The Rikon 70-1824 Has Arrived

[Kent Reisdorph]

The truck driver couldn't get up my driveway (he was in a semi) so I drove down to the road and we loaded it into the pickup. That worked out pretty well because I didn't have to lift the lathe. I was able to slide it out enough to attach the right side legs. It got a little dicey on the left side, but I prevailed.



Half way there.





I think I'm ready to give it a try. I bought the bed extension primarily so I can slide the tailstock out of the way. Rikon accessories are pretty reasonable. I bought a bundle which includes an outboard tool rest assembly and the 16" bed extension for $250.

 

[Mike Drake]

Keep us updated on your initial thoughts. That one is on my list for considering.

 

[Tom Lucas]

That looks like a pretty nice lathe, especially with the extension and rotating head. Good setup for about $3000! Tell us how you like after some use.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

Congratulations! From the specs it looks like a sweet machine.

 

[Gregg Zank]

Congratulations - looks great keep us informed of how well it performs and how much you like it!!

 

[Michael Anderson]

Nice, Kent! Have fun taking it for a spin.

 

[David Wyke]

Nice!!!!

 

[Tom Gall]

Congratulations. Don't get it dirty!!!

 

[Ted Pelfrey]

Enjoy!

 

[Rusty Nesmith]

Looks nice Kent. Can’t wait to hear your review. You will really enjoy the remote pendant.

 

[Odie]

View: https://youtu.be/6_cDT-Z3fwM


Looks like a well thought out lathe to me. It has some very important features that would be mandatory for me, if I ever replace my 32 year old Woodfast lathe. (IMHO, the first two of these three features represent the future of woodturning)

Rotating headstock

Magnetic relocatable control box

Offset "elbow" or "dogleg" style banjo


Also, there are some other very interesting and innovative features, such as the 3-position relocatable extension, and choice of running the motor on either 110v or 220v.....among others.

The only thing that would be a deal killer for me, is the weight is only 373 lbs. I would only be interested in another lathe that is as heavy, or heavier than my Woodfast at 525 lbs.

Scroll down to see the specs:

Model 70-1824VSR: 18" x 24" VSR Lathe - Rikon Power Tools

18" x 24" Variable Speed Lathe 70-1824VSR and VSR2 offer woodturners a variety of new features that make it the most versatile lathe in RIKON's line - V1 has a powerful 1.75HP, 115V, 16A motor gives ample power for all turning needs, while V2 offers a 2.5 HP, 230V motor. The lathe uses an...

rikontools.com

-o-



@Brent@TurnRobust

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

Congratulations. Don't get it dirty!!!

The horror. I let the shavings build up for the photo.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

View: https://youtu.be/6_cDT-Z3fwM


Looks like a well thought out lathe to me. It has some very important features that would be mandatory for me, if I ever replace my 32 year old Woodfast lathe. (IMHO, the first two of these three features represent the future of woodturning)

Rotating headstock

Magnetic relocatable control box

Offset "elbow" style banjo


Also, there are some other very interesting and innovative features, such as the 3-position relocatable extension, and choice of running the motor on either 110v or 220v.....among others.

The only thing that would be a deal killer for me, is the weight is only 373 lbs. I would only be interested in another lathe that is as heavy, or heavier than my Woodfast at 525 lbs.

Scroll down to see the specs:

Model 70-1824VSR: 18" x 24" VSR Lathe - Rikon Power Tools

18" x 24" Variable Speed Lathe 70-1824VSR and VSR2 offer woodturners a variety of new features that make it the most versatile lathe in RIKON's line - V1 has a powerful 1.75HP, 115V, 16A motor gives ample power for all turning needs, while V2 offers a 2.5 HP, 230V motor. The lathe uses an...

rikontools.com

-o-



@Brent@TurnRobust

I hear you. You are one of the few people who really need that weight, given the stuff you turn. I assume a lot of it is off-balance to start with.

 

[Odie]

I hear you. You are one of the few people who really need that weight, given the stuff you turn. I assume a lot of it is off-balance to start with.

Yes, correct, Kent......A lot of my wood blanks have a high MC, as well as erratic grain patterns. Depending on the species, some of them warp significantly during the seasoning process......many times enough to cause an extreme out-of-balance condition. These are the times when the weight of the lathe itself, is important for tuning in the best vibration free rpm.

Note: It's not just a matter of adding sandbags, or weights suspended between the legs......but, weight incorporated into the body of the lathe itself is much more critically important for it's stabilizing effect.

-o-

 

[Gabriel Hoff]

View: https://youtu.be/6_cDT-Z3fwM


Looks like a well thought out lathe to me. It has some very important features that would be mandatory for me, if I ever replace my 32 year old Woodfast lathe. (IMHO, the first two of these three features represent the future of woodturning)

Rotating headstock

Magnetic relocatable control box

Offset "elbow" or "dogleg" style banjo


Also, there are some other very interesting and innovative features, such as the 3-position relocatable extension, and choice of running the motor on either 110v or 220v.....among others.

The only thing that would be a deal killer for me, is the weight is only 373 lbs. I would only be interested in another lathe that is as heavy, or heavier than my Woodfast at 525 lbs.

Scroll down to see the specs:

Model 70-1824VSR: 18" x 24" VSR Lathe - Rikon Power Tools

18" x 24" Variable Speed Lathe 70-1824VSR and VSR2 offer woodturners a variety of new features that make it the most versatile lathe in RIKON's line - V1 has a powerful 1.75HP, 115V, 16A motor gives ample power for all turning needs, while V2 offers a 2.5 HP, 230V motor. The lathe uses an...

rikontools.com

-o-



@Brent@TurnRobust

You really want Brent to build you that rotating headstock Sweet 16!

 

[Mark Fairchild]

Glad your enjoying the new lathe!

 

[Graham Dolby]

I'm on my 4th lathe and am hankering for a 5th (a Oneway). What number was this one?

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

Just #2! My starter was a Wen 1420. It served me well for what it was, but now it's time to get serious.

 

[Graham Dolby]

I started with a Sears lathe (tube bed, 3/4" spindle) but quickly moved up to a Delta swivel head when they first came out. I had vibration problems so bought a General 160 that served me well for many years. I wanted a big Oneway but couldn't get it into my basement so bought Nova Galaxy. There is a new Oneway that is between the 12" and monster types but really, I'm getting too old to justify another change.

 

[Barry Larson]

I started with a Sears lathe (tube bed, 3/4" spindle) but quickly moved up to a Delta swivel head when they first came out. I had vibration problems so bought a General 160 that served me well for many years. I wanted a big Oneway but couldn't get it into my basement so bought Nova Galaxy. There is a new Oneway that is between the 12" and monster types but really, I'm getting too old to justify another change.

Graham:
Getting old was the excuse I used for buying a Oneway lathe - well actually "I'm not getting any younger" was my rational. No regrets either other than back issues have precluded much in the way woodworking activities of late. I must admit my General 160 looks a bit forlorn beside the Oneway!
Cheers.
Barry W. Larson
Calgary, Alberta, Canada eh!

 

[Aaron Harris]

Nice lathe, Kent-The recent Rikons are very appealing. Glad you are enjoying it and dirtying it up with shavings! It looks like the legs have supports for shelving for sandbags if needed (which I like under mine for just a little added stability).

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

Yes, the legs have platforms for shelves on the bottom and near the top.

 

[George Kuipers]

Rikon service is top of the line. Had some problem with the switch on my midi, resolved in no time flat.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

@Kent Reisdorph , in another thread you posted that the Rikon does not have a detent or index at the 0* position. According to the You Tube review you posted above, it does have "an audible click" when rotated back to 0. It's important if you're going to swivel the HS (look at about 2:58). So if your machine does not appear to have the feature that's certainly worth a call to CS.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

I will have another look and will listen for the click.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

@Kent Reisdorph , in another thread you posted that the Rikon does not have a detent or index at the 0* position. According to the You Tube review you posted above, it does have "an audible click" when rotated back to 0. It's important if you're going to swivel the HS (look at about 2:58). So if your machine does not appear to have the feature that's certainly worth a call to CS.

Sure, enough, there's a click. I didn't notice it before because it's pretty subtle. Thanks, Mark.

 

[Alan Phillips]

Any updates on the Pro's and Con's since you've owned the 1824?

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

No updates. The lathe runs great. I have adjusted to the on/off switch operation. I haven't encountered any new cons. I highly recommend it.

 

[Alan Phillips]

No updates. The lathe runs great. I have adjusted to the on/off switch operation. I haven't encountered any new cons. I highly recommend it.

Going to order mine this week. Supposed to be 16 in stock, so it shouldn't take long to have it shipped from Woodcraft (free shipping). Order the feet, the casters and the 3 piece extension bundle.
Thanks for your reply

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

That extension bundle is very reasonably priced. Let us know when you get your lathe!