The Rutlands R4 is a compact variable-speed woodturning lathe built around CNC-machined grey cast iron for vibration-free turning in a small shop. Its 300W motor covers 750–3200 rpm from a single knob, with no belt repositioning, and the 1" x 8tpi spindle with No. 1 Morse taper takes standard chucks and accessories. It swings 203mm over the bed with 305mm between centres, so it handles pens, goblets, pepper mills and small bowls rather than large platters or long spindles. Buyers rate it highly for build quality and smooth, quiet running; the trade-off against bigger lathes is limited capacity and modest power for aggressive cuts.
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Owners rate the R4 very highly, praising its solid cast iron build, quiet running and easy variable-speed control. Most say it suits small-scale work well and feels more substantial than its size suggests.
The R4 is a compact variable speed woodturning lathe for smaller workshops and smaller-scale projects such as pens, goblets, pepper mills and bowls. It has a maximum working diameter of 203mm and 305mm between centres.
The components are CNC machined grey cast iron. The drive spindle runs in extra wide roller bearings. A non-slip poly V belt drives the spindle, and a single variable speed knob controls the full speed range without moving the belt. The banjo, tool rest and tailstock adjustments all use ergonomic locking levers.
The spindle has a 1" x 8tpi thread and a No 1 morse taper for standard chucks and attachments. The tailstock also has a No 1 morse taper for live centres and drill chucks, and it is hollowed out to take drill bits for long hole boring. The lathe needs very little assembly and weighs 20kg with a 730 x 150mm footprint, so it can be stored away when not in use.
