Rikon Rumor

[wolftat]

I have heard a rumor form a very reliable source. This is one that I have been looking forward to hearing for some time. The rumor is....Rikon is going to have a Variable Speed Conversion Kit for the 70-100 mini lathe in the next couple of months. The price will be around $130 and should be very easy to install.

 

[nava1uni]

I would get one. I really like my Rikon lathe, as well as their other tools.

 

[wolftat]

I will post a thread as soon as they are available.

 

[bubbatww]

Please do.. really like my Rikon Bandsaw and need an excuse to buy another lathe.

 

[dow]

Taggin' along on this one. While I'm perfectly happy with my Rikon as it is, the thought of a variable speed is definitely interesting and worth looking into.

Thanks for posting.

 

[Brooks803]

do i smell a possible group buy???

 

[wolftat]

That is something I had not considered, but it is not out of the question.

 

[dow]

This thread reminded me of a question that I had for the Rikon guys, so I called them. When I finished with my question I asked about the VS upgrade. It's set to run $139. It will have a new motor, two new pulleys and a new switch box. So I don't know exactly how "easy" it will be to change out. Having already been inside mine, I think that while not necessarily difficult, you are going to strip the spindle down from the knob in to the pulley to change it.

As for timeframe, the guy that I talked with said that he's due to take delivery of another test unit this week, and after he puts it through its paces and approves it, then it'll be about 45 days out from then.

I'm still interested, but all will depend on how things are gong with penmaking/selling and baby stuff (he turns 8 weeks old tomorrow) as to whether or not I'll be able to justify it.

 

[jocat54]

I would be in on that. I do like my Rikon now but VS would be really nice.

 

[Robert Taylor]

wouldn't the pennstate varible speed upgrade work? seems like it is on sale every other month for $95.00

 

[JakeAB]

I would be interested if someone puts together a group buy. I may be interested even without a group buy. I like my Rikon and can live with it just fine without VS, but if the option is available, so much the better.

$139 is more than half what I paid for the whole lathe. Ah well, if I don't spend my money on that, I'd just spend it on foolish things like food, clothing, health care, education, insurance....

 

[grub32]

well I think its a bit too high for what you get for it...the rikon changes speed so easily that I personally would consider it a waste.

definitely makesthe rikon more marketable though.

Grub

 

[Grizz]

I would be interested as well. Get a VS and then get a Monster Hollowing system for it. I'll be set. haha

 

[wolftat]

I have spoken with Rikon and we are looking at the end of June before the conversions are in. I guess that means I have to bolt down my lathe again.

 

[Allenk]

I think the Penn State conversion system could be adapted to just about any small lathe, but it's slowest speed is still too fast.
Wonder what the slowest speed of the Rikon conversion is????
Grizz, checked out your website... Truth is Good!!