Rikon Variable Speed 1x30 Belt Sander #50-161VS REVIEW

Finally got around to doing a review of this sander. Hope you find this useful.

[@superedge99]

Good work! Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@SteveSSBB]

Thank you for the review. You've convinced me that a 1 inch is the way to go.

[@jamesm.5125]

I like the platform mod, running the belt away from you makes sense.

[@zackarysena4366]

Great review Gene! I've been researching this format of sander and with working both wood and metal architecturally? The 3/4 horse motor/variable speed/Rikon's better quality has made the decision easy here and thanks for the straight forward and respectful opinions here. I never know what restoration work will throw at me and having adjustability (and increased power) shouldn't be chinzed on up front me thinks.

[@genethompson2064]

Thanks, and I agree.

[@j.d.1488]

Been looking for a 1 x 30. This is the one I'm leaning towards as well. Really nice video. The heat issue is a concern. Saw reviews where people cooked the motor. Thank you for a very thorough post.

[@genethompson2064]

I haven't used it hard enough to know. It gets hotter when run on slowest speed, probably not enough air flow.

[@j.d.1488]

@@genethompson2064 Thanks for reply. That's an easy fix.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Thanks for going thru all the experiences and observations and review! Fwiw every bench grinder I have owned from china gets hot as hell. This is essentially a bench grinder with a belt and disc attached instead. The static charge is what your making when using the belt. Its grounded but you are Not! You have it mounted on a wood bench. When you finally touch the metal grounded base/switch, you discharge your own static build up. Not really the tools fault just physics. You could attach a ground wire to your wrist to discharge the static buildup constantly for long sessions if its bothersome. I'm considering buying this one if the HF I ordered is a total POS. I'm just doing knife scales and 1911 grips I suppose Ill shall see. These single speed models are down to 105.00 now on the jeff bezos store I saw recently too. the variable is 169.00 I believe.

[@big_mike_nyc]

Would love to see how you made that platform! Can you make a video on that? I get a shock too!😉

[@dtsouza2519]

I have the same RIKON sander, I use mine primarily for knife sharpening. I use the motor at the slow speed setting so the knife blade doesn't get overheated. After about 15-20 minutes of sharpening at low speed the motor housing is HOT! I measured mine at 150F with a infrared digital thermometer. That's enough to give you a burn if your skin is contact for a few seconds.

[@genethompson2064]

If I were to use it for long periods on low speed I would use an external fan to help keep it cool.

[@RogerF]

Thank you! 220 is the current price. I’m thinking its worth it for the variable speed. It baffles me no one makes a 2x42 variable speed.

[@paulkulcapi9056]

Hello Gene, Thanks for your video. I ordered the sander last Nov and am still waiting for it to come back in stock. Can you provide the dimensions of the wood stand you made? Are there any enhancements to the stand you would recommend?

[@larryfulton7619]

I just bought the Harbor Freight model and now I’m going to buy a Speed Controller for the 1/3 hp. Motor from WalMart for $17.00. If it works the way I expect it too, I will have saved about $100.00 but I won’t have the circular sander on theside, which is nice to have.

[@genethompson2064]

The Harbor Freight is a great value, I wanted the higher HP. As it turns out it is probably handy to run the leather strop properly.

[@johnjude2685]

My 2X72 has staick shock also maybe needs a copper wire like a lightning rod.

[@stephenwalther9702]

Great video, thanks! I can't find a "Mac's Tools" online, can you provide a link? "Mac Tools" does not carry it. You should check out Curry Custom Cutlery KZbin videos on this sander. Sanding disc, cover and table can be removed and replaced with a wheel (felt, etc. for polishing). Just need o add a shaft extension to accomplish.

[@T_L_D]

www.maxtool.com/rikon-50-161vs-1-inch-x-30-inch-variable-speed-induction-belt-disc-bench-sander

[@RickLaffoonII]

Can a cutoff wheel be added and guard notched out to cut golf shafts?

[@jameshochstetler6093]

How is the disk sanding pad changed?

[@johnpotter4750]

Ref. Static buildup, I then assume it has a two core mains feed ? Unearthed metal machines is Strictly Forbidden on UK 240v, I did have an interest in a variable sander. 🤭

[@robertmunguia250]

Yeah now it’s over 220$. Kind of bulky. Does the motor get in way while you sharpen?

[@TheBigfatmatt]

Anyone got a link for a variable speed 1x30 in the UK?

[@Fucknuts4u]

The static shock has nothing to do with the machine itself, it's generated by the belt and the piece you're working on. The thing you can do to avoid it is to ground yourself to the body of the machine. I have similar experience with my bench grinder, particularly when using it with a buffing wheel. Hell, I have that problem with shopping carts at the grocery store...the wheels rolling against the floor generate a charge that shocks the s**t out of me the moment I touch the handle on one of the coolers at the store.

[@jimdean294]

Ground it

[@blufordbirdsong1834]

Had the same issue with my harbor freight 1 x 30. Seems pretty common. Knife forums suggest spraying the belt with static guard. Seems to take care of if. Also many mention that this shock is most prevalent in winter (low humidity).

[@Fucknuts4u]

@@blufordbirdsong1834 - I'd try it on my buffer but that will probably cause my polishing compound to gum up. I live in the desert so it's always low humidity here.

[@shanekuhn8796]

I use a wrist grounding strap and attach it to my work table leg. Works great.

[@8thsinner]

I need your help. I've a decission to make between a clarke model and warco model of this unit, the clarke has a 2850rpm, the warco a 3450rpm motor unit. The warco isn't and hasn't been in stock for ages, the clarke is a tenner more but in stock. I don't often have money as I'm unemployed due to my autism. But I'm worried the rpm downgrade is going to make a big diffrence as this will need to do me for knife making for some time... Could you please tell me your thoughts on this as you can adjust yours, or better yet, upload a quick video showing how much of a difference this would be to cutting power? Also, I'll have to stick to cheap belts for now...

[@genethompson2064]

I don't know about those models, but metal work is generally best at lower speeds. Higher HP is helpful in preventing the sander from bogging down when driving a leather strop. But belt speed is determined by motor RPM and drive pully dia.

[@jeremystanley7010]

I have a harbor freight version and it shocks the piss out of me every time! I took it back got another and it does the same thing!

[@genethompson2064]

I suspect it's a static discharge build up on us to the grounded parts on the grinder. Back in my manufacturing days we used to wear a grounded wrist strap to prevent a static build up.

[@larryjackson6350]

I keep a finger on the metal unless I'm using the metal angle guide which kees you discharged. Static strap is the way to go.

[@everydaybladesinc]

I just had to pay 199 for mine plus shipping

[@jimbuford4147]

Where did you get it for that price. It is 200 on ebay

[@genethompson2064]

I got it from Maxtool, they were the cheapest. I don't know why they are so much now. I would not have paid $200 for it. A useful tool but really depends on how much you need one and what you are going to use it for. I think it is great for sharpening.

[@bingo973]

I can't seem to get my belt on the machine.

[@genethompson2064]

The rear pulley must be able to move. Loosen the bolt at the pivot point, if it still won't move it might be stuck on the paint, just give it a light tap with a hammer to loosen it.

[@bingo973]

@@genethompson2064 Thanks!

[@robertmunguia250]

How is the tracking on it?

[@genethompson2064]

Tracking is good but I remember I wasn't satisfied with how the tracking mechanism worked and I needed to modify it slightly. I think all I did was remove casting burs and work on the bolt. Can't remember but it was minor.

[@watermain48]

I'll bet the motor won't heat up so much if you run it on the highest speed...

[@ItsMeMustard]

You are correct Bill

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

I wonder how this stood up to use after several years?

[@genethompson2064]

Unfortunately I haven't used it enough to give you an answer, still works fine but has been lightly used.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

@@genethompson2064 I’ve been lusting after Grizzly’s new 2x42 belt grinder. Unfortunately I need it to run on 220-240v (UK) and I’m waiting to hear back from the company to see if they are making a version for Europe. 🤞

[@CesarSanchez-ef6sl]

The sender have reverse?

[@genethompson2064]

No reverse

[@CesarSanchez-ef6sl]

@@genethompson2064 Thank you so much for your help, do you know any machine they have the opposite rotation?

[@jameshochstetler6093]

No time on the disk end of it

[@genethompson2064]

Sorry, I just don't use disk sanders. I have a 4 in belt sander which handles wider items. This one looks like it might be handy for some precision work however.

[@jatoav8or]

Hey, Two years later, how’s it holding up?

[@genethompson2064]

Thanks for asking, unfortunately I don't use it enough to give you an opinion. Nice to have when I need it, but it sits on the shelf for months at at time.