Banjo has tune of its own

[shull]

Need help on Jet Mini problem. I have a 6 year old Jet mini lathe that has served me faithfully all those years. Just recently the banjo locking lever has developed a mind of its own and refuses to stay in the tightened position. I have cleaned and checked the cam and can see no issues. If I tighten in the opposite direction (counter clockwise) it works fine. My wife accuses me of being an old dog and not likeing change so am really wanting to get it working in the clockwise direction again. :biggrin: Any suggestions?

 

[thewishman]

Would tightening the nut on the bottom work?

 

[KenV]

Take a look at the lever inside the banjo

You may have worn down the cam

 

[PenMan1]

Take a look at the lever inside the banjo

You may have worn down the cam

I tend to agree with this idea. If the lock nut were loose, it shouldn't lock in either position. Since you've told us that you prefer to tighten in one direction, it makes sense that one lobe on the cam is worn substantially more than the other side.