Rikon Mini Lathe

[leehljp]

Does anyone have any experience with this lathe? I have been without a lathe since returning to the States in July. I have a little Taig for pens in Japan and would like to take a little bit larger one back. I don't have room for anything there larger than the Jet Mini VS or the Rikon Mini.

Is Rikon reputible? This particular lathe?

The Rikon has a larger swing than the Jet Mini, 12inches. Indexed Head. Bed extension optional. But no VS. About $100 less expensive.

WHat is an indexed Head? In what cases would that be useful and is it difficult?

RIKON Mini Lathe Model 70-100.
12" Swing With 16" Between Centers
12 Position Indexed Head
6 Speeds: 430, 810, 1,230, 1,810, 2,670, 3,900
8" Tool Rest
12" Swing With 16" Between Centers
Powered by a 1/2 HP TEFC motor
Multiple Extension Capability

I want to get back to pens primarily but small bowls in the future.

Opinions and comments?

[Whaler]

I have the non VS Jet and am very happy with it.
I was in Woodcraft recently and saw the Rikon and was impressed.
I believe the indexed head is for locking the head stock in position rather than using a Tommy bar.
www.rikontools.com/70-100.html

[kwgeorge]

I don’t know Hank, that’s a pretty sharp looking beast. What I like about it over my Jet mini is that the belt position looks easier to change as with the Jet you need a mirror or a long flexible neck when changing speeds. It has a bit bigger swing to allow a bigger work piece than the Jet. It also has 2” more spindle capacity. It shows to be 9lbs heavier than the Jet but that don’t really mean anything. It is cheaper than the Jet although you can pretty much catch the Jet on sale for that price quite often.

My initial thoughts on reading over the manual and looking at the lathe are, I like it!

[Habe]

I got this lath in Nov at Woodcraft. So far I like it very well. The speed change is not as big a problem as I thought it would be. Since the belt cover hinges over to the left out of the way a speed change is not a big work stopper. Shut off, loosen motor, move belt, tighten moter and back at it. The guality of the lath seems good and have not had any problems with it. Seem to have plenty of power so far. I would buy again. The spindel lock is nice when changing to or from threaded on acc. Just remember to unlock before hitting the switch.

[leehljp]

I really would like the Jet VS, but the extra features of this lathe make me willing to fore go that. I understand the indexing now and that is something I have been thinking of quite a bit. I have thought of using a router or dremel for small flutes.

Thanks.

[mudder]

Over on another forun there is a guy who bought one to replace his Jet mini and he gave it a mixed review.

The place is: http://www.thepenshop.net but you have to join to read it as it's in a non-public area of the forum. It's free to join.