Banjo problem

[Kevin Cole]

I beleive its called the banjo :confused:
Well anyways the banjo on my lathe isn't working like it should be. It works on a cam mechanism I beleive. When i tighten it down it doest lock tight and it will slip around.
I think its either one of two problems:
1) The rod running throught it has worn round in some spots
2) The piece that tightens it to the lathe has worn.
Is there any way I can fix this problem? Because it is very annoying.

[Richard Madison]

Kevin,
Probably there is a hex lock nut below the banjo and centered under the lathe bed. Suggest that you tighten it a fraction of a turn and see if that helps.

If not, please state which lathe you have and someone here will help correct your problem.

[Kevin McPeek]

Take the banjo off and see if it has a nut on the bottom. They will come loose occasionally. It shouldn't need a lot of tightening.

[ROY DICK]

KEVIN,

I agree with the others. Also check to see if the washer is bent. This fits between the bed ways and the retaining nut.

Roy

[Kevin Cole]

Ok ill be trying this in the morning.
Thanks for the quick replies.

[Greg Savage]

What kind of banjo? A plectrum or a tenor?


Sorry! Wrong forum!! (I know, bad joke! I just couldn't resist a little banjo humor)

[Allen Neighbors]

On my Old Griz (Grizzly 5979) the banjo had an excentric rod that ran the length of the banjo which tightened the clamp block when rotated with the handle. I had to remove it, lay it on my anvil and beat it straight with a hammer. It had bent over time just enough that when rotated, the excentric shape wasn't enough to tighten it. It's still working today, for the man who bought it from me.

[Kevin Cole]

I tried Tighting the nut and it worked like a charm.
Thanks alot guys. :)

[Bernie Weishapl]

Kevin on my two midi lathes I went to the Oneway site and search for clamp blocks. I bought a set for each. They are rectangular instead of round and give you much better clamping.