Rikon 70-3040 review

[Michael Sweet]

That 3040 is a beast. I hope you get it up and running soon. I also bought my Rikon 1824 from Acme. It was 10% off and free shipping at that time.

I finally got the Z-4 chuck but neglected to order the insert. I thought it was direct threading to the spindle. This time I talked to a representative and they were very helpful and sent the adapter the same day. Shouldn’t take too long.
The wheels I ordered, Dec. 12, still have not been sent.
However, I ordered the Tool Rest Extension Knuckle and Bed Gap Insert from Highland Woodworking and it will be here next week. Excellent service. Not as cheap as ACME but very knowledgeable about their products. I’ve ordered from them in the past.

 

[Ross Berning]

Since getting the lathe I picked up the bed insert

I finally got the Z-4 chuck but neglected to order the insert. I thought it was direct threading to the spindle. This time I talked to a representative and they were very helpful and sent the adapter the same day. Shouldn’t take too long.
The wheels I ordered, Dec. 12, still have not been sent.
However, I ordered the Tool Rest Extension Knuckle and Bed Gap Insert from Highland Woodworking and it will be here next week. Excellent service. Not as cheap as ACME but very knowledgeable about their products. I’ve ordered from them in the past.

The bed gap insert is a nice addition. The wheels took several months to come in but work well. Curious about the knuckle, haven’t picked that up yet. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Michael Sweet]

Since getting the lathe I picked up the bed insert

The bed gap insert is a nice addition. The wheels took several months to come in but work well. Curious about the knuckle, haven’t picked that up yet. Let us know how it goes!

Will do.

 

[Michael Sweet]

I bought my Rikon lathe from Acme. There were several delays (parts issues from China) and Acme sent me updates on each delay.

I’ve yet to get the wheels and I ordered them , along with the lathe, on Dec. 12, 2024. I keep getting notifications from FedEx saying it’s on the way. Yesterday they said tomorrow. Today they said they tried delivering. I was home all day with the garage door opened. No vehicles came, per my Ring. If I ever order from a company again it won’t be FedEx or Acme. I have no complaint on the lathe, though.

 

[Aaron Harris]

That is one "Sweet" lathe, Michael haha!

And they're back on sale at Woodcraft's 15% off sale on Rikon machinery. As much as I love my PowerMatic, if I had the decision to make over again, I might have gotten the Rikon. I hope I can take one for a spin somewhere, although you don't really see them in teaching spaces, which seem to be mostly Robusts, PowerMatics, VicMarcs, and sometimes OneWays or Jets.

 

[Michael Sweet]

That is one "Sweet" lathe, Michael haha!

And they're back on sale at Woodcraft's 15% off sale on Rikon machinery. As much as I love my PowerMatic, if I had the decision to make over again, I might have gotten the Rikon. I hope I can take one for a spin somewhere, although you don't really see them in teaching spaces, which seem to be mostly Robusts, PowerMatics, VicMarcs, and sometimes OneWays or Jets.

I have limited space in my workshop garage. This fits the bill. I’ve only had a Shopsmith lathe and then a midi Jet lathe. This Rikon is definitely a step up. I turn just about everyday so I can get the experience of turning different types of wood and different sizes. Had a cedar bowl fly off because the tenon broke off from the chuck. Purchased a “ring” to make it more secure.

 

[Michael Sweet]

I have limited space in my workshop garage. This fits the bill. I’ve only had a Shopsmith lathe and then a midi Jet lathe. This Rikon is definitely a step up. I turn just about everyday so I can get the experience of turning different types of wood and different sizes. Had a cedar bowl fly off because the tenon broke off from the chuck. Purchased a “ring” to make it more secure.

Another thing I like about this lathe is that I can extend the bed and slide the banjo closer to the turning to give me more clearance from the tail stick whilst hollowing out a bowl.