The R5 is a cast-iron benchtop woodturning lathe with electronic variable speed from 650 to 3800 rpm and a digital readout of the current speed. Its 550 W motor holds torque across the range, and the three-step pulley gives three overlapping speed bands for small, medium and large work. It turns up to 305 mm diameter over the bed and 457 mm between centres, with a 1" x 8 tpi spindle and No 2 Morse tapers at both ends. Buyers rate it highly for smooth, low-vibration running and quiet operation; the trade-offs are its weight and the need to move the belt by hand between speed bands.
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Owners rate the R5 highly, praising its quiet running, low vibration and steady speed control. Most criticism centres on belt changes between speed ranges and the machine's weight.
The R5 is a variable speed woodturning lathe with a 550W motor that delivers full torque at all speeds. It suits bowl, platter, vase and pen turning as well as between-centres work. A digital readout shows the current speed.
The lathe is built from solid cast iron to run smoothly with very low vibration. The castings are CNC machined to keep the headstock and tailstock aligned and let the tool rest holder and tailstock move smoothly along the bed. The drive spindle runs in extra wide roller bearings. The tailstock is hollowed out to accept drill bits for long hole boring.
A non-slip poly V belt transmits power. Three-step pulleys give three speed ranges for small, medium and large turnings. The hinge-mounted control box swings out of the way for full access to the motor pulley when adjusting the belt. The banjo, tool rest and tailstock adjust with ergonomic locking levers that can be positioned out of the way while turning.
