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It is ranked 2nd of 13 among Rikon products in our database.

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For more detailed information on the Rikon 70-100 Mini Lathe (12" x 16") with features, reviews, product descriptions, click here. We want to know what you think of 70-100. Write a review! Your purchase from our listed sources helps support Toolcritic.

You can find more data on Rikon products by clicking here. Parts, manuals, and other data can be found at www.rikontools.com, the manufacturer's site.

grade A
WHAT'S THIS?

Rated Best Value
Wood Magazine, Volume 179, 2007-10

The reviewer rated this lathe as Best Value among the models of woodturning equipment tested. This lathe runs smoothly, has six speeds, 12 inches of swing, a 1"x8 tpi spindle and #2 Morse tapers.

grade C
WHAT'S THIS?

Better Than Most Mini Lathes
Wood Magazine, Volume 169, 2006-04

The reviewer said the particular tool tested had some problems, but that a Rikon employee informed the reviewer that the particular copy item was one of the first produced, and that the reported problems had already been corrected. Ordinarily the Woodfast products of Rikon are good quality, and even if the reported lathe problems were not corrected, this is still a moderately priced lathe with more power than most mini lathes. On the positive side, there is a self-extracting tailstock with spur center and 12 inches of swing for faceplate turning, a 12-position indexing head, and a convenient carrying handle. The lathe has good power and the performance is nearly flawless for spindle turning and faceplate turning. The lathe does bog down on large blanks or ambitious cuts, though. Although the tailstock and tool rest lock down tight, this has the drawback that they become difficult to reposition. On the downside, the castings has some sharp edges, the handwheel wobbled, and the spur drive bottomed out and tended to spin under a load.