The Rikon Woodfast Series 70-500 lathe was among seven heavy-duty lathes I tested ranging in price from $1,200 to $3,200. I measured each for ease of speed control, vibration, lathe movement, power, tool-rest design, and ease of adjustment for outboard turning. I also evaluated the tailstocks and live centers, and tested how each lathe performed both on small and large workpieces.

Rikon’s lathe is a strong but expensive performer. It has 20-in. capacity, no shortage of power, and a very stable design. The five-step drive pulley and speed control gives a wide range of speeds. The Rikon has a nicely designed tool rest, but it’s mated with an undersize locking lever. It also needs a better tool-rest handle.

The Rikon moved no more than 0.005 in. during our test turning an out-of-balance bowl blank until I raised the speed past 500 rpm. That’s impressive. It means the lathe won’t move when you begin turning a large bowl and take a series of interrupted cuts to make the blank round. For outboard turning, the Rikon lathe offers a beefy bolt-on outrigger to hold the tool rest.

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