Rikon Lathe Vibration

[AstroSonic]

Hi, This is my first post. I've found this website to be a great source of information many times. A potential problem with my new Rikon 70-100 lathe has prompted me to register. The problem is more vibration than what I expected. Perhaps its just normal. However, it appears to come from the 'hand wheel', a heavy knob on the spindle. At low speeds it can be seen to wobble. There is 0.0075" of runout. It appears that the bore for the spindle is slightly off center. Not a lot, but it seems to be the source of the vibration. Is this just normal? Is this not considered very critical or do I have an out of spec part? Is this common, and not a significant concern? Other than this, I am very pleased with this lathe.

Thanks in advance,

Bob

 

[aptdweller]

I'm not that familiar with wood lathes, but no part of the spindle should have any perceptible runout. Is the handwheel removable? Also, what is the runout on the spindle nose?

Really though, if it doesn't meet you expectations, why not return it for another?

 

[AstroSonic]

I'm not that familiar with wood lathes, but no part of the spindle should have any perceptible runout. Is the handwheel removable? Also, what is the runout on the spindle nose?

Really though, if it doesn't meet you expectations, why not return it for another?

The spindle itself is 'true'. The hand wheel attaches to one end of the spindle, and allows manual turning of the spindle, such as is needed when you change speeds (pulleys). It's the hand wheel itself that is slightly off. It attaches with two set screws and fits with no play. The runout seems to be due to the boring for the spindle being off center.

 

[rlitman]

I would say that any time you have a problem with a "new" product, the first thing to do would be to call the manufacturer. Let us know what Rikon says, and then perhaps we will have more to contribute.

 

[AstroSonic]

I would say that any time you have a problem with a "new" product, the first thing to do would be to call the manufacturer. Let us know what Rikon says, and then perhaps we will have more to contribute.

I've never had a wood lathe before, so I am looking for a reality check. Am I just being too picky and everything is just fine, or is this really a problem? I read the reviews describing a machine that is remarkably quiet and vibration free. Maybe I'm just expecting too much. I am hoping for replies from people who have experience with one of these or a similar product. But yes, I am going to call the manufacturer once I know that I really have a problem.

 

[rsanter]

Seems like a problem to me. You don't want vibration in any spinning equipment

Bob

 

[rlitman]

I think that the manufacturer should know the specs of their own machine better than anyone who doesn't own one. You've identified an off-balance spinning weight on your lathe. That is an undesirable feature for sure. It sounds to me like a defective part, but only a call to the manufacturer can determine that. If they say it's ok, then I would just ditch the hand wheel. It's not serving any purpose anyway. It it were an external face plate, then perhaps it might serve a use, but the pictures I can find make it appear to be just a useless appendage.

 

[4Kings]

If Rikon says it's normal I wonder if you could add some lead tape to lessen the vibration

Sent from my XT1097 using Tapatalk

 

[DavidB]

A friend of mine has a Delta mini lathe like yours. It runs quietly and vibration free. Looking at pics online, the handwheel appears to be axisymmetric and should not cause any vibration. If it wobbles and is tight on the spindle then I'd suspect the spindle is bent or bearings are loose. Can you grab the spindle and move it around? Where did you measure the runout? Make sure it is on the actual spindle and not something like a faceplate as they may not run true. Runout should be much smaller than what you're measuring. Even cheap bearings should measure under 0.001" runout. The spindle would have been turned on a metal lathe at the factory and should be straight.

I measured the runout on my wood lathe which is an old Delta/Rockwell. Inside the spindle on the taper I measured about 0.001" and it's pretty rough in there.

 

[larry_g]

If the hand wheel is just held with set screws, remove it and see if the vibration goes away. I'm with the others in thinking no lathe should have any vibration with no work piece on it.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[braidmeister]

X2 on removing the hand wheel and seeing if it still does it. My Rikon runs nice and smooth at any of the speeds. I am assuming you have it bolted down and level, right?

 

[AstroSonic]

Removing the hand wheel makes a very perceptible difference in vibration. Without it, all you hear is the motor, and the bed is virtually still. I'm going to contact Rikon and get a replacement if it is out of spec. Thanks to everyone for your comments.

 

[CSRPenFab]

I have that exact same Rikon 70-100, and I use the hell out of it in my pen making hobby. No issues with wobbling on mine at all. I can stand a nickel on edge on the lathe ways while it's running.

Do you have the lathe base securely bolted down to something sturdy like a solid benchtop? If not, it will vibrate. Overall, I've been very impressed with the quality of the Rikon, and I hope that they take care of your issue.

 

[turtle032]

Hi AstroSonic, I just bought the exact same lathe (used so no warranty) and have the exact same problem. Did you ever find a solution short of buying another handwheel? All of the vibration I am seeing is coming from the handwheel. When I remove it the vibration goes away. The threads on the handwheel feel snug but there are some definite issues going on. Thanks for any follow-up.