Rikon Drill Press Review

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When you’re using your drill press, do you change speeds when you change bit diameters? If not, you’re probably getting poor hole quality if you run small bits too slowly, and taking the chance of burning up bits if you’re running large bits too fast.
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[@gondolacrescent5]

When I use my drill press, I most definitely open the hood, loosen things up, adjust the belts, tighten them and drill away-each and every time my drill diameter changes more than 10%. After doing that a few thousand times you learn how to make the changes lightning fast and almost without thinking. But it is a drag and I'm highly motivated to get one--or at least get a variable speed motor and swap it with my current drill press motor.

[@Z-add]

Is rikon one of the high, mid or low end brands?

[@nicholassmerk]

I've been dreaming of picking up a big old variable speed Delta/Rockwell, but for the price this Rikon seems to be a very good deal. I'm seeing them around $750 online?

[@Wwgoa]

+Nicholas Smerk The speed control on this drill press makes it pretty appealing, and I agree, the price tag seems decent for the technology and quality that this tool delivers. Looks like you're right: $750 seems to be the common asking price.

[@wheelstandr]

Northern tool sells one almost identical to this. I’m wondering what the advantage of a three pulley system on this Ricon is versus the adjustable speed 2 pulley on the Klutch sold by Northern tool?

[@Wwgoa]

Thanks for your question. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the Klutch system, or the differences between this and the Rikon. Paul-Woodworkers Guild of America

[@dustinkeller29]

Hi, thanks for the review. I’m thinking of upgrading my 2001 12” delta 11-990 to this Rikon. Thoughts?

[@Wwgoa]

Hi Dustin, I can't think of any downside of making that move. This is a very nice drill press. Paul From: Customer Service Support (Customer Service) To: Paul Mayer (WWGOA) Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 3:51 PM Subject: [Request received] WWGOA KZbin TH #yiv0138312186 table td {border-collapse:collapse;}#yiv0138312186 body .filtered99999 .yiv0138312186directional_text_wrapper {direction:rtl;unicode-bidi:embed;} Paul Woodworkers Guild of America

[@dustinkeller29]

WoodWorkers Guild Of America thanks for the advice.

[@thebeststooge]

Needs a greater speed range especially with it being an electronic speed control.

[@roncooper6302]

I have been twittering on about this for years; at last somebody has done it, but it will be years before it reaches the UK. Regards from England.

[@christschool]

+Ron Cooper Jet has been this for awhile. I bought my Jet more than a year ago and it had this feature.

[@roncooper6302]

+christschool could you tell me the model number please. Regards from England.

[@christschool]

Ron Cooper Model JDP-15M

[@roncooper6302]

+christschool thank you. I suspect that neither of these machines are available in the UK. Regards from England.

[@plotiras]

price ????

[@steveberg8688]

My 50+ year old ShopSmith does this!

[@TheRangeControl]

What is the model number? (I went to the website and didn't see a "VS 17" model...)

[@Wwgoa]

+TheRangeControl I believe that this is the one: www.rikontools.com/productpage_30-236.html

[@TheRangeControl]

+WoodWorkers Guild Of America Thank You! I called and they said there should be a Benchtop version from 6 months to a year from now. :-D

[@timothysharrington7932]

@@Wwgoa Dead link. Does anyone know what model this is? A review of a product without showing the product number is just a tease!

[@markk4015]

@@timothysharrington7932 Yes, you would think when they did a review they would post the model number... I've been looking at the Rikon 30-212VS with the same features. Kennyearings1 and DIY Mark have reviews of it on KZbin. Problem is, as of this date, 02/2021, you can't buy it anywhere. Another indication of the pseudo-apocalypse I suppose.... Good luck, Mark

[@timothysharrington7932]

@@markk4015 Yea agreed, I decided on the same Rikon 30-212VS. But then I just found the Nova and now I'm glad I waited! I'm going to save up (it costs twice as much as the Rikon), but it's so much better, it's like comparing a physical mailbox to email. Why would we still use pulleys!? Note, even thought the (awesome) Rikon is variable speed, it still has belts that need to be changed. It has 2 speed ranges dictated by a belt change. The variable exists only with the two bet configurations. Check out the Nova Viking! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZTOXnana9yBgqM

[@SwapnilBhartiya]

Which model is that?

[@Wwgoa]

Hello, Rikon 30-236 www.rikontools.com/manuals/30-236.pdf Thanks! Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

[@tgates811]

Where is it made?

[@Wwgoa]

Hi Tyler, You can read more about Rikon products here: www.rikontools.com/about If you have any other questions, please chat, email, or call Customer Service.  Sincerely, Sarah Wood Workers Guild of America Video Membership

[@truebluekit]

How I wish I could get one of these... ain't gonna find this in a shop near me anytime soon, though.

[@gondolacrescent5]

+truebluekit I'm willing to wager that if you have the technical capacity to operate a standard drill press and appreciate the advantages of a variable speed drill press, you have the ability to replace your current drill press motor with a variable speed motor of suitable H.P., then--set up your pulleys and a new belt (for good measure) on a 1 to 1 ratio and voila! You've got yourself a variable speed drill press. It won't look new but think of the money you'll save and the frustration avoided waiting for the Rikon to arrive. Good luck with it. I'm going to look into it because, unlike the people the demonstrator was referring to, I change my belt position almost every time I change a drill--I can't imagine anyone other than a Saturday morning crap artist not doing that when required- but- it is a nuisance and the thought of adjusting a dial to the exact speed required---almost has me swooning in anticipation!

[@truebluekit]

A.G. M. Thank you for the tip. It's given me something to think about. Usually, for basic stuff like drill presses, I don't really like to muck about, but waiting for the Rikon is a bit daft. Although, I bet I could get an Alzmetall AB40SV drill press shipped to me with just a few emails, but those emails would need to be followed up with actual money, which I don't have :P So yeah, variable speed motor. Thanks again.

[@gondolacrescent5]

You're most welcome sir! If money's tight maybe look for a used VSM at a scrappers or motor-repair facility or perhaps an appliance repair shop-modern washing machines use them and sometimes, forced air furnaces..

[@RunningCordoroy]

That's cool. But is it 900 dollars more cool