WWA Info Exchange

For Woodworkers By Woodworkers
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 10:15 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 1:50 pm 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2006 10:44 am
Posts: 3951
Location: Skagit Co WA
OK, I have not contacted their customer service to discuss these issues. Based on the response to a previous problem I have my doubts about a satisfactory response. That said ....

This little lathe has what should be a handy lamp attached to the head stock. However the vibrations of roughing out a piece would cause it to droop and would never stay in place. On examination I found that the lock nut on the inside of the casting hadn't even been threaded onto the flexible gooseneck of the lamp. Required removing the headstock to gain access and get it cinched up in place. Lamp pretty much stays put now.

The main power cord plugs into a socket in the back of the motor control box, a socket like the ones on the back of most electronic equipment these days. Not sure why perhaps ease of assembly at their end. This socket is a rather fragile bakelite material that when stressed, became separated from the mounting 'ears'. Socket was toast, no replacement part available locally. I just opted to hard wire the power cord rather than fuss with it any more.

The tool rest required a good deal of dressing with a file to get the casting marks out of the top edge. Something I would have expected even for an inexpensive turning option like this lathe. Overall fit & finish isn't much to brag about, either.

The variable speed controller has an odd hesitation before the spindle spins up when the lathe is turned on. Not a defect, just something to beware of. The toothed belt is a bit on the noisy side. This little guy makes as much noise as my big lathe.

While I find many issues with the quality control on this lathe, it does satisfy my own need for a portable mini lathe to lug along to club demonstrations and for smaller projects where I don't want to tie up the bigger Powermatic. As perhaps the most economical entry into the world of turning, it's a viable option. I would, however, suggest that if the budget's there, one would be wise to consider the Jet mini for this size/class of tool.

_________________
Nullum Gratuitum Prandium

Cheers - Dennis


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 8:12 pm 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jun 16, 2004 12:01 am
Posts: 9296
Location: Aurora CO
Not that surprising to me. I have a friend who bought one from them and he wasn't terribly impress either. I love my little Rikon. 8)

_________________
Frank
WWACOAUX#1
"I love the smell of Sawdust in the morning, it smells like, victory." Image
WWA'ers I've met: Popeye, Ed Avery, Stephen Wolf, Rockfish, Rodedon


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:12 pm 
Offline
Veteran
User avatar

Joined: Thu Mar 14, 2002 1:01 am
Posts: 1233
Location: Cape Cod Massachusetts
Another vote for the "little Rikon"

I use mine as a buffing station in the shop and take it out for demos.

---Nailer---

_________________
No regrets, just some interesting results.
email: nailed_nailer@yahoo.com


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 29 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group