Good deal on a Rikon Midi lathe just in case someone is looking for one.

 

https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/rikon-12-inch-vs-midi-lathe-70-1218vs.aspx?dc=freeship75&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Get+Free+Shipping+from+Highland+Woodworking+Starting+Today!&utm_campaign=free+shipping+dec+2019

 

Good through Jan 2, 2020

Edited December 26, 20196 yr by HandyDan

Thanks for the heads up, Dan!

I have earlier green version minus VS. model 700-100 I think.  Has been nice to use.

Thanks for the heads up, Dan.  I'm very tempted.  

Is this a good beginner's lathe?

Jim

59 minutes ago, RedMGB said:

Thanks for the heads up, Dan.  I'm very tempted.  

Is this a good beginner's lathe?

Jim

Oh yeah. 

3 hours ago, RedMGB said:

Thanks for the heads up, Dan.  I'm very tempted.  

Is this a good beginner's lathe?

Jim

 

I've never used one but I believe it receives good reviews and customer service is good too.

Google    rikon midi lathe review  and check the reviews.

 

 

Two questions...

 

It appears that this Rikon isn't reversible - how important is that?

 

I see different types of steel in the chisel sets.  What's preferable?

 

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Jim 

I started out with a cheaper set of Craftsman gouges and have no regrets.  I have a whole wall of Sorby tools and still use my original set of tools for most of what I do.  I would suggest starting out with a set of HSS turning tools and set yourself up with an eight inch slow speed grinder and Wolverine Pro Grind sharpening jig.  Sharp tools are a must for an enjoyable experience to turning.  See how that goes and move on from there.

 

Variable speed and reversing are two valuable upgrades to any lathe.  Switching directions while sanding is a tremendous help in some woods.  With a variable speed lathe I found it is best to unplug it  when not in use and anytime a storm is passing through.

 

https://www.pennstateind.com/store/LCSIXW.html

 

https://www.amazon.com/Sharpening-Turning-Multi-Grind-Designed-Grinders/dp/B01HDEJGLE/ref=asc_df_B01HDEJGLE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309811990469&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2005082300383802530&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015474&hvtargid=pla-568579121013&psc=1

 

 

Edited December 27, 20196 yr by HandyDan

6 hours ago, RedMGB said:

It appears that this Rikon isn't reversible - how important is that?

 

This machine has a DC motor and reverse is achieved by reversing the motor leads so reversing could easily be attained by adding the proper switch and having it wired in properly.  It is a double pole double throw switch.

 

 

Edited December 27, 20196 yr by HandyDan

Reversible is nice but not a deal breaker. Seems before Christmas I saw this kathe on sale for 300 but not sure where.

 

Tools are all over the map and like Dan said a cheap set to start may be best if you have not been to a class or tried someone elses lathe to see if you will like turning. Harbor Freight makes a full size set in "HSS" but will not hold a edge very good.  Benjamins Best from Penn State may be a step above . If you know you will stay with this get a good (Crown, Thompson, Henry Taylor) 1/2 inch bowl gouge. A 3/4 skew, a thin parting tool (the Penn State is fine) . These will give you a start on anything a beginner will do.

 

As you advance you can look at spindle gouges and detail gouges. Finally if you like spindle roughing gouge.

A delayed follow up and an FYI...

The Rikon is still available for the sale price until inventory is sold out.  I almost pulled the trigger for $426 w/ shipping & tax.

 

But an experienced turning friend had encouraged me to look at the Delta 46-460.  It was significantly more, so I dithered.

I found the blue box has the Delta at 20% off (until early March), plus an additional 10% military discount, for a total of $516, w/ tax & ship to store.

 

I rationalized it based on the reverse and extra 33% hp.  Should be here next week.  

 

Let the fun begin!

Jim 

Don't know much about their lathes but I have two Rikon band saws that I picked up used. Both are solid, straight forward machines that do the job very well. If I were in the market for a lathe I'd have to look at that closely!

 

I have the Delta 46-460 and it is a nice little lathe. I use mine mostly for demo or shows . Got it from a doctor in our club for 400 included stand and chuck. Believe it or not the chuck is a Nova G3 with Delta printed on it and the jaws will take a 1 inch long tenon. There have been a lot of problems with the mother board on this lathe but I have had none . The reverse and multi speed capabilities are great for versatility.

1 minute ago, Gerald said:

There have been a lot of problems with the mother board on this lathe but I have had none . The reverse and multi speed capabilities are great for versatility.

 

I too have the Delta 46-460.  It is my go to lathe, it is so quiet and smooth.  I think most of the problems were with the first generation.  My board went bad when some electric poles got knocked down out front while I was using it due to a voltage spike.  Other than that it has run flawlessly for at least 10 years.  I think like anything else, treat it right and in turn.....  I don't use it to turn big bowls on, that would be looking for trouble.