Rikon 70-1824VSR 1-3/4 HP 18″ x 24″ Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 115V 16A

The Rikon 70-1824VSR 18-inch x 24-inch variable speed woodworking lathe is a heavy-duty cast iron wood lathe built for bowls, platters, spindle turning, and larger turning projects. It features a 1-3/4 HP motor, three variable speed ranges from 50 to 3,850 RPM, a swivel headstock, digital speed readout, magnetic movable control box, 24 indexing positions, and multiple bed extension mounting locations for expanded turning capacity.

The Rikon 70-1824VSR is built for woodturners who need more swing, more stability, and more setup flexibility than a midi or mini lathe can offer. RIKON’s current product page lists a 1-3/4 HP, 115V, 16A motor, inverter-controlled operation, forward and reverse spindle rotation, and three speed ranges covering 50 to 3,850 RPM. That range gives the lathe the low-speed control needed for large blanks and the higher-speed capability needed for smaller spindle work and finishing cuts.

This lathe also has several features that matter in real shop use. The headstock swivels 180 degrees for outboard turning, the control box can be moved along the bed or headstock with rear magnets, and the cast iron construction brings the machine to about 373 lbs for solid turning stability. RIKON also states that the bed is machined to accept the optional 70-908 extension in three mounting positions, allowing longer spindle work, improved side access, or increased outboard turning capacity depending on how the extension is mounted.

Rikon 1-3/4 HP 18″ x 24″ Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe At a Glance

• 1-3/4 HP Motor: Supplies the power needed for bowls, platters, and oversized spindle work.
• Variable Speed 50-3,850 RPM: Covers roughing, shaping, and finishing across a wide range of project sizes.
• Swivel Headstock: Rotates 180 degrees for outboard turning and better access to larger work.
• Magnetic Control Box: Lets you place the controls where they are easiest to reach while turning.
• 24 Indexing Positions: Supports layout, fluting, carving, drilling, and decorative indexing work.
• Heavy Cast Iron Construction: Provides about 373 lbs of machine weight for stability.
• Multiple Bed Extension Positions: Adds flexibility for longer spindle work and larger outboard turning setups.
• Digital RPM Readout: Displays spindle speed for more precise setup and repeatability.
• 115V Accessory Outlet: Provides power for lights or similar accessories at the machine.
• PRO Tool Rest System: Includes a 12-inch rest with hardened steel top rod for improved tool control.

Quick Specs

• Brand: RIKON
• Manufacturer Part Number: 70-1824VSR
• UPC: 814463015446
• Power Source: Corded electric
• Voltage: 115V, 1Ph
• Amperage: 16A, 50/60 Hz
• Motor: 1-3/4 HP TEFC
• Swing Over Bed: 18″
• Distance Between Centers: 24″
• Speed Range: 50-900 / 100-1,850 / 200-3,850 RPM
• Weight: 373 lbs net

Markets

• Bowl Turning: Built for larger bowl blanks with low-speed control and headstock swivel capability.
• Platter Turning: Suitable for large-diameter platter work, including expanded outboard setups.
• Spindle Turning: Handles stair parts, table legs, and other spindle work up to 24 inches between centers, or 40 inches with the optional extension.
• Custom Furniture Shops: Good fit for shops making one-off turned components and decorative parts. This is an inference based on its size, swing, and spindle capacity.
• Serious Home Workshops: A strong step up for turners moving beyond midi-class lathes. This is an inference based on the machine size, weight, and feature set.
• Turning Studios and Schools: Offers the capacity and features needed for advanced turning work, with reduced warranty terms for commercial or educational use.

The Rikon 70-1824VSR is a practical choice for buyers who want a full-size woodworking lathe with the flexibility to handle both large faceplate work and serious spindle turning. The inverter-driven speed control, three speed ranges, digital RPM display, and forward-reverse operation make it easier to adjust the machine to the blank rather than forcing the turner to work around a limited speed system. For bowls and platters, the headstock swivel and outboard capabilities are especially useful.

It also has a number of details that improve daily use. The magnetic control box can be placed where it is easiest to reach, the machine includes a 115V outlet for accessories such as lights, and the bed accepts the optional extension in three different mounting positions. For buyers looking for an 18-inch woodworking lathe with more than basic capacity, the 70-1824VSR gives a clear upgrade in power, flexibility, and stability.

Rikon 70-1824VSR 1-3/4 HP 18″ x 24″ Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 115V 16A Features

• Powerful 1.75 HP AC Motor: Provides ample turning power on 115V single-phase service.
• Inverter-Controlled Performance: Regulates operating efficiency, speed, and torque for more consistent turning.
• Three Variable Speed Ranges: Offers 50-900, 100-1,850, and 200-3,850 RPM ranges.
• Digital Readout Display: Shows spindle RPM during setup and operation.
• 180° Swivel Headstock: Expands turning access and supports outboard work.
• Spindle Lock and 24 Indexing Positions: Useful for accessory changes and indexing operations.
• Magnetic Movable Control Box: Places speed and stop controls where the turner can reach them more easily.
• Machined Bed for Extensions: Bed ends and front mounting locations support added turning options.
• Pivoting Belt Cover: Allows easier access for changing speed ranges.
• 8″ PRO Tool Rest: Features a hardened steel top rod for improved tool control.
• Ball-Bearing Construction: Supports smooth spindle operation.
• Adjustable Locking Handles: Help keep the headstock, tailstock, and tool rest assemblies secure in use.

Compatible Accessories / Works Well With

• RIKON 70-908 16″ Bed Extension: Extends spindle length capacity from 24″ to 40″ and can also be mounted for outboard or front-position tool rest use.
• RIKON 70-959 Tool Rest Height Extension: Required for certain outboard turning setups on this lathe family.
• RIKON 70-960 Tool Rest Extension: Increases reach for turning surfaces not possible with standard tool rests.
• RIKON 70-972 Adjustable Feet: Optional feet raise spindle height roughly 1-3/4″ to 2-1/2″ and help level the machine.
• RIKON 70-971 Retractable Swivel Casters: Mobility set for moving the lathe when needed.
• RIKON 12-202 LED Work Light: Magnetic-base work light designed to mount on steel lathe surfaces.
• RIKON 70-941 MT2-MT2 Alignment Gauge: Used to realign the headstock and tailstock after headstock rotation.
• RIKON 70-990 Nylon Spindle Washer: Helps with easier removal of faceplates and chucks on 1-1/4″ x 8 TPI spindles.
• RIKON 70-934 and 70-937 Face Plates: Compatible faceplates for the 1-1/4″ x 8 TPI spindle.

Rikon 70-1824VSR 1-3/4 HP 18″ x 24″ Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 115V 16A Includes

• (1) 18″ x 24″ Lathe
• (1) Spur Center
• (1) 60° Live Center
• (1) 3-3/8″ Faceplate
• (1) 12″ PRO Tool Rest
• (1) MT2-MT2 Alignment Gauge
• (1) Long Knockout Bar
• (1) Small Knockout Bar for Spur Center Point
• (1) Wrench Set
• (1) Tool Holder
• (1) Owner’s manual

Rikon 70-1824VSR 1-3/4 HP 18″ x 24″ Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 115V 16A Specifications

• Brand: RIKON
• Manufacturer Part Number: 70-1824VSR
• UPC: 814463015446
• Product Type: Variable speed woodworking lathe
• Power Input: Single phase
• Motor: 1-3/4 HP TEFC
• Voltage: 115V, 3/1 Ph on the manual spec page; RIKON’s selling copy identifies this model as 115V single-phase. For customer-facing copy, use 115V single-phase.
• Amperage / Frequency: 16A, 50/60 Hz
• Motor RPM: 1,720 RPM no load
• Direction: Forward and Reverse
• Number of Speeds: 3
• Speed Ranges: 50-900 / 100-1,850 / 200-3,850 RPM
• Swing Over Bed: 18″
• Swing Over Tool Rest: 13-3/4″
• Working Distance Between Centers: 24″
• Tool Rest Post Diameter: 1″
• Spindle Nose: 1-1/4″ x 8 TPI RH
• Headstock Taper: MT2
• Tailstock Taper: MT2
• Ram Travel: 4-1/2″
• Indexing Positions: 24
• Headstock Rotation: 180°
• Overall Length: 63″
• Overall Width: 24-3/8″
• Overall Height: 47-3/8″
• Overall Base Size: 47-1/4″ x 24-3/8″
• Bottom of Base to Spindle: 43-5/16″
• Overall Net Weight: 373 lbs

Rikon 70-1824VSR 1-3/4 HP 18″ x 24″ Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe, 115V 16A Warranty

• Rikon’s 5-Year Limited Warranty or 2-Year Limited Warranty for commercial, industrial, or educational use.

Why Customers Choose the Rikon 1-3/4 HP 18″ x 24″ Variable Speed Woodworking Lathe

Customers choose the Rikon 70-1824VSR because it offers the size and mass needed for serious bowl and spindle turning without forcing a move to a much larger industrial lathe. The 18-inch swing, 24-inch spindle capacity, inverter-controlled speed range, and 373 lb cast iron build make it a strong woodworking lathe for turners who want a machine that can handle both larger blanks and detailed finish work.

It also stands out for flexibility. The swivel headstock, magnetic control box, multiple bed extension positions, accessory outlet, and indexing system make it easier to adapt the machine to the way different turners work. For buyers searching for an 18-inch wood lathe, bowl turning lathe, or heavy-duty variable speed woodworking lathe, the 70-1824VSR has the features and capacity that usually matter most.