Square post hole in banjo

[Bill Powell]

Hi all!

Bought a "new" Rockwell 46-525 lathe recently, everything is great, except that I when I tested the lathe, it had a 4 or 6 inch tool rest on it, which was fine. When I got it home and set up and put a 12 inch rest on it, and was turning some legs and stretchers for a stool project, I notice the rest was not level. It is actually out 3/16-¼ across the 12 inches. The rest is fine and square, in fact I have 2 and they are both out the same amount in the same direction. That leaves the banjo, old cast iron. The post hole is much larger than the 1" post, probably 1.25 inch diameter and the tightening bolt pinches the post against 4 pads inside the post hole.

Question is should I shim the bottom of the banjo or the pads in the post hole???

Thanks for your insight,

Bill

 

[john lucas]

Some lathes had a 1 1/8" banjo hole. If that's the case the best thing would be to rig up a sleeve that fits in and has a 1" inner diameter. First thing I would do is to put a straight edge in the hole against one side and see if the hole is actually vertical and 90 degrees to the bed. Put a square on the bed and measure from 2 points on the straight edge and that should tell you. I'm wondering if the pads in the hole were put there by someone else to take up the slack so you could use 1" posts. It could be the pads are worn if they came from the factory that way. A tilted tool rest is not a major problem. Most of your turnings aren't parallel to the bed. I had one that was welded up poorly. At first I worried about it but after turning for a while I never notice it. You just watch the turning and move the tool to get the shape you want. Doesn't matter if the tool rest goes up or down.

 

[Bill Powell]

Thanks John. I have been turning successfully with it, it just adds a challenge to turn consistent ¾ inch dia stretchers and consistently tapered legs when the rest is not level. It is even worse when the taper run L to R and the high end of the rest is on the R. Though, I suppose I could turn with the foot of the leg to the L and make it easier.... 😉

 

[Bill Boehme]

You can get a tool rest from Robust with a custom post. Just give them the diameter that you need. It would be a good idea to verify the size by making a wooden dowel that fits the hole.

 

[Bill Powell]

The tabs look intentional and are part of the casting. I was able to minimize the angle with some brass shim stock I have for my jointer. Another 20 min of work and I should be able to dial it in.

 

[Joe Greiner]

Turn a large, tall candle to 1" diameter, plus your desired clearance. Put some tape across the bottom of the hole. Melt some candle wax into the bolt hole. Then put the candle in the hole. Stuff the space with J-B Weld, and hold the candle vertical while it sets. Bake the banjo to remove the wax.

 

[john lucas]

You could always prop up the left side of the lathe until the tool rest is level. 🙂

 

[Bill Powell]

Sometimes it is the simplest solutions.... 😉