PM 45 Banjo-toolrest Height?

2/1/04, 7:02 PM #1

George Van
Guest

PM 45 Banjo-toolrest Height?

George Van

>I have a Powermatic 45 lathe. When I lower the factory tool rest as low as it can go the top of the tool rest is at the center line of the bowl or drive spur. When I put my gouge on the rest to hollow out an end grain bowl I cannot cut too the center as the edge is above the center. If I try to use a scraper and maintain a downward angle so a catch would leave the bowl I also find that impossible. When I am turning small diameters between centers I find it equally hard to ride the bevel because of what I think is a tool rest height problem.

Am I doing something wrong? If it is a tool rest problem can the banjo be ground lower or a different tool rest applied?

Thanks for any help, George

Re: PM 45 Banjo-toolrest Height?

2/1/04, 8:03 PM #2

Wally Dickerman at Green Valley, Az.
Guest

Re: PM 45 Banjo-toolrest Height?

Wally Dickerman at Green Valley, Az.

>George, your tool rest should be able to be positioned at least an inch below the center line. Perhaps you have the wrong tool rest for the PM lathe. Why not check with PM for a solution?

Wally

Re: PM 45 Banjo-toolrest Height?

2/1/04, 8:32 PM #3

Brian Roberts
Member
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395 posts

Registered: 1/10/04

Re: PM 45 Banjo-toolrest Height?

Brian Roberts

>Hi George - On my PM45 the top of the tool rest support is four inches above the ways, which puts the top of the original tool rest at 1/4" below the centerline. I agree it's a pain at times.

To grind down the top of the support, by any appreciable amount, would leave very little cast iron above the support clamping mechanism. To grind the bottom would be difficult and equally ineffective.

The only realistic answer (other than to make one) is to get an aftermarket rest that gives you more flexibility.

Brian

P.S. Powermatic will send you an owners manual if you don't have one - nice to know what parts are original or missing, etc..

Re: PM 45 Banjo-toolrest Height?

2/2/04, 12:45 AM #4

George Van
Guest

Re: PM 45 Banjo-toolrest Height?

George Van

>Hi Wally and Brian,

I just came in from checking and the tool rest is the same color as the lathe and appears from the parts diagram to be original.

I agree after looking that there is very little room to modify the existing banjo or rest. I think I will take your advice Brian and look for an after market rest. I�m sure if I search that topic it has been discussed in the past.

Thanks, George

PM 45 Banjo-toolrest Height?

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