Rikon 70-100 lathe

[Smitty37]

Anybody using one of these? If you are tell me what you think of it for pen turning and blank drilling.

 

[truckfixr]

I've had mine for about two years now. It works great. No troubles at all so far. I use the collet chuck from PSI and it drills perfectly centered holes.

 

[Justturnin]

I love mine. I have one w/ VS I bought used on IAP. Been a great lathe. I turn and have a buffing set up for it. I use it often.

 

[Harley2001]

I love mine it dose a great job

 

[Fordwakeman]

Its the only lathe I've used for pen making, so I don't have anything to compare it to. Its been a great value for me.

 

[MichaelD]

Bought mine when Woodcraft was doing their promotion for the new Rikon lathe in 2004(?). Serial #369. Had to replace the bearings in August. I like it.

 

[avbill]

I had mine for 9 years great machine I decided on this b/c its easier to change the belts for higher/lower speeds. I have extra large hands

 

[Rob73]

I've been using one for about five years now. I don't really have any complaints. However, I think It may be developing a bearing issue now but I've had no issues turning pens. (I'm not a full time pen turner) I usually use a drill press to do the blanks I've only drilled a couple on the lathe using a collet chuck with no issues.

 

[Old Codger]

Smitty! I don't think you can go wrong with the Rikon... I bought a new 12" X 16" VS last year about this time and LOVE IT!!! It was my first lathe and did everything a 'newbie' could do plus... The price was right at WC on sale and I'm going to keep it as my second lathe only as it doesn't have the heft or power for larger bowls/turnings that I may want to do in the future so I upgraded to a new Jet 1221VS just this month. I'm hoping the new Jet will be half as good as the Rikon has been. If this your first lathe or an upgrade for pen turning, you can't go wrong and all of it's features are the 'standard' if you want to upgrade (i.e; 1"X 8 morse taper, etc.) so you won't have to re-purchase all your chucks, live centers, etc.). BUY it and you'll love it and won't be sorry!!!

 

[panamag8or]

I bought mine used, and it runs like a champ! The only thing I would change is to get the VS model.

 

[thrustmonkey]

Love mine. Do all my drilling on it now too. Can't go wrong with it.

 

[nava1uni]

I have had one for over 7 years. I can turn up to a 9 bowl without any problem. I like how easy it is to change the belt. Takes only a few seconds. It reminds me of an old chevy. It just keeps running and it is a strong motor. I have made many pens and lots of other things without any complaint. I like the 70-100 better then the VS because it is a heavier machine and because the belt is so easy to change. I would highly recommend it.