Rikon rolls out range of new machines

A new planer was exhibited at this year's AWFS fair and a belt-disk sander and planer / jointer have been relaunched

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Rikon Power Tools introduced several new and updated machines at the AWFS fair in July, including a 16" planer, 4" x 36" belt/6" disk sander; and 10" planer/jointer.

The company's new 16" planer, model 23-400, boasts unique design features, including tool-less access to the blades, and provides industrial performance at a great value, according to Rikon vice president Rod Burrow.

"The top of the machine is basically a lid that lifts up with the aid of a palm grip handle. You simply turn that handle and grasp a second handle and the whole unit lifts out - top and all," he says, pointing out that competitive models require tedious tool applications.

The 23-400 has a large 23-5/8" x 16-11/32 cast-iron table and sturdy infeed and outfeed roller beds to help support heavy workpieces. The table is supported by a large steel center column and corner stabilizer.

The planer has a 3-hp induction motor and 2-3/4" diameter three-knife cutterhead. Other features include a lockout switch, sound-dampening material in the lid to reduce noise, and large return rollers to help in passing material back to the feed position. The 23-400 sells for $1,699.

The Rikon 4" x 36" belt/6" disk sander, model 50-110, has just been re-released after overseas competition forced the company to take it off the market for several years. Burrow said the sander is still the same machine, and has been brought back because of industry demand and strategic planning with the company's sub-vendors.

The 1/3-hp machine features a 6" low-mount sanding disc that allows full clearance to the full length of the belt bed. "This is a neat feature because the disk is below the belt for easy squaring off blanks. On competitive models, the disk is actually much higher than the belt, so you actually bump into the back of the disc shroud," says Burrow.

The 50-110 has a cast-iron base and rigid-steel belt bed for vibration-free operation. The large 9" x 6-1/4" disc table is slotted to fit an included miter gauge.

The belt bed tilts from 0 to 90 degrees, while the disc table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees. One 2-1/4" port collects dust from both the disc and belt. The 50-110 sells for about $120.

The planer/jointer, model 25-010, is another re-release. It was discontinued five years ago and now features a 1-1/2-hp dual-voltage motor (110/220) and a compact design.

"Guitar makers and luthiers love the setup of the machine. We changed the motor and added a three-knife [2-1/2" diameter] cutterhead," says Burrow.

The 25-010 features aluminum cast jointer tables and planer bed. The fence tilts to 45 degrees, can be reset to 90 degrees with the aid of an adjustable stop and can be removed by turning a spring-operated lever. It changes to a planer by releasing two levers that connect the outfeed table.

Other features include an adjustable blade guard that raises and lowers with a rack-and-pinion handle. The 25-010 sells for $700

Contact: Rikon Power Tools, 16 Progress Road, Billerica, MA 01821. Tel: 978-528-5380. www.rikontools.com

This article originally appeared in the October 2009 issue.