RIKON Mini Lathe

RIKON Mini Lathe · 06-15-2006, 06:53 PM

Hi I was wondering if anyone knows much about this lathe?

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=5508

I am wanting to get into wood turning bowls, pens, boxes, maybe even a vase or 2 I was wanting to know if this would be a good lathe as I really don't want to buy a lathe to learn on and then buy another one after i know what i'm doing because the first one is of a lot lesser quality.

Thanks Mike

DaveO · 06-15-2006, 07:04 PM

Steve should chime in soon with his reviews, seeing as he just got one courtesy of the membership here

But for a mini lathe it is a great set-up. Much longer tool rest than most and a very good swing over the bed. The extensions are easily added for longer spindle work. I would think that it would be great for pens and bowl turning up to 12" dia. It might be a little underpowered for larger bowls, but then just take light cuts.
Dave

SteveColes · 06-15-2006, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by dozer

Hi I was wondering if anyone knows much about this lathe?

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=5508

I am wanting to get into wood turning bowls, pens, boxes, maybe even a vase or 2 I was wanting to know if this would be a good lathe as I really don't want to buy a lathe to learn on and then buy another one after i know what i'm doing because the first one is of a lot lesser quality.

Thanks Mike

I most certainly do

The member's of this site presented one to me at this year's spring picnic

The only other lathe that I've used is the Delta midi. As far as I'm concerned this is better. Speed/belt changes are easier, the tool rest is 8" vs 6", the swing is better, the head is indexable.

So I am very happy with it

Disclaimer: I am just learning how to to turm

JohnsonMBrandon · 06-16-2006, 10:49 AM

Probably not a bad mini lathe at all. I have the Delta so I may be partial to it, but only because I its what I am used to.

The only thing I see being a problem is if you are wanting to get into turning bowls and vases. If you plan on really getting into turning vases and bowls I would suggest getting a larger lathe. If you just plan on doing occasional small stuff and one or two bowls throughout the year than the midi will work out great for you. The midi's (none of them) have the power needed for larger bowls and vases day in and day out. The bearings will wear out. So its really just a matter of how much you plan to get into turning.

jglord · 06-16-2006, 11:39 AM

Between the Jet, Delta and Rikon Midi-lathes - the Rikon has the longest bed and largest swing - i.e. the maximum size object you can turn. 12" for the Rikon, 10" for the others.
The midi's are all only 1/2 HP and will struggle with a large bowl but it can be done. Several folks I've worked with have decided to get into larger lathes for bigger pieces, but they all have kept their midi's because of the ease of doing small projects. So you'd probably add a larger lathe, in the future, not replace a midi.

JohnsonMBrandon · 06-16-2006, 11:41 AM

jglord makes a good point. I don't think I would get rid of my midi if I upgraded to a larger lathe later on either.

dozer · 06-16-2006, 04:27 PM

Thanks for all the input. I wanted to get a midi that would last so i can learn and i figured rather than making large bowl which will inturn use larger amounts of wood costing more money. I hate the thought of messing up a large peice of wood trying to learn to turn a bowl thats why i was looking at a midi.

I will more than likely get a larger lathe in the future and would want to keep the midi as well which is why i want to get a good one so it will last.

Matt · 06-18-2006, 11:03 PM

I am just learning to turn, but I got a full size lathe. That said, my primary interest is bowls, platters, etc.

If you are planning on turning green wood (i.e. logs) - you will be surprised with how small a bowl you can actually turn even with a full size lathe (I was). You will take off a lot of wood cleaning up the edges and making whatever it is round. Remember you need to spin that odd shape over the bed when you start out. That odd shape will also not be perfectly balanced and the weight of a bigger lathe will help keep things from rockin' and rollin'. Of course, if you have a monster bandsaw (I don't) you can do a lot of clean up with that.

That said, my lathe takes up a fair amount of space and directly contributed to booting LOML's vehicle out of the garage...

Hope this helps.

jtdums · 06-20-2006, 07:28 AM

Have to agree with Matt on the full size lathe. I'm new to turning and went for a used Jet 14" that I have been very happy with. It just seems like more machine to grow into.

dozer · 06-21-2006, 10:39 PM

Well I got the Rikon Mini for Fathers Day finally got it set up tonight. I don't have any turning experience so this should be fun. If anyone knows of some free video links on wood turning I would really appreciate it.

I have to say even though i just set it up tonight I am really impressed with this Rikon so far I am looking forward to making something just don't know what yet

I don't have any pictures yet because my daughter took my digital camera to bible camp. But Tom was at Woodcraft when i bought it so atleast i have a witness.

clowman · 06-21-2006, 11:16 PM

Rex Burningham and Kip Christensen have 2 dvds that are pretty good on pen turning. They are The Basics and Beyond and More Pens Plus Tips. I have them loaned out, you're welcome to borrow them if you want.