Description
While quantities last, receive a free set of three carbide-tipped turning tools (a $149 value) with the purchase of a Rikon 70-105 mini lathe.
Made to the same high standards as their larger machines, Rikon’s 1/2-horsepower mini lathe is a good choice for novice turners. Other than the feet, power switch and locking levers, it is entirely made of metal, with substantial iron castings to provide the mass needed to help dampen vibration, and carefully machined components for precise operation.
It has a 10" swing and a maximum distance between centers of 18". At 75 lb, it is stable yet relatively easy to move and store. To select from five speeds (500, 1175, 1850, 2225 and 3200 rpm), you simply move the drive belt between stepped pulleys.
Backed by a 5-year manufacturer's warranty, the lathe comes with a four-spur drive center, a knock-out bar, a spindle-locking wrench and a 6" tool rest that mounts on a non-slip banjo. It uses a 1" × 8 tpi spindle and a #2MT headstock and tailstock for compatibility with a wide range of standard accessories. A 3" faceplate is available separately.
With every 70-105 mini lathe purchased, we will also include a set of three high-quality turning tools with durable carbide tips and a shaft design that permits excellent control. The shafts are machined flat on the underside to register squarely on the rest, so you can maintain a smooth cut by simply advancing or retracting the tool while moving it laterally, without the complex sweeping motion that ordinary round-shafted gouges require.
When the tips begin to wear, you can simply loosen the locking screw and rotate the tip to present a fresh edge. Scaled for smaller work, each tool measures about 11" overall, with a contoured beech handle for a comfortable, secure grip.
Primarily used for rapid stock removal, the roughing tool has a 7/16" square tip with slightly radiused sides, so it can also be used for finishing cuts on outside curves. The finisher has a 1/2" diameter round tip for shaping and smoothing inside vessels or cutting coves on spindles. The detailer has a 7/16" × 1 1/8" double-ended diamond-shaped tip, suitable for cutting narrow beads and coves.
A full set of replacement tips is also included (additional sets can be purchased separately).
