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Recieved Rikon 10-325 14" Deluxe today

2K views 27 replies 11 participants last post by  sawdustsux 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
5 hours of assembly…Weds
4 more hours adjusting and fine tuning.
Everything…everything, out of alignment and un-square.
Guide post Way out - twisted, Trunion way out, Table - not flat (added shims to split part),
Had a hell of a time with the base…the shelf is 1/2" too short width-wise, the nut's and bolts for attaching the saw to base are inadequate, and impossible to get threaded with my fat fingers, got my girl to do it, getting heftier bolts..
Made a ReSaw of 6" x 1" Maple today, perfect straightness, no drift, even up & down, nice, blade a bit rough, but new one on the way.
Ordered a mobile base (HTC) and ReSaw blade (PS Wood VPC 3/4") last night from WoodCraft with my GiftCard, $92.50
SERIOUSLY thinking about someday replacing the single bearing guides for double Carters.
Bandsaws Wood Milling Gas Tool
 

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#4 ·
I checked relentlessly, everywhere, there are no deals going on right now…
so I sent WC an email asking for the sale deal they adverted before (-) the gift card, we'll see, but I doubt it.
I won't pay full price for this saw, if they can offer it for $799 + a $100 giftcard then it's NOT worth $949, no way, won't pay it, right?
I'll wait, I'm patient, :)
 
#5 · (Edited by Moderator)
Some times retailers are at the mercy of the manufacturers when it comes to deals like this. I know I carry a few lines (not wood working or tool related) that will only allow me to advertize sales when the supplier permits; and only by very specific guidelines. If I fail to comply they have the contractural right to fine me at least $10,000 per day and drop me as a vender and can go so far as to shut down my store. European manufacturer, by the way. I'd be willing to bet Festool is like this.
 
#10 ·
ordered the Laguna Re-Saw 111" x 3/4" for my Rikon 14" Deluxe that I am waiting for delivery.
Anyone use the Re-Saw King?
I've used the TimberWolf, and it's a great blade, but I wanted to try this blade since they sent me a giftcard.
This not a Laguna bashing session, so keep it to ur self
 
#11 ·
congrats on a good buy and having the chutspa to ask for the expired deal. like i tell others about getting HD to accept the 20% harbor freight coupons, if you don't ask, they can't say no. but they can't say yes either. tools gotten for less than retail always work better than tools purchased for bust out retail. and that rikon, and the company behind it , should give you years of enjoyable performance. luckily, you didn't fall into the false premium tool trap of jet and/or powermatic!

and TW blades. there are much better blades out there for the same cost. that 10-325 deserves something good so it can really show off.
 
#14 ·
i've had great luck with lennox blades form iturra design. lou really knows how to weld a BS blade. a new blade from him turned my 18" jet POS paperweight of a BS into a functioning machine all by itself. TW blades from suffolk machinery are too prone to have misaligned welds leading to blade loping, which is hard on thrust bearings and causes additional vibration under operating conditions. iturra is seriously old school (no web site) but can be reached here:

http://www.manta.com/c/mmc3znn/iturra-design
 
#15 ·
I changed order for ReSaw King to the PS Wood TW VPC 3/4" x 111", and a HTC Univ. mobile base, very happy with the machine.
I can see that an average DIY guy may have frustrating issues and respond harshly about the Rikon, but it takes a LOT of adjustment and tinkering to get it right…so be patient and ask for help if you've bought a 10-325 and have issues.
I made a test cut or two, but stopped using it till the Dust coll. parts arrive. Needs to be hooked up, and I will make my own under table collection port to Y into the base.
 
#17 ·
Congrats on the new BS.

I got the Rikon 10-325, a few weeks ago. I feel your setup woes! I have yet to "Fine Tune" it, but yes the table is not flat and everything else you said is true. Still though, I love my first real BS!!! I'm sure you will love yours too!!!
 
#19 ·
I got a new blade and mobile base in today from WoodCraft.

The PS Wood TmbrWlf 111" x 3/4" 2/3 TPI VPC - wicked sharp blade, razor sharp

HTC Universal Mobile Base

Good hits on both, very happy!

I still have the 5/8" 5TPI that came with the saw, which isn't a bad blade, just not great.

I plan on getting another, 1/4" or 3/8", for tighter curve work, probably TmbrWlf

Happy woodworking…stay safe, Merry Christmas!
 
#21 ·
Guides on 10-325 are inadequate for this saws potential.

Ordering a double roller bearing set. Had saw for a few days now and like it a lot, but, relate all it's shortcomings to the lack of blade support at the guides.
I've examined cuts with two blades. The 5/8" that came with it, and a New TmbrWlf 3/4". The better cut was the TWolf, of course, but the lack of stable contact on the blade sides is a major flaw.
This saw deserves double rollers.
I am ordering Carters promptly.
Too bad though, Rikon could win mine (possibly yours) and many woodworkers talking about the 14" Deluxe with Double Roller Bearings.
I know they sell the 14" Pro…but, the price diff is ridiculous.
Just put a decent set of guides on a saw and sell it, WTF!
 
#22 ·
joe….try a good blade first. those timberwolfs aren't that good. i'd get a lennox from itura design. one of his blades absolutely transformed an 18" jet that i once had.
 
#23 ·
After reading your post I am glad I bought the Grizzly G0555LX. I mounted the stand on a HF mobile base, then set the saw. All I had to do was adjust the bearing guides and tension and I was off and running. Been working well for me for months now.
 
#26 · (Edited by Moderator)
Joe,
Since you are posting multiple threads about the same subject/topic, I thought I would make sure to cover all bases here.

I, for one, fully enjoy my Rikon 10-325 and find the guides more than adequate. Sure, they are a bit tedious to set-up/adjust, but once you get the hang of it, no problems. I have had mine for ~3yr and resawn ~400BF with the BS. That said, I am a bit perplexed as to your "main complaint" since resawing, by its very nature, is a rather imprecise procedure that still requires jointing and planing in order to get truly useable WW boards.

Also note that replacement bearings for the 10-325 are plentiful and inexpensive. Here are 20 for under $20 +FREE shipping, and also Made in USA. So for $20 you can swap out ALL bearings 3+ times if they were to fail. Carter doesn't do THAT. Shoot,... I could probably change out ALL of my bearings 8 or 10 times for the cost of the Carter system. While I am sure the Carter system may be better,... It is NOT 8-10 times better than what we have on the stock 10-325. Not even close.

608-2RS Premium ABEC 3 Sealed Bearings,8x22x7, 608 RS,Kyodo Grease
 
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