A few weeks back under a topic related to midi-lathes, someone asked about or suggested the new Rikon lathe. Because I've not been impressed with their other recently introduced power tools, I offered the opinion that their lathe probably wasn't a very good buy, either. I was wrong to offer that opinion. I had a chance to actually see one yesterday and it's much, much better than I would have ever thought.

In all fairness, the new Rikon lathe is probably a step or two above the Delta/Jet/Frisch midi-lathes. It has an inch more swing, a bed that is 3 inches longer, a 12-step indexing head, a 1/2HP motor, and an 8 inch tool rest. The first thing most do when they buy one of the others is replace the 4-inch tool rest with a 6 or 8-inch model, and buy a bed extension. The Rikon offers a really nice 8-inch rest right off the bat and the extra 3 inches on the bed is generally enough for most rod building chores that you can dispense with buying the extension. That's $100 or so you don't have to spend getting the Rikon lathe ready for rod building work.

For a price of just $250, and considering the extra features of this lathe, it's probably the top of the heap in midi-lathe types at the moment. Now that I've seen one I'll gladly eat my previoius words. It's a good tool for the money, very good. Runs smooth and offers a host of features the others don't. Really a great buy in my opinion.

By the way, we may have a lathe vendor at the 2007 rod building show. I'll update you on that as we push closer to the event later this year.

..........



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/20/2006 09:25AM by Tom Kirkman.

Hi Tom,

I had checked the info on that lathe when the descussion came up and could not find any specs on it. DO you know what the head and tail taper is and what size and thread the head spindle is?

Thanks



Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

Hank,
Headstock and tailstock are both #2MT. The head spindle is 1", 8tpi.

Thanks Gerry

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

I bought a Rikon midi Lathe in January and love it. For the features that are on this lathe and the price you pay it is great.

Hey, Tom, I think it would be great to get a lathe vendor at the show. If they came with a good assortment of chucks and other accessories, I would bet that they wouldn't be bringing them back home when they left.

Any one who has a "real" chuck that will fit the PacBay upgraded support stand and 1/2" threads (or adapter) will have my money --- BEFORE the show even opens.

I almost bought there " upgraded " stand and chuck just for the chuck ??? Guess ya never know.

I've heard a lot of complaints on the "upgraded chucks" , but I haven't heard the description og the problem . Can someone E-mail me and tell me what is wrong with them . I was thinking about getting one 'till I started hearing the complaints .
Thanks , John........ jdow4071@sbcglobal.net

Got Fish ?

Ken...I have not had the chance to examine the "upgraded chucks"...Do you think the assembly itself could support the weight of a Taig self-centering chuck ? [www.taigtools.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2006 10:57AM by Doug Cox.

John,

The chuck is threaded for a "real" lathe, but a rod lathe turns in the opposite direction than a "real" lathe (amazing display of research/engineering), so as you are using it, it will probably be unscrewing itself if you are doing anything remotely heavy duty such as sanding! Maybe they will come up with an upgrade to the upgrade. By then you might as well have bought a Renzetti

Mike