Any of you guys own a Rikon Woodfast 70 500? I bought mine 4 months ago and I'm very pleased, I just don't see much information in the internet or see many people with a similar lathe. I know this model was taken from the Australian Woodfast lathe, but would like to hear your thoughts about it. Thanks! Adam Luna
Adam I have owned a 20" woodfast for a long time 18 years plus. Used to be my main lathe then it was Sherry's main lathe.
We still use in classes and it is a good machine. Also taught lots of classes at Md. Hall with 8 woodfasts for the students.
I did 3 or 4 demos on the Ricon version a few years ago.
It performed well and it was a lot like the woodfast.
The controls are improved over the ones on my woodfast. Ricon gave it a wide footprint so it can handles out of balance work better that my woodfast.
It is a lathe that will work well.
I would like to see better locks on the tool rest for sure.
When I turn on a woodfast or any machine with a short lock on the tool rest I give the locking handle a tap with the gouge handle when I lock it.
They just come loose too often.
I would like to see a bigger hand wheel on the tailstock too small for serious drilling it is okay for between center work.
I would also like a self ejecting tail center. But it is easy enough to use the knockout bar. It is also a real easy to unlearn that once I had lathes that self eject.
Have fun,
Ak