I love it. Bed extension and mobility built into the design. Perfect for a small shop. Way out of my budget, but it's the best I've seen at any price for my needs.
Glad to hear you are enjoying the lathe, I've got one headed my way soon. Only other lathe I've had is a Nova Comet II so this will obviously be a huge step up....great info throughout your video. Shame you don't have more videos than you've got. You get to the point and are very clear which is always appreciated
I would love to do more videos at some point. Thanks for the kind words. Your gonna be very happy. I also have a comet ll. Your going from the SS Minow to the Starship Enterprise! Enjoy. Video requests would be appreciated. Thanks
Glad I stumbled across your channel. I’m getting 220v ran to my garage to accommodate this lathe. I’ll be purchasing it soon. New subscriber here. Look forward to watching you use the 70-3040
Great review Scott!!! After almost forty years of turning on various lathes, none being big enough... I think this is the one!! A nice modern copy of a Wadkin type bed... More video's please!!!!!
Ive been eyeballing this lathe for a good year now. Have to money saved, but I know we are moving soon. I definitely don't want to move it more than once lol. Thanks for the video
Thanks for this walkthrough and honest review. I've been looking at the Rikon for a while, along with Laguna and the new Harvey models. The short bed and extra capacity seem like a no brainer. Seeing how small a 40lb blank looked against the lathe was impressive. I think I'm leaning towards the Rikon. Thanks again.
Thank you for the review. Have two questions; you said steel bed, is that for both beds(no rusting!)? Have you reached out to the Rikon for any issues and what was their response speed or parts availability? Thank you.
Hi Rex, Both the beds are machined but definitely need to be kept oiled or treated to prevent rust. I'm still in the process of finding the right product. I have only been in touch with Rikon to purchase items. I just picked up an 18 inch Bandsaw today. I am lucky they are only a couple hours away from my home. They have been really great to deal with. I haven't had any problems with their tools at all. My shop is slowly becoming white and blue.
Great Scott! Excellent video. It has been a year now. are you still liking the lathe? What have you found that you don't like after using it for a year? Would love to see a follow-up video.
Alex honestly I wouldn't change a thing. I still love the lathe and I still love using it every opportunity I get. Thanks very much for the comments. 🙏
I'm looking at getting one of these myself, for the same reasons, and im curious how well its held up over two years. Have you considered doing an update video? That'd be pretty cool 😁
Nice lathe!! About to push the button on the same one. Where did you get the feet and mobile wheels? There’s no info of those two products that I’ve found on any site. Thanks!
I've been looking for a lathe and was really taken by this mammoth Rikon. It has compactness when you need it, size when you need it and power all the time. For me, it was a little more than I was looking to spend, but my bad back turned out to be the deciding factor. Able to stand for only seconds before extreme pain sets in, I wi!! Be going with One Way's 1236 SD (sit down). I will forfeit the ability to tackle large projects, but I will be able to turn. I'm sure I will still have lustful dreams about Rikon's big Blue Beauty.
Thanks for this review, as you're about the only person who seems to have one for this lathe. I'm almost certain this is the machine for me, just wondering if you have any further comments having used it a little more? Are dust/chips in the lower bed an issue at all? Thanks again, and enjoy!
I still love the lathe. It makes it really easy, safe, and comfortable to turn large pieces. Shavings definitely accumulate in the lower bed and I usually only clean out once in a while because I rarely move the upper bed. When it comes time to clean it out it's very easy. Shop vac or air or both like I use. Thanks for comment.
I just found your channel and I would love one of these ! I have never screen anything like it and it seems to do everything I Dream my crappy one will not! Can you tell us what was the cost of the machine? I went to their web site but found no prices? Thanks and your turnings are amazing!
Hi Mike, It sells for $3799.00 I've seen it on sale down to $3399.00 I think. Many offer free shipping also. Search it on Google you'll see prices and what dealers are offering. 👍
Just checking in with your experience with the lathe. I am waiting for mine to be delivered. Are you still super happy with the lathe? Any issues? Thanks
I couldn't be happier. Sorry about the delay of delivery. Everything I turn I'm amazed how well the lathe performs. This is like #9 lathe for me and I don't anticipate ever needing another. Can't say enough positive things about it.
Are you still happy with this Lathe? Any issues, if so how was Rikon to deal with? I'm looking at this lathe and customer support is a buying factor for me. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!!
I'm very happy with this lathe. I have put it to the test for over a year now. It has not given me one single problem. I tend to be a very aggressive turner. The 3 HP motor will not let you down. The 30 inch over the bed swing is unmatched to my knowledge. It will be the flagship of your shop. I met quite a few people at Rikon having recorded this video for them. They are all wonderful people and a joy to deal with, on the phone or in person. Customer service and support is the reason why I left the last company i was using. I bought their 4 HP bandsaw and i was a rookie. They have helped me to learn it and be able to adjust and operate it safely and efficiently. I'm really Happy with Rikon in general. I plan to make my shop blue and white. I'm happy to chat with you about anytime you like. let me know ill leave my number here. Thanks Scott
Thank you so much for your reply. I have a Nova lathe now and it's been fine for the last 2 years, then I had a problem with my controller and it took a month to get an email response and I was finally able to send it in and they've had it for another month + and I've heard nothing. In my 3 month ongoing saga I've yet to get anyone on the phone and actually talk to them. It's been eye opening and disconcerting for sure. At this point customer service is now in my top 3 must haves moving forward. I'm willing to pay more if I know I'll be supported on the backend. I also have a Rikon bandsaw and it's been a solid machine. Thanks again for your response it means more than you think.
That's a really cool-looking lathe. I just looked at the price. I don't know what you think is expensive because in my book $4,000 dollars is NOT an affordable lathe.
I said affordable for its size compared to comparable sized lathes. Comparable lathes are $3-4 k more expensive. By far the biggest bang for your buck on the market. It doesn't fit everyone's budget. Thanks for viewing.
Jon, that’s a very good price for that quality of lathe. Look up a Robust American Beauty lathe and that’ll give you an idea why this price is affordable. When you turn something like the blank he put on in this video, you need a massive lathe with a lot of torque and horsepower to keep the experience from being a chore.
I looked for it in specs real quick but can't locate. It has some good weight to it. My best guess 15- 20 #'s. If you sent an email to Rikon I'll bet they could answer. I will say it is very sturdy.
How’s it going a year in now? I’m considering this and the user reviews are still light in the webiverse. Also, what’s your instagram account? Would like to see some of your work.
Lincoln I still love the lathe . No part of it has failed me. Not a bit of feedback from the motor and I push it hard. I'm pretty much as happy as I could be. Whenever I go to it, I'm still excited. I'm confident I'll never need another lathe. Which was my intention. 👍 Thanks for the comment. I'm available to chat on phone anytime if you like.
