Swing: 13″
HP/Amps: 1/2; 8
Speed Range (RPM): 220-3600
Table Size: 1113⁄16″ Dia.
Spindle Travel: 3-1⁄8″; Chuck: 5/8″
2011 Price: $319; Weight: 121 lbs.
At 42″, Rikon towered over others: it can drill into a workpiece up to about 14″ tall. A 1/2-hp motor, big chuck and stout belt drive were up to tough testing. The tool had impressively low spindle runout (only .001″) and a spot to stow the chuck key — nice.
The collar-type depth stop on the Rikon press allows users to quickly and accurately set the drilling depth.
This machine has a cast feed handle that I found less comfortable to use repetitively. Rubber knobs are easier on the palm. It also nearly touches the motor tension lever behind, which grazes your fingers if you use the back handle. Ouch.
One benefit of Rikon’s drill press is the wide range chuck that accepts a wide range of Forstner and other bits and cutters.
The depth-adjust collar stopped the chuck accurately, but its flip-lock scraped the head casting occasionally. My verdict: A few design tweaks and a task light would help refine this $319 (2011) contender.
