Rikon Mini Lathe

[Rich Torino]

Does anyone own or have experience with the Rikon 70-100 12x16 Mini Lathe??
I'd like to get a small lathe and try my hand at some turnings like pens, bottle stopper etc... I've looked at the Jet, Steel City and the Rikon and so far I like the Rikon for the 12" swing and the fact that the belt chagnes are real easy to get to.

Thanks

[Shawn Honeychurch]

Do a search on the forum for Rikon Lathe and you'll find lots of info.

[Gary Kvasnicka]

Rich,
I got one last Christmas from LOML. I love it. I have probably spent three times the cost of the lathe in tools, chucks, pen turning stuff, etc. It's a sickness I tell ya. Now that you have been warned, go ahead and get one... there is room in the vortex for another turner.

[Dave Lehnert]

I read in a magazine it was the best lathe at a bargain price. I think they did have some kind of problem with the first batch a couple of years ago but nothing bad to report as of late.

[Ben Rafael]

Had one, had several problems with it that Rikon could not fix. After several months of them trying to get it working right they told me to take it back to woodcraft and get a refund. They called woodcraft to tell them the ok to refund. I am happy with Rikon Customer service but not rikon lathes.
I bought a Jet mini VS and have been happy with it.

[Scott Hubl]

If you like the 12" swing, then get the JET 1220 Mini.;)

[Bernie Weishapl]

I have had one now for a year and I have turned pens to 11 1/2" bowls with it. Great unit.

[Andrew Derhammer]

I love it. The motor has ample power and i've maxed out the swing make some bowls with it!

[Brad Knight]

I've had one for a month or so and love it so far. It saved me a ton of money... that I've spent on other tools and blanks and pen kits and.... well a bunch of money.

Go for it... you're going to spend your money on place or another, might as well get more stuff.

[Jon Lanier]

I love mine!

[Jim Maxwell]

I have a the same lathe, it is sold here in Australia by Woodfast. Looks like it is another Chinese generic machine. I bought it to replace a variable speed jet 1214. Consider the new machine better than than the jet.
Jim

[Pat Doble]

Another happy Rikon owner here, though I've since upgraded. No problems and the belt moves are a snap.

[Rich Torino]

Thanks for the feed back on the Rikon... It's on my list