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What should I do next?

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What should I do next?

#1

What should I do next?

GaryG in MD

>I have a Jet 1236. The photo below shows the current state of the stock banjo extender supplied for outboard turning.

This is NOT the result of a catch, unless you define a catch as the extender cracking and falling on the floor with the tool rest. To the best of my recollection, there was no significant tool movement or loud sound. There is no evidence of a catch on the tool rest. It just broke and fell off.

I was working on centers, not outboard. I was gently and carefully using a square-end scraper to re-round the ovalled tenon of a dried red-oak bowl, for subsequent rechucking. I needed to use the extender to get the tool rest back to the centerline, over the ways, because the banjo had to be perpendicular to the ways, since there was barely enough room for it between the rim of the very shallow 11� bowl (call it a platter) and the adjacent tailstock.

I was working at the centerline vertically, or just a smidge below, on the left end of the standard 12� Jet tool rest. The scraper was freshly sharpened, with a burr, and held level to slightly nose down. I was getting some short, thin shavings, as expected ... then, with no warning, the pictured result. This extender had only been used a couple times and had never had a catch on it, to the best of my memory.

So my questions are: 1) why did it happen, and 2) what do I do now?

Mainly, I would like to know if this is a common problem with this part. I guess it�s cast iron, but after this, I think I would have to call it �cheap pot metal�. Although I�ve had the lathe for a couple years, I�ve hardly ever used this part. Is this a design flaw, poor materials, or both? Should Jet replace it? Will Jet replace it?

I expect I know the answer to the last question. Was this a fluke, or is this behavior what I can expect again in the future? If so, I don�t think I want to pay for another one -- but I�ll need something like it. What are my options? Should I get a new one and hope for the best, find somebody to weld this one back together, or what? I�m not a machinist, nor do I have any welding or metal-cutting tools. I�m pretty much stuck with what I can buy.

I�d like to hear some inputs before I call Jet and Woodcraft.

Thanks for your insights,

Gary


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Re: What should I do next?

#2

Next

Terry Quiram, Roanoke Illinois

>Gary

I would suggest that the casting had some internal stress. There are many possibilities. Gray iron is pretty fragile especially across a small section like your extender. Talk to Jet for a replacement and use it until you can go to a machine shop and have one made out of steel.

Terry

Re: What should I do next?

#3

Re: What should I do next? *LINK*

Ron in Drums PA

>I have never used that part on my lathe. Never thought it was strong enough. If I knew where it was I'd send it to you.


Parts

Re: What should I do next?

#4

Throw it out...

Peter Teubel

>Those tool rest extentions are a bad joke. At best, they introduce vibration. At worst, they break. You simply cannot extend the downward force point far from direct underneath support. Not to mention the metal used is too brittle to begin with.

As a former Jet 1236 owner, I can say that the single best investment you can make in it is to get a Oneway 1224 banjo & tool rest (I did and a few others here have). Its infinitly stronger and smoother than the stock one. You will "rediscover" your lathe's potential.

Re: What should I do next?

#5

Re: What should I do next?

chris rolke

>the best thing that i can say is throw that piece away

it adds too much stress to the banjo

i broke the banjo on mine on the first night using that part

if you want to turn out board you are better off buying a stand alone tool rest or getting one fabbed up

woodcraft sells an outboard stand alone rest

if your lathe is fairly new jet will replace that part

infact i have to of those just ssitting cause they screwed up and sent me the wrong part when i broke my tool rest

Re: What should I do next?

#6

Re: What should I do next?

Chuck Ludwigsen

>As another 1236 owner, I concur with the others. My toolrest extension has never been used and is collecting dust somewhere on a shelf.

I just don't trust it.

Re: What should I do next?

#7

Re: What should I do next?

Barbara Gill, Remlik VA

>Maybe I shouldn't say anything...but. It seems to me that if it was included with your lathe,it is reasonable to expect it to work. If it doesn't or if it causes damage then the manufacturer should stand behind it. You may want to do a search here and on other forums about Jet tool rests breaking.

Re: What should I do next?

#8

Everyone I know with the Jet 1236...

Paul in Phoenix, AZ

>...has broken that part at least once. And some have even bought a second one and broke that one as well.

Re: What should I do next?

#9

Delta, too!

mainebowlman

>Gary, my Delta 715 had 2 banjos break within a short period. Also had two adjustment handles break with using normal pressure. Fortunately all were under warranty. I see Delta has redesigned their handles...for the better. Now they should do the banjo.

I always saw Jet and Delta as comparably designed. Unfortunately, when I bought my first lathe, I had never heard the name Jet and went with the name I knew. Since then I've heard more positives about Jet than Delta.

I agree with the other responses that the metal is poor quality for the stresses involved and that the company should acknowledge that fact...even after warranty. They should also learn from their customers' experiences.

I must acknowledge that Delta has always responded promptly with the new parts.

Jack

Re: What should I do next?

#10

Re: What should I do next?

Barry Turner

>Throw away the broken pieces and come to terms with your lathe being really a 12" X 36", in spite of the manufacturer's insane attempt to increase the capacity with little regard to safety.

Re: What should I do next?

#11

Thank you, all.

GaryG in MD

>I appreciate your interesting and thoughtful replies.

I agree with Barbara that if Jet supplies a part, we should have a reasonable expectation that it will work properly and safely. On the other hand, from my experience and what you have all said, it is clear that the extender is poorly designed, seriously under built, and potentially dangerous.

It appears that if I were to go with a steel extender, the banjo would be the next thing to break. I’m sorry to hear that, but it certainly makes sense. I guess the solution is, indeed, to go with higher quality parts for both pieces and use any such configuration as little as possible. That’s frustrating. I thought I had a working system; it appears that such is not the case.

Anyway, I understand the situation well enough to be able to discuss it with Jet. I’ll post their response.

Gary

Re: What should I do next?

#12

Re: Throw it out...

GaryG in MD

>Peter, Thanks for the idea. I didn't realize that Oneway parts would fit a Jet. Do they also make an extender? ...Gary

Re: What should I do next?

#13

Re: Throw it out...

Peter Teubel

>No, they do not. I repeat, do NOT use an "extender". All are inherently weak and at best introduce vibration due to the fact they are the tool rest isn't supported directly underneath with the banjo. You will get a slightly longer reach with the Oneway banjo & toolrest, but that's not the reason for it. It is a FAR superior piece that offers solid no-slip stability.

Re: What should I do next?

#14

Well put...

Peter Teubel

>Their capability claims rate right up there with other mfg "Peak" or "Maximum Developed" HP claims...

Re: What should I do next?

#15

Re: What should I do next?

Gary Evans, Tallassee, TN

>Gary,

For the future, you might also get a #2 MT extender for your tailstock. This would allow you more room between the platter and the tailstock so that you could use the standard toolrest.

Gary

Re: What should I do next?

#16

Brad Vietje

Re: THROW IT OUT !

Brad Vietje

>I agree with Peter -- you do not need an extender. When its time to move the banjo, move the banjo. I reject your original statement that you needed to use the extension to reach the centerline -- nope, not so. Not only is the extender a POS in my sometimes not-humble-enough opinion, but the banjo itself isn't stable enough to support one -- no matter how well designed it is. BTW: the reason the banjo is too short, and the toolrest post is too short, is to leave room for this incredibly stooooopid extension arm. Someone ought to sue Jet for $2,000,000 in damages, so they will stop selling these dangerous things.

Now, if you want to know how I really feel about it...

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: What should I do next?

#17

Brad Vietje

Re: Thank you, all.

Brad Vietje

>Hey Gary,

I ripped into Jet earlier, but I think you missed an important feature of this discussion. You mentioned that if you used a steel extender, the banjo would be the next to break (true), so they really ought to use better materials for BOTH parts (I'm paraphrasing here).

My answer (more to Jet than to you) would be NO ! There should not BE 2 parts. On a well-made, top-of-the-line lathe, you have a banjo and a toolrest, and that's it -- no extension. If well designed, the banjo and toolrest will give you a good 1.5" of travel above and below center. I think it was Barry who wrote that you'll have to get used to the fact that it really is only a 12" by 36" lathe.

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

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