Problem with Rikon 70-050vs banjo

[Wayne Jolly]

I recently purchased one of these lathes and it is pretty kool for my purposes. It does need more power, but that is a different topic. This is a second lathe, the first being one of the old Delta Iron Bed 14" lathes.

But, I can't get the banjo to stay tight. Whenever I do try to tighten it down, there is some springback in the handle. It "seems" to be ok and I can use it for a few minutes, but then it will come loose. All of the parts are clean and appear to be in good shape. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to resolve this before I contact Rikon.

Thanks,

Wayne

[Gary Max]

Underneath side of your bed rails where the Banjo travels------ make sure that is clean. The arm that you use to engage the banjo lock---- it should not be straight but have a arch????????????

[Joe Meirhaeghe]

You may have to adjust the nut on the bottom of it. That's what I had to do to mine.

[Bernie Weishapl]

I got these for my midi lathe and it stopped the problems. Also had them on the Rikon midi before I sold it. Stops the creeps.

http://monster-lathe-tools.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=255&category_id=64

[Michelle Rich]

put a thin rubber washer under your bed..

[Wayne Jolly]

Thanks for the replies everyone. All parts related to the banjo are clean. Bed rails top and bottom, bottom of the banjo, the "cam shaft" and the parts that connect to it are all clean. At least they are until I use the thing and then there is sawdust and shavings all over the entire 3-car garage (How does that happen?). The locking shaft is clean and it is straight.

I did adjust the locking nut on the bottom and now I can at least get it to lock down. I had to loosen it to the point where the lever itself is straight down when locked, but at least it works for now. Not a permanent solution but for now . . .

As for the monster t-nuts, that looks like a great idea and I have some steel plate around here that I can fabricate one from. That is now on my "to-do" list. This looks like it will help, but I'm still skeptical. It seems to me like the part that the cam shaft goes through might be machined a little better so I may look into that as well.

Lastly, the thin rubber washer under the bed would keep my wife from sleeping. :-) (Sorry, I just couldn't stop myself.)

Thanks again,

Wayne

[Gary Max]

Now that's funny-----------------thanks