Wow! Size does matter.....

Thanks to Martin over at the IAP, the powermatic banjo came in to day. I still cant get over the difference in size. To make a long story short, Jet decided to skimp on designing a new banjo for their 16" lathe. They instead just used the 14's and added the needed 1" height to the tool rest itself. This was great except for 2 things: 1. All my other tool rest come up short on tool post length now 2. When you go and turn 15 7/8" you are really taking a chance with the banjo being to short. It literally falls off the back way at this diameter. Jet's answer, "Turn the rest around backwards and deal with the 1 1/2" gap." I snapped a few pics, then I called my metal lathe friend. It's already left the shop for some minor chopping. I'm having the banjo cut down to the same height of the Jet's, and he is also milling the clamp washer to fit the ways. We also came up with a way to extend my trusty 6" rest's post to get me by until I order up the robust's that I want. In the end this should be a great little modification, that should last as long as my lathe. Of course it will need a paint job, I'm thinking something with flames

Dueling banjos?

It's back from being chopped! I still need to paint, just haven't decided on a color yet.



How's this for some reaching ability?