Banjo swap

[Tony K. in NC]

Ok folks, strange question, then again maybe not. I am wondering if the banjo from a PM 4224 will fit the lathe bed of a jet 16/42. the reason i ask is i am thinking about getting a 20" bed extension, having my brother fab a bracket and modify leg to drop it down 4" for outboard turning without the hassle of an independant outboard rest.

 

[john lucas]

I'm not sure about the 16/42 but it will fit the 3520 however it is too tall to be used properly for that lathe. If I read you correctly you want to use it only as a separate banjo for the lowered bed extension. I'm pretty sure it will work. It's flat on the bottom so it will sit on the bed just fine. You might have to change the locking plate and shorten the screw that holds it but that shouldn't be hard.
I thought you wanted to swap a banjo. I've wanted a new banjo along with a 12 string guitar. 🙂

 

[Tony K. in NC]

John, you are right it will be just for the lowered extension, and you are right about it should fit, i was thinking about the indexing base of tailstock and headstock. that's my blond moment for the day.

 

[Steve Worcester]

IF it is not too tall at the top of the banjo (and will accomodate a toolpost and still be adjustable above and below center), it would not be that tough to make a new clamp plate for it. It would only require some basic tooling on a small mill.

 

[Marc Ruby]

Having just measured it myself, keep in mind that the ways are different between the two lathes. If you are going to use the big banjo then you probably want to start with a Powermatic extension, not a jet.

Marc

 

[john lucas]

Marc is right. I would look at the powermatic riser for the banjo. It was designed for a 1" post and works with the standard 3520 tool rest banjo so it would probably work on your Jet as well. Then you would just have to put the extension at the right height so the tool rest riser wold would work.