Rikon Lathe

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moke

moke

Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2009
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1,298
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
I noticed today in the new WC catalog that the 12" Rikon non-vari speed lathe is on sale for $299.00. I have a delta midi with the stands and extensions, and am really pleased with it, but I have been considering getting a second lathe for buffing, drilling, facing, and an occasional guest turner. Not wanting to spend what I did for my lathe, is this worth the money? For those of you that have that lathe, what do you think? I can not see that non variable speed is a big issue if changing belts is as easy as my 46-460. I am looking for advice....thanks.
 
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I hve been using the Rikon for over 4 years now with no problems at all. I got one of the first ones productd. I love the lathe and the front access to the belt makes it very easy to change speeds.

I wouldn't trade it for anything, it has given me lots of great service.
 
I purchased this Rikon a few years back when it was on sale with free shipping. I replaced a delta midi that I ws not happy with. I've been very happy with the Rikon. It was perfectly aligned out of the box, the belt is very easy to change, and the indexing head is a nice extra. I turned my old Delta is my permanent 3-wheel buffing lathe.

Edit - Almost forgot...I did have one problem. I was getting a little smoke from behind the on/off switch every time I turn on the lathe. I took the cover off and found a wire not tighten down. I screwed it tight and have not a problem since.
 
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Buddy of mine who works for WC, says that would be the best one to get if Delta drops their lathes do to the new business reorganization.
 
I have that version in the VS. I got it on sale at WC for 279. It's a great lathe.
 
I have the RIKON ... bought it used from another turner and I like it. I don't mind manually switching the belt.

I did use a VS Delta at a turning class I took, the VS option is nice, so when I upgrade, that will be a feature for me.
 
I've used both the variable speed and belt flipper lathes. Both are nice lathes.
Right now Woodcraft has both lathes on sale at the same price - $299

If I needed another lathe I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.
 
I just bought the Rikon VS and although I haven't done much with it so far it is very well built and quiet. I picked it up at WC a few weeks back for $329 on sale.
 
For $30 more I think I would get the VS.
If nothing else I think it would hold it's value better should you ever decide to sell it.
 
Mike;

last fall my Jet 1236 went down and I was forced to buy a mini to get through the season. I also went with the non variable speed...the clincher for me was how easy it is to change the belt position on the pullies. It also taught me that I do not really have to change the speed all tha often. Anyways...very happy with the Rikkon.

I think you make wise choice.:smile:

enjoy
 
I have the non variable speed Rikon and it is a great lathe. I have used it for over 4 years and I have not had one problem. The belt is so easy to change and the lathe works very easy.
 
I bought the Rikon 70-100 lathe in September. Very pleased with it. While I wish I had variable speed, the belt changing is fast, and very easy to access from the front of the lathe. And a VS kit is available.

I've made over 20 pens, several wine stoppers, and several tool handles, and it has exceeded my expectations for an entry-level lathe.

I just added the 24" extension. I do not have immediate need to turn long spindles, but even turning a moderately long tool handle, with the possibility of having a chuck on the headstock, and a chuck on the tailstock to drill a hole, plus the length of a bit, does not leave much room left over!

Next on the list might be the variable speed upgrade kit. I can see having a nicer, bigger lathe sometime if I get into bowl turning, but I see this lathe as a keeper in my shop for turning pens and small items, and those occasional long handles or spindles.
 
Wow--
Sounds to me like I need to place the order. Thanks to all that responded. Still not sure if I will get the VS or not, but sounds like it is a great machine.....thanks again to all.
 
I have a Rikon in my shop that was converted to VS and recently bougyt another Rikon and a Delta to replace some others in the shop. You can't go wrong with the Rikon 70-100 but be careful with the new VS, it seems a bit light. This recent Rikon that I picked up is the 4th one I've owned and they are great lathes.
 
Go for the VS it's worth the extra $30. I like the the ability to go from 700-1500 rpm with just a turn of a knob. You can't go wrong :)
 
ssajn said:
Until April 2 the VS is the same price as the belt flipper. $299
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Dave--Unless I have this wrong, they look like different lathes...the belt flipper looks beefier. The VS is 70lbs and the belt flipper is 89lbs. Also, the speeds are different...on my Delta I usually turn at 4000 rpm...the flipper goes to 3900, but the vs only goes to 3350. I am sure either would work ok, but with the flipper I might feel more at home....in you guys/girls opinion...right or wrong? Thanks again...you people are all the best!!
 
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