I have a older Delta Rockwell lathe that came from a middle school woodshop. Works pretty good, but I do not care for the tool rest design. The tightening screw lever is out in front and can get in the way. Is there aftermarket equipment that will work on my lathe? How interchangeable are these banjo's between different manufactures? Any advise is appreciated.
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Tool Rest banjo
- Thread starter hydrojohn
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If you can free up the jam nuts underneath, you can adjust for tight in any position. Sadly, they're often neglected in general upkeep, and might require a lot of WD40 or similar.
Note parts 7 thru 10 (79-81) on the schematic produced by going to http://www.acetoolrepair.com/model_search_engine.asp?keyword=46-204
I like the lever to the left and slightly below centerline, personally.
Note parts 7 thru 10 (79-81) on the schematic produced by going to http://www.acetoolrepair.com/model_search_engine.asp?keyword=46-204
I like the lever to the left and slightly below centerline, personally.
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You should be able to adapt just about any banjo from a similar-sized lathe that has a flat double-railed bed, and only have to adapt the clamp plate from your Delta to the new banjo. Hopefully you can find one with the same toolpost diameter.
Take a look at Grizzly's biggest wood lathe, it has a toolpost tightening lever on the right side. Jet may have a suitable replacement banjo, but I didn't look.
How about drilling/tapping a new hole for the lever where you want it?
Good luck!
Take a look at Grizzly's biggest wood lathe, it has a toolpost tightening lever on the right side. Jet may have a suitable replacement banjo, but I didn't look.
How about drilling/tapping a new hole for the lever where you want it?
Good luck!
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new tap for delta banjo
Ken, I had a similar thought but the way the tool rest post tightens up is by being pressed up against a couple of flanges. If I was to tighten from the side with a new hole and tap I do not think it would work properly. I may look around for another banjo that tightens up on the right. I was hoping some might be interchangeable so this is encouraging.
Ken, I had a similar thought but the way the tool rest post tightens up is by being pressed up against a couple of flanges. If I was to tighten from the side with a new hole and tap I do not think it would work properly. I may look around for another banjo that tightens up on the right. I was hoping some might be interchangeable so this is encouraging.
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Just to make sure. Are you talking about the positioning of the lever that tightens the banjo to the ways? If so, look at the URL I posted. Loosening/tightening the nuts will cause the cam to tighten in a different position.
If you're talking about the tool rest clamp, that can be reduced to a clumsy but definitely out-of-the-way bolt or grub screw.
If you're talking about the tool rest clamp, that can be reduced to a clumsy but definitely out-of-the-way bolt or grub screw.
Michael, I am talking about the clamp for the tool rest itself not the clamp to anchor down to bed. I had not thought about substituting a bolt, which I would not want to do on a regular basis, but would be handy to have on certain occasions. I will pick one up. Thanks.
Steve Worcester
Admin Emeritus
since it is cast iron, it really wouldn't be that tough to drill and tap a hole on any side that i the same thread as the existing lever. That way you would not need a wrench to change it. The alternative is when it would be in the way, adjust the banjo and toolrest on more of an angle so the tool won't hit the lever.
EVERY lathe design has some compromise to it for someone, we just learn to adapt, adjust or alter (the 3 As).
EVERY lathe design has some compromise to it for someone, we just learn to adapt, adjust or alter (the 3 As).
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The coarse machine bolt should solve your problem. Get one of those ratcheting box wrenches of the appropriate size, and you'll be able to use it almost as easily as if it had a handle.
Socket might present some clearance problems, which is why I recommend the box wrench. I have a Oneway steady, and the only way I can get it in some support positions is to rely on the ratchet or even the open end and 1/12 turns.
Oh yes, you know that you can't bore a new hole at 90 degrees, right? The casting will not allow gripping a 1" post in that direction.
Socket might present some clearance problems, which is why I recommend the box wrench. I have a Oneway steady, and the only way I can get it in some support positions is to rely on the ratchet or even the open end and 1/12 turns.
Oh yes, you know that you can't bore a new hole at 90 degrees, right? The casting will not allow gripping a 1" post in that direction.
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