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.
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!!!!!
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.
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.
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
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
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
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 😁
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.
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. 🙏
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.
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 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. 👍
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It actually was and still is my dream lathe. I don't think you'll be disappointed. 👍 thanks for watching.🙏
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!!!!!
Thanks👍
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.
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.
It was and is my dream lathe come true. I'm very happy to have it. I'm glad you're still able to turn. 🙏
That lathe, to me, looks like the cat's meow! I'm in the market for an upgrade, so thanks for this video!
You're welcome. You won't be disappointed. Thanks for watching 🙏
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
Thanks for the follow
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
here is a comment for you.............. nice job. wb
oh, that bed extension is the cats meow!!!
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
A tractor and a bucket plus the mobility kit a plus. Thanks for watching. You won't be disappointed in any way.
😍😍😍 Awesome!! I am enjoying the large bowls you have been posting in IG. I
Thanks Kim and I hope so!
Me gustaría tenerlo, me encanta.
It is the best tool I have ever owned ; )
I'm going to make a sticker for my 70-150vsr that says, "When I grow up, I want to be a 70-3040".
Wow man, thanks so much for the great review, new to turning and really like that lathe. I’ll be following!
Thank you!😉
Very nice review Scott.
Thank you
Halo teman tetep.semangat ya ..salam.satu putaran dari indonesia
Hello can you translate to English please?
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 😁
I think that's a great idea.
And I would not trade this lathe for anything. Incredible work horse.
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.
Thanks Scott : One of the best reviews on the web. I not only like the lathe, but that mobile kit is the cats @ss.
Thank you 🙏
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. 🙏
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.
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!
They sell it at acme tools.
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. 👍
I’m in love!
Thanks for the great vid.
Is there anyway you can set this lathe up for outboard turning? Like for table tops?
Thanks
Negative. The headstock is stationary. Maximum is 30 inches
here is a comment for you.............. nice job. wb
Thank you my friend.
Quiero este torno para trabajar me gusta, tiene las mejores caracteriscas técnicas, quisiera poder comprarlo, wow
I wish you the best. It took me along time to find my way here.🙏
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.
@@cscottbeach Awesome. Thanks so much for the response.
Great review! Im buying one, tired of my craftex piece of garbage.
Awesome you won't be disappointed !👍
Pucha sale poca información de los torno precio y pais de origen dónde puedo ver toda la información,
I'm unable to translate here. Apologies
Any updates on Rikon lathe?
In stock in the USA and available to ship today.
Scott is there a way for me to talk to you about this lathe? I want to hear your update after 4 months, I'd find your experience extremely valuable.
Yes sure. DM me on Instagram cscottbeach or email me same @gmail for phone number.
I have the same request Scott, I’ll send you an email.
Thanks Dean
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
I left my number in DM on Instagram
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.
See you had the nova Orion before. Not satisfied with that machine or just wanted something bigger?
I loved the Orion. Bigger without limitations my goal. Very, very happy with this upgrade.
Scott I have one on order. Did you get the mid table? Thanks Dave
When you lock the spindle, is it possible to turn the motor on?
The motor can not turn when the spindle lock is engaged.
I love this lathe, but unfortunately you can't stand at the end of it to turn large blanks.
My back wouldn't allow me to buy this marvelous lathe.
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.
@@cscottbeach Thanks for the reply and feedback.
Great review Scott. I've been looking at getting this lathe and would like to know what the weight of the tail stock is? Thank you.
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.
Would it be possible to unbolt the motor mast and turn it around to to outboard turning?
I don't believe so. 30 inches over the bed plenty for me.😉
Where is it made?
It is made in China in a ISO9001 certified factory and is backed by a 5 year warranty.
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.
My Instagram is cscottbeach