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Need info on the new Ricon mini lathe

W

woodsmanplus

Joined
Jan 18, 2006
Messages
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Location
Tampa & NC
Hello to all.I am just getting started in turning and will be getting my 1st lathe on feb 4th.I was all ready to go with the jet mini,but then I saw the new Ricon and am considering getting it instead.The reason being is that the Ricon has a 12" swing over the jets 10".I know that the jet is a proven product and a highly respected tool.But the differance in turning capacity is why I am considering the Ricon.So could anyone give me some insite as to anything they know or have heard about this lathe,good or bad.As I said I am totaly new at this and apreciate all the help I can get.Thanks in advance for any help.
Ken
 
If you use the search feature, you will find several discussions on this board and others discussing the short comings of the Rikon. Over all it is not as well made as the Jet but is a little larger. I wouldn't buy one over the Jet.

JimQ
 
I haven't really heard anything specifically bad about the Rikon, and I've looked pretty hard. On the other hand, I haven't heard anything specifically bad about the Jet, either.

That said, I've had a Rikon since a bit after Thanksgiving, and have been working it pretty hard. No bowls, but lots of smaller stuff, stoppers, etc. Have had setscrews on pulleys work loose, but nothing else. If a new guy can't break it too bad, sounds like an OK deal to me........... 🙂

This is the only lathe I've ever had except for my Craftsman, and I'm not sure that one even counts as a lathe..............

I do know that the Woodcraft store where I bought it got rid of all of the Jet minis they had in their classroom and replaced them with Rikons. The store manager said he thought they were just as good or better. There could be some deep dark political reason they did that, but I'm not aware of it. It came with some free mini tools, so I bought it.

I do believe it is heavier than the Jet by 20 lbs., if that helps. That seems like a lot to me.

Rich in VA
 
When I was shopping for a lathe before Christmas, I asked about the Rikon. The folks at woodcraft gave it rave reviews. The people on forums seemed to push against it. I think it may be made by Fische. If that's the case, I used a Fische at a club meeting and it was nice. I didn't buy the Rikon because I got a great deal on a used machine, but if it wasn't for that deal.... I would have bought the Rikon based on the fact that I didn't find much in the way of bad, but a little on the way of good--and the price was better than the Jet and Delta! 🙄
 
Rikon is not made by Fisch. I sell advertising to these companies (and many others) and they are not the same, nor are the lathes the same tool. Generally speaking, the Rikon is a new product line on the market, and the tool reviews are mixed; for all their tools not just the mini lathe. Yes, it has some good features such as the larger swing, but you need to consider all factors, and manufacturer reputation is an important one. Jet makes a good tool and has a long history. In fact, Jet has been around a whole lot longer in the metal-working industry, and that is still the bulk of their business. Delta is another excellent company, again with a long history of quality and customer satisfaction. Myself, I use the Delta Midi lathe, and I love it! (truth be told, they are also my favorite client too!) I've had no problems, and I know if I did, they would stand behind the product. When I graduate to a larger lathe, I will probably look at products from companies that specialize in this branch of woodworking, as those companies cater to the more specific market niche.

ziffy
 
The only real problem with Rikon right now is that we don't have enough hands on experience. That should change shortly since Woodcraft,(at least my local ones) have all changed to Rikon for thier classes. As anyone knows students are hard on lathes so we should get some pretty good feedback from people who run the classes.
I played with one at Highland hardware and it seems like a good lathe but since I didn't get to turn on it so I'm hesitant to recommend it over the Jet which I have turned on extensively.
Anybody want to loan me one. I'll use it real hard for a month or so and give my opinion.
 
See, that proves you can't believe everything you read on the internet! 😱

Well, I did like the Fisch, but I only used it after it was set up, so I'm not sure I would like the features like speed change and what not.

Sorry I passed on some bad information. That's why I read these forums... to learn! 😉
 
Thanks for the help on mini lathes

I would like to thank all for taking the time to offer there help on choosing a lathe.There has been a great deal of mixed responses.So I am looking at the Rikon as I want the larger swing capacity and I will be getting it at woodcraft where I can return it with in a year if I don,t like it.Also I have found an experianced turner in my neighborhood who has offered to try it out for me and also help me get started in turning.Will let all know how it works out.
Thanks again to all
Ken
 
Last edited:
Update On My New Ricon

Hi folk's just thought I would give that update on my Ricon.Well I have been putting it to the test and I don't think the jet could have done any better.I am in now NC and play with it every chance I get.So far I have turned a 1" bowl to a 11 1/2" bowl with no problem's what so ever.So in my opinion as a new turner,it is a great little lathe.
Ken 😀 😀 😀
 
Rikon

I teach woodturning at the local Community College and we have a delta, jet vs and a rikon mini lathe in addition to two full size lathes. My students rotate to a different lathe each session and the Rikon was the favorite mini among all the students. All we did during this session was spindle turning.

In fact three students ordered a Rikon at the end of the course. It is a very solid machine and the ease of belt changing made it very popular.
 
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