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Short answer: buy JET if low starting speed is your priority, especially for bowls on a midi lathe. Buy RIKON if you want more swing, more motor or an included chuck for the money. Both brands back their lathes for five years, both use standard spindle threads and MT2 tapers, and both make lathes that serve hobby turners for decades. The right choice depends on which model pair you are comparing.
The JET JWL-1221VS starts at 60 RPM with reverse and a readout, which makes it the safer bowl midi for beginners. The RIKON 70-1420VSR offers 14 inches of swing, 1-1/2 HP and a full-size 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI spindle on a benchtop. Below, we compare the models head to head.
Our top picks at a glance
Side-by-side: the RIKON and JET lathes that matter
| JET JWL-1015VS | RIKON 70-105 | JET JWL-1221VS | RIKON 70-1516VSRK | RIKON 70-1420VSR | JET JWL-1640EVS | RIKON 70-3040 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Mini | Mini | Midi | Midi kit | Large midi | Floor | Floor, sliding bed |
| Swing | 10 in. | 10 in. | 12-1/2 in. | 12 in. | 14 in. | 16-1/2 in. | 23-7/32 to 31-1/4 in. |
| Between centers | 15-1/2 in. | 18 in. | 20-1/2 in. | 16-1/2 in. | 20 in. | 40 in. | 20 to 40 in. |
| Motor | 1/2 HP | 1/2 HP | 1 HP | 1-1/4 HP DC | 1-1/2 HP | 1-1/2 HP, 115V input | 3 HP, 220V |
| Speed range | 200–3,600 RPM | 500–3,200 RPM (5 steps) | 60–3,600 RPM | 250–3,200 RPM | 150–3,850 RPM | 40–3,200 RPM | 20–3,850 RPM |
| Reverse | Not listed | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Yes |
| Spindle thread | See manual | 1 in. x 8 TPI | 1 in. x 8 TPI | 1 in. x 8 TPI | 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI | 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI | 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI |
| Weight | About 78 lb (shipping) | 75 lb | 121 lb | 99 lb | 137 lb | 377 lb | 546 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
| Amazon | Check price | See options | Check price | See options |
Specs are from JET's and RIKON's published specifications, checked against retailer listings. "Not listed" means the spec sheet we checked does not mention the feature.
The differences, one by one
1. Low-end speed
This is JET's clearest advantage. The JWL-1221VS starts at 60 RPM and the JWL-1640EVS at 40 RPM. RIKON's midis start at 150 RPM (70-1420VSR) and 250 RPM (70-1516VSRK), and the 70-105 mini at 500 RPM. The AAW advises starting bowls and unbalanced work at the lowest speed and increasing only while the lathe runs smoothly, so a lower floor gives you more margin with lopsided blanks. On floor lathes the order flips: RIKON's 70-3040 starts at 20 RPM.
2. Capacity
RIKON gives you more room for the money. Its 70-1420VSR swings 14 inches against the JWL-1221VS's 12-1/2, and the 70-105 mini has 18 inches between centers against 15-1/2 on the JWL-1015VS. JET's JWL-1221VS has the longer bed among the midis (20-1/2 inches, and about 43 inches with an extension).
3. Motor and drive
RIKON tends to fit bigger motors: 1-1/4 HP brushless DC in the 70-1516VSRK and 1-1/2 HP in the 70-1420VSR, against 1 HP in the JWL-1221VS. Both brands use belt ranges with electronic variable speed inside each range on their midis, and both offer reverse on their current midis.
4. Spindle thread and accessories
The JWL-1221VS, 70-1516VSRK and 70-105 share the 1 in. x 8 TPI midi standard. The 70-1420VSR steps up to 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI, unusual for a benchtop lathe, so it takes the same chucks as full-size machines. Both brands use MT2 tapers on these models. Our lathe spindle thread size chart explains inserts and adapters.
5. What comes in the box
RIKON's 70-1516VSRK ships with a four-jaw Z3 chuck system, which saves a separate purchase. JET's lathes are sold without a chuck, as are RIKON's other models. Factor a chuck into the price of any lathe that lacks one; our wood lathe chuck guide covers the options.
6. Mass
Weight absorbs vibration. Among benchtop models, RIKON's 70-1420VSR is heaviest at 137 lb, then JET's JWL-1221VS at about 121 lb and RIKON's 70-1516VSRK at 99 lb. On the floor, the 70-3040 (546 lb) outweighs the JWL-1640EVS (377 lb).
7. Warranty and support
It is a tie. JET and RIKON both list five-year warranties on these lathes, which is as long as any major brand offers. Laguna, by comparison, offers two years on new machines; see our Laguna vs JET lathe comparison.
Midi lathes: JET JWL-1221VS vs RIKON 70-1420VSR and 70-1516VSRK
This is the comparison most buyers are making. The JWL-1221VS is the low-speed, well-rounded choice; the 70-1420VSR is the capacity-and-power choice; the 70-1516VSRK is the value kit.
JET JWL-1221VS
12-1/2-inch swing, 20-1/2 inches between centers, 1 HP on 115V, three ranges from 60 to 3,600 RPM, reverse, digital readout, 24 indexing positions and about 121 lb. It is our top pick for beginners because the 60 RPM start makes bowl blanks far less intimidating.
RIKON 70-1420VSR
14-inch swing (10-5/8 inches over the rest), 20 inches between centers, 1-1/2 HP TEFC motor on 115V, three ranges from 150 to 3,850 RPM with reverse, 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI spindle, 24 indexing positions and 137 lb. It is the better choice if you will turn 11- to 12-inch bowls regularly and true them before speeding up.
RIKON 70-1420VSR 14 in. x 20 in. Midi VSR Lathe
by RIKON
Currently unavailable on Amazon
RIKON 70-1516VSRK
12-inch swing, 16-1/2 inches between centers, a 1-1/4 HP brushless DC motor, three ranges from 250 to 3,200 RPM with reverse and a digital readout, 24 indexing positions and 99 lb, with the Z3 four-jaw chuck included. Best for spindles, pens and small bowls on a budget.
RIKON 70-1516VSRK 12 in. x 16-1/2 in. VSRK Midi Lathe with Z3 Chuck System
by RIKON
Currently unavailable on Amazon
Mini lathes: JET JWL-1015VS vs RIKON 70-105
The JWL-1015VS has variable speed within three belt ranges, from 200 to 3,600 RPM, and MT2 at both ends. The RIKON 70-105 has five fixed belt speeds from 500 to 3,200 RPM but a longer 18-inch bed and accepts bed extensions. For pens and small spindles both work; the JET's variable speed and lower start make it the more flexible mini. Our JET mini lathe comparison covers the 1015VS in detail.
RIKON 70-105 10 in. x 18 in. Mini Lathe
by RIKON
Currently unavailable on Amazon
Floor lathes: JET JWL-1640EVS vs RIKON 70-3040
These are different machines for different shops. The JWL-1640EVS gives you 16-1/2 inches of swing, a 40-inch bed, 40 to 3,200 RPM and runs from a 115V input. The 70-3040 is a 3 HP, 220V lathe with a motorized sliding bed, swing up to about 31 inches and a 20 RPM start, built for very large bowls and platters. Most home bowl turners are better served by the JET; turners chasing 20-inch-plus work need the RIKON or something like it. Our best lathe for bowl turning guide compares both with Laguna and Powermatic.
JET JWL-1640EVS 16 in. x 40 in. Electronic Variable Speed Wood Lathe
by JET
RIKON 70-3040 30 in. x 40 in. VSR Lathe with Sliding Bed
by RIKON
Currently unavailable on Amazon
Choose JET if…
- You want the lowest starting speed on a midi (60 RPM) for safer bowl blanks.
- You want a long midi bed with an extension option.
- You need a floor lathe that runs on 115V input.
- You are pairing it with JET or Powermatic accessories you already own.
Choose RIKON if…
- You want the most swing and motor on a benchtop (70-1420VSR).
- You want a full-size 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI spindle without buying a floor lathe.
- You want a chuck included (70-1516VSRK).
- You plan very large work on a sliding-bed floor lathe with 220V available.
Common mistakes
- Comparing brands instead of models. RIKON's 70-1516VSRK and 70-1420VSR differ more from each other than the 70-1516VSRK does from some JETs.
- Ignoring the minimum speed. Top speed rarely matters; the floor does.
- Buying the wrong chuck thread. The 70-1420VSR is 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI, not the midi-standard 1 in.
- Skipping the stand. Every benchtop model here needs a rigid stand or bench, plus added weight for bowls; see our wood lathe stand guide.
How we compared
We did not test these lathes ourselves. We compared the specifications and warranty terms JET and RIKON publish for each current model, checked them against retailer listings, and weighed them against the AAW's guidance on starting speeds. Our single-brand reviews of RIKON lathes and JET wood lathes go deeper on each lineup.
FAQ
Is RIKON as good as JET?
For most hobby turners, yes. Both brands offer five-year warranties and solid cast iron lathes. JET's lathes usually start slower (60 RPM on the JWL-1221VS versus 150 to 250 RPM on RIKON's midis), while RIKON often gives you more swing, more motor or an included chuck for the money.
Should I buy the RIKON 70-1420VSR or the JET JWL-1221VS?
Buy the JET JWL-1221VS if a 60 RPM start, a digital readout and a proven midi matter most. Buy the RIKON 70-1420VSR if you want 14 inches of swing, a 1-1/2 HP motor and a full-size 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI spindle on a benchtop.
Is RIKON a good brand for wood lathes?
Yes. RIKON lathes are popular for value and warranty: every current model carries a five-year warranty, the midis offer variable speed with reverse, and the 70-1516VSRK ships with a four-jaw chuck. The main trade-off is higher minimum speeds on the smaller models.
Do RIKON and JET lathes take the same chucks?
Often. The JET JWL-1221VS, RIKON 70-1516VSRK and RIKON 70-105 use 1 in. x 8 TPI spindles, and the RIKON 70-1420VSR, 70-3040 and JET JWL-1640EVS use 1-1/4 in. x 8 TPI. Most use MT2 tapers. Match the chuck thread or insert to the exact model.
Which is better for bowls, RIKON or JET?
At midi size, JET's 60 RPM start is safer for out-of-round blanks, while RIKON's 70-1420VSR offers more swing and power. At floor size, RIKON's 70-3040 starts at 20 RPM and handles far bigger work, but needs 220V; JET's JWL-1640EVS runs on 115V input.
Verdict
For a first midi lathe, the JET JWL-1221VS edges it on low speed and refinement. If you need more swing or a full-size spindle on a benchtop, the RIKON 70-1420VSR is the stronger machine, and the 70-1516VSRK is the best value thanks to its included chuck. Both brands' five-year warranties make either a safe buy.