Some lathes list as options an extra banjo. Considering they are pricey why would someone want an extra banjo?
Occasionally we use up to 12 banjos for long work.
You are right John, it certainly beats having to move the rest and banjo along .
OK. Now you have to post a picture of the lathe.
I am not sure if I am allowed to do this but here is a link to what I do.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/flag-pole-wip-137840/
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Ian, thanks for posting the link to what you do. I had no idea wood flag poles were even made anymore. Your setup is very impressive. The largest piece I have seen posted from your area of the world is Kiwi Alby Hall turning a dining room table. But this beats any I have seen as far as lenght.
Gooday Bill. The lathe is not an Oliver or Wadkin (I wish, drool) but was custom built to my design.Now that would steady just about anything turning. Those do not look like skateboard wheels either. Was I correct in my assumption that you have an Oliver Lathe? How many turners do you have turning at one time? This would be an excellent demonstration - considering that you could easily get the equipment to the location. Wish you lived closer so I could come watch.
I had a good friend who was a professional turner with Oliver Lathes and recently had a stroke. Had to close his shop down and what a sad sight that was to watch. He turned some very long posts - (not flagpoles) and had automated drives for routers to flute and all sorts of things. It is now all gone. I do have a few pieces of choice wood from there and visit with he and his wife quite frequently. His shop was my first exposure to Oliver Lathes.