I'm curious about people's opinions on Rikon's products in 2024. I'm considering getting their 16" helical jointer planer combo for around $4,000. It looks great, but I can't find any reviews. I've always thought of Rikon as a mid-tier brand, which isn't necessarily bad, but I'd love some insights from others who have experience with them.
2 Answers
I've got a lot of Rikon gear and I really like it! I've got two lathes, a bandsaw, and a dust collector from them, and whenever I've had any issues, their customer service has been awesome—super helpful. Since most companies outsource production, I’d say the support you get after purchasing is really important.
Rikon has some solid products, but remember that they’re mainly Chinese-owned. Some tools are good quality, while others feel a bit cheap. It’s crucial to think about things like serviceability and part availability when deciding. Also, keep an eye on quality aspects like castings and cutterheads. Just a heads-up, all machinery of this type is imported; none are made in the USA anymore.