auckland 1008

New Zealand

United States

Teknatool International

Free Phone: [phone]
Free Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.teknatool.com

Woodcraft Supply Corp

Technical Service: 1-800-535-4486
Orders: 1-800-225-1153

Website:

www.woodcraft.com

Contact them for a copy of their catalogue, or for a list of
their stores throughout the USA.

Australia

Teknatool International

Free Phone: [phone]
Free Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.teknatool.com
Contact us for a free catalogue and a list of stores
throughout Australia.

Canada

KMS Tools and Equipment Ltd

Phone: [phone]
Free Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email:

[e-mail]

Website:

www.kmstools.com

United Kingdom

Robert Sorby
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email:

[e-mail]

Website:

www.robert-sorby.co.uk

France

Philbois Machines & Outils Pour Le Bois

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email:

[e-mail]

Iceland

Gylfi Sigurlinnason

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email:

[e-mail]

Norway

WWW.Verktoy A/S

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email:

[e-mail]

Website:

www.verktoyas.no

Japan

Ikeda Inc

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email:

[e-mail]

South Africa

The Hardware Centre

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

This is the list of Countries/Resellers that currently stock
and sell the Nova Mercury Woodlathe. In addition,
Teknatool sells a more limited range into many other
countries. Contact us for details, or see our website.

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Table of Contents

General Safety Rules .............................................................................................................. 6

Nova Mercury Woodlathe Specifications ................................................................................ 1

Setting Up Your Workshop.................................................................................................... 10

Workshop Requirements ................................................................................................... 10

Lathe Stand Recommendations ........................................................................................ 10

Assembling the Nova Mercury .............................................................................................. 11

Nova Mercury Components After Unpacking........................................................................ 11

Installing Handle .................................................................................................................... 12

Adding an Extension Bed .................................................................................................. 12

Mounting the Lathe to a Support Surface.......................................................................... 13

The Nova Mercury DC Variable Speed Motor....................................................................... 15

Belt and Variable Speed Range ........................................................................................ 15

Changing Belt Positions..................................................................................................... 16

Maintenance of the Motor .................................................................................................. 22

Using the Nova Mercury........................................................................................................ 14

Headstock .......................................................................................................................... 17

Toolrest .............................................................................................................................. 18

Tailstock............................................................................................................................. 19

Improving the Performance of your Lathe ......................................................................... 20

Learning Turning................................................................................................................ 20

Maintaining the Nova Mercury............................................................................................... 21

General Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 21

Lubrication Locations............................................................................................................. 21

Cleaning the Toolslide ....................................................................................................... 22

Cleaning the Tailstock ....................................................................................................... 22

Troubleshooting Guide .......................................................................................................... 23

Nova Mercury Woodlathe Exploded View............................................................................. 25

Nova Mercury Woodlathe Parts List...................................................................................... 26

Accessories ........................................................................................................................... 26

Teknatool Five Year Limited Warranty .................................................................................. 27

© Copyright 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 by Teknatool International; All Rights Reserved. Nova Mercury
is a trademark of Teknatool International Ltd.

The information and specifications contained herein are subject to change. Teknatool is not
responsible for errors or omissions herein or for incidental damages in connection with the furnishing
or use of this information.

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GENERAL SAFETY RULES

!

Warning! Failure to follow these rules may result in serious personal injury.

1. FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, READ THE

MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING THE TOOL.

Learn the machine’s application and limitations
plus the specific hazards peculiar to it.

2. ALWAYS USE A FULL FACE SHIELD-

Strongly recommended (must comply with
ANSI STANDARD Z87.1 -USA) Everyday eye­glasses usually are only impact resistant and
safety glasses only protect eyes. A full face
shield fill protect the eyes and face. Also use
face or dust mask if cutting 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. Non slip 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. DON’T USE IN DANGEROUS
ENVIRONMENT. Don’t use power tools in
damp or wet locations, or expose them to rain.
Keep work area well lighted.

6. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Cluttered areas
and benches invite accidents. Build up of
sawdust is a fire hazard.

7. KEEP CHILDREN AND VISITORS AWAY. All
children and visitors 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. This 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 lug must be attached to
a known ground. Never remove the third prong.

10. MAKE SURE TOOL IS DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SUPPLY while the motor is
being mounted, connected, or reconnected.

11. DISCONNECT TOOLS before servicing and
when changing accessories such as blades,
bits cutters, 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 tool unless it is
turned off and has come to a complete stop.

14. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.

15. USE RIGHT TOOL. Do not use a tool or
attachment to do a job for which it was not
designed.

16. USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES. The use
of improper accessories may cause hazards.

17. DON’T FORCE 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. DON’T OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.

22. DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into a blade or
cutter against the direction of rotation of the blade
or cutter only.

23. ATTENTION TO WORK. Concentrate on your
work. If you become tired or frustrated, leave it for
awhile and rest.

24. SECURE WORK. Use clamps or a vice to hold
work when practical. It’s safer than using your
hand and frees both hands to operate tool.

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 tool while under the influence of drugs,
alcohol, or any medication.

27. DUST WARNING. The dust generated by certain
woods and wood products can be injurious to your
health. Always operate machinery in well
ventilated areas and provide for proper dust
removal. Use wood dust collection systems
whenever possible.

Primary Caution:

Extreme care must be taken when handling the spindle threads. These are sharp and should not
be used to lift the lathe or to stop or manually rotate the spindle.

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ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR WOODLATHES

!

Warning! Failure to follow these rules may result in serious personal

injury.

1. DO NOT MODIFY OR USE LATHE FOR USES

OTHER THAN FOR WHICH IT WAS
DESIGNED.

2. SEEK INSTRUCTION. If you are not thoroughly
familiar with the operation of woodlathes, obtain
advice from your supervisor, instructor, or other
qualified person. Instruction from a qualified
person is strongly recommended.

3. DO NOT OPERATE LATHE until it is completely
assembled and installed.

4. FOLLOW ELECTRICAL CODES. Make sure
wiring codes and recommended electrical
connections are followed and that the machine is
properly grounded.

5. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN. Do not turn the
lathe On before clearing the lathe of all objects
(tools, scraps of wood, etc.). Keep the nearby
area and floor clear of debris.

6. CHECK SET-UP with power Off. Examine the
set-up carefully and rotate the work piece by
hand to check clearance before turning on
power.

7. DO NOT MAKE ADJUSTMENTS when the lathe
or work piece is turning. Make all adjustments
with power Off.

8. TIGHTEN ALL CLAMP HANDLES on the
headstock, tailstock, and toolrest before
operating lathe.

9. EXAMINE WORK PIECE and glue joints before
turning to make sure it has no defects that would
cause it to break when turning.

10. USE LOWEST SPEED when turning a new or
unbalanced work piece.

11. TURN AT RECOMMENDED SPEED. Always
operate the lathe at the recommended speeds.
Consult this manual for suggested speeds.

12. ADJUST TOOLREST close to the work piece.
Before turning, revolve the stock by hand to
make sure it clears the rest. At intervals, stop
the lathe and readjust the toolrest.

13. KEEP TOOL ON TOOLREST. The lathe tool or
chisel should be on the toolrest before the lathe
is turned On. Tools should remain on the
toolrest whenever the tool is engaged in contact
with the work piece.

14. REMOVE TOOLREST when sanding or
polishing so fingers do not get pinched.

15. DIRECTION OF FEED. Feed work into blade or
cutter only against

the direction of rotation of

workpiece.

16. USE CORRECT LATHE TOOLS. Do not use
spindle turning chisels for faceplace mounted
work, and vice versa. Spindle turning tools used
for faceplate turning may grab the work piece
and pull the chisel from your control.

17. WHEN ROUGHING STOCK do not jam the
lathe tool or chisel into work piece or take too big
a cut.

18. DO NOT POUND WORK PIECE into headstock
drive (spur) center when turning between
centers. Pound the drive center into the work
piece with a soft mallet before installing it
between centers in the lathe.

19. DO NOT USE TAILSTOCK to drive work piece
into the drive (spur) center when turning
between centers. Secure work between centers
with light pressure from the tailstock quill action.

20. FASTEN STOCK SECURELY BETWEEN
CENTERS. Make sure the tailstock is locked
before turning on the power.

21. NEVER LOOSEN TAILSTOCK spindle or
tailstock while work piece is turning.

22. CORECTLY USE FACEPLATE. When faceplate
turning, make sure work piece is securely
fastened to the faceplate and that appropriate
size faceplate is used to support the work piece.
Any screw fasteners must not interfere with the
turning tool at the finished dimension of the work
piece. Rough-cut the work piece as close as
possible to finished shape before installing on
faceplate.

23. DO NOT OPERATE LATHE IF DAMAGED OR
FAULTY. If any part of your lathe is missing,
damaged or broken, in any way, or any electrical
component fails, shut off the lathe and
disconnect the lathe from the power supply.
Replace missing, damaged, or failed parts
before resuming operation.

24. ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION
regarding the safe and proper operation of this
product is available from the National Safety
Council, 444 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago,
IL 60611 in the Accident Prevention Manual of
Industrial Operations and also in the Safety Data
Sheets provided by the NSC. Also refer to the
American National Standards Institute ANSI 01.1
Safety Requirements for Woodworking Machines
and the U.S Department of Labor OSHA

1910.213 Regulation.

Important Note:

For Schools and Industrial applications the Nova Mercury Lathe will require the use of a NO VOLT
RELEASE. For these applications the lathe may also fall under additional regulations.

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Nova Mercury Woodlathe Specifications

Toolrest:

Weight: 59lbs (24.58Kgs) Packaged.

Length: 6" (150mm)

Overall dimensions:

Shaft Diameter: 5/8" (15mm)

Length: 20.5" approx. (525mm)

Motor:

Includes projection of outboard spindle.

1/2 HP (Average Output) DC
(Permanent Magnet Type) Variable
Speed Drive.

Height: 11.5" approx. (285mm)

Top of headstock from bench.

Speeds:

Swing over bed: 8" (200mm)

Low Speed Pulley: 140rpm - 1750rpm

Distance Between Centers: 11" (280mm)*

(Left position pulley looking at spindle from
operator side)

(*Can be increased with 12” (300mm) extension beds)

Swing Outboard: 14" (355mm)*

Middle Speed Pulley: 320rpm - 3670rpm

(*Normal operational capacity is around 10” /250mm)

High Speed Pulley: 470rpm - 5350rpm

Headstock:

Standard Equipment:

Spindle Thread: 1" 8TPI RH.

Live (Revolving Center) 2MT

Headstock Bore: No.2 Morse Taper (2MT)

Spur Center 2MT

Outboard Spindle Thread: 1" 8TPI LH

2 1/2" (60mm) Faceplate

Through Bore: 3/8" (10mm)

6" (150mm) Toolrest

Traverse Hole through Spindle: 3/8"
(10mm)

Optional Accessories:

Mercury Bed Extension

(Accepts up to 3/8" steel rod to act as
spindle lock)

Mercury Outrigger

(work weight limits. 4-5lbs)(1.8-2.3kgs)

Tailstock:

Nova Chuck System

Tailstock Bore: 2MT

Nova Compac Chuck

Quill Travel: 2.5" (63mm)

Hole Through Tailstock: 3/8" (10mm)

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