Tool Rest problem

[saftrep]

Evening,
I have a question. I purchased a 6" tool rest and post from BestTools.com. Great product - no problem with quality. Problem - I went to turn a pen on my 1642, Put the post in the banjo (spelling?) attached the 3/4" 6" bar. Tried to adjust the banjo so that I could get as close to the blank as possible. The banjo stopped about 1" away from the blank making the tool rest the same distance from the blank. I have noticed that the banjo that came with the lathe is offset from the post. this one is not. Is that the problem? Is there a smaller offset post that can be got for the 1642? (the one that came with it is 12". I have looked under the banjo and I see a snap ring stopping the banjo at a certain distance. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks,
David

oh by the way - the 1642 is sweet. I love the variable speed. the size of the lathe will take a little getting used to.

 

[Dario]

David,

I am not familiar with Jet 1642 but believe it is similar to PM 3520. The banjo should travel past that point...could it be that the post is longer than it should and it is sticking out the bottom? If so...grind it off to shorten it a bit.

 

[mrcook4570]

If I understand correctly, this sounds like the same issue I have with my Jet 1442. If you change the angle of the banjo to bed, you will be able to get the tool rest closer. That is, instead of the banjo being perpendicular to your lathe, position it at a 60 degree angle to the bed. You will need to swivel the rest around so it is parallel to the mandrel. Experiment with the angle until you get the tool rest where you want it.