The Rikon 70-100 midi-lathe is a recent arrival to the tool market since our last midi-lathe (also called mini-lathes) review in 2002. The Rikon midi-lathe I tested operated smoothly and accurately and I was especially satisfied with its extra-large features, which make it nearly comparable to floor-standing lathes.

This midi-lathe offers a 12-in. swing–2 in. more than most of the competition–a 16-in. capacity between centers, and the ability to add multiple bed extensions. Plus, its 8-in. tool rest is superior to the standard 6-in. rest on most midi-lathes. In addition to the faceplate, the lathe also comes with headstock and tailstock centers and a handy rack on the lathe that holds these accessories. The lathe is heavier than most in its class but a built-in handle makes it easier to carry around than its lighter competitors.

The Rikon model also features a headstock with a 12-position indexing head to assist when marking, routing, or carving on the lathe. This feature also locks the spindle for easy removal of the faceplate. Its manual speed control requires you to change speeds by moving a belt on stepped pulleys. This is less than ideal, but it takes only a moment.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Grizzly G0495X Industrial Helical Cutterhead 8-in. Jointer

Regardless of the board’s grain, this jointer produced excellent results. Its fence was totally flat, worked smoothly, and locked well, staying in place even after jointing multiple edges. Getting the fence to 90° was very easy, but the 90° stop was a little tricky to set and the fence did not go back to square when using it. For those who would use it, there is also a digital depth-of-cut scale.

Buy at Amazon

Shop Fox W1826

The thick, felted bag on this Shop Fox is a plus and a minus. On one hand, it makes the unit much less expensive than collectors with canister filters, and also lighter and easier to hang on the wall. Without a separate plastic bag to catch chips, however, they stay in the felt bag, and the shortish zipper on the bottom makes it tough to shake them out. Otherwise, the W1826 is an excellent value.

Buy at Amazon

Rikon 10-3061 10-in. Deluxe Bandsaw

The 1⁄2-hp motor has all the power needed to resaw at its maximum capacity of 5 in.

The saw has two speeds: 3,280 sfpm (surface feet per minute) for wood and 1,515 sfpm for soft metals and some plastics.

Buy at Amazon