Shopsmith Forums

paulmcohen wrote:There are actually two things a tool rest banjo and the tool rest. The banjo is the part that goes in the carriage or mounts on the way tubes in the case of the universal tool rest (Banjo). You then put your actual tool rest into the banjo. Depending on what kind of lathe tools you use you may find the Shopsmith tool rest very soft and ways to nick.

I use the Shopsmith Universal Tool Rest (banjo) with a modular tool rest available from many internet sites. Once I purchase the post I can change the rests depening on what I am trying to turn.

If you search the forum for "Banjo" you will find several threads with details.

I cannot say the UTR(banjo) is not an excellent tool rest holder, but the guy just wants to 'get started' and needs a tool rest.

Let him get his toes damp for 20$(+sh) first.

I agree about the heavy UTR. If I'm going to be doing something finicky or several turnings, I will mount it. Otherwise I grab the standard post and banjo. I goes lazy in my retirement.

[quote="JPG40504"]I cannot say the UTR(banjo) is not an excellent tool rest holder, but the guy just wants to 'get started' and needs a tool rest.

Let him get his toes damp for 20$(+sh) first.]

I don't care if someone uses the UTR or the standard banjo, neither one is a tool-rest. The tool-rest or tool-rest post is the thing that goes in the hole. Using the correct terminology avoids confusion.

paulmcohen wrote:I don't care if someone uses the UTR or the standard banjo, neither one is a tool-rest. The tool-rest or tool-rest post is the thing that goes in the hole. Using the correct terminology avoids confusion.

So does this mean that SS offers a 'banjo' other than the one included with the UTR package? I assumed we were discussing two options = std and UTR.

So If I be in the dark, elucidate me!;)


P.S. I think most of us consider the tool rest and standard tool rest arm to be 'the tool rest'.

I have no idea what you are referring to as a 'standard banjo'.

On a standard SS without the UTR, the carriage serves as the "banjo".

The 'banjo' slides on the ways and holds the tool rest post which holds the tool rest.

The image and link you provided are for the tool rest post and tool rest. And I agree, no need to go out and spend hundreds when $20 will get your feet wet. I have been using the standard SS tool rest post for a very long time. Other the occasional position shift it does a great job. The position shift doesn't bother me that much as it reminds me to adjust the tool rest position as the diameter of the turned object changes. I just wish I had the newer model with levers instead of Allen screws. Perhaps one day I'll make a modification.

terrydowning wrote:On a standard SS without the UTR, the carriage serves as the "banjo".

The 'banjo' slides on the ways and holds the tool rest post which holds the tool rest.

The image and link you provided are for the tool rest post and tool rest. And I agree, no need to go out and spend hundreds when $20 will get your feet wet. I have been using the standard SS tool rest post for a very long time. Other the occasional position shift it does a great job. The position shift doesn't bother me that much as it reminds me to adjust the tool rest position as the diameter of the turned object changes. I just wish I had the newer model with levers instead of Allen screws. Perhaps one day I'll make a modification.

As a clarification of from whence my comment(s) originate:

A lathe 'banjo'(origin of name unknown by me) is a sliding device that rests on the ways of a lathe and is adjustable both between the head and tail stock and in and out from the axis of rotation of the workpiece. Typically it is secured by a single screw so as to allow positioning it to any position desired by loosening that single screw and re tightening it after adjusting.

Attached to the banjo typically is a post into which variously shaped tool rests can be inserted.

Now that describes the 'non- Shopsmith world.

Over here in 'our' neighborhood, the Shopsmith being a multi purpose tool has accommodated the banjo's function with parts primarily intended for other functions and a couple intended for lathe use only.

More specifically the carriage provides the headstock to tail stock positioning, and the tool rest arm provides the in-out positioning and post.

IMHO the standard shopsmith does not have a banjo per se. It has parts that do provide the banjo function however.

I do not consider it to be confusing to refer to the shopsmith parts by their 'shopsmith' names.

The UTR is more like a typical banjo, but is much heavier and sturdier IHMO.


Anywho, I hope Steve54 gets the one he bid on, but if not, a cheaper one has arisen on the bay!;)

Yes I saw that one too this a.m.

terrydowning wrote:Perhaps one day I'll make a modification.

You can just buy the lever screws they are very cheap from many sources. I got mine at Ace Hardware locally.

paulmcohen wrote:You can just buy the lever screws they are very cheap from many sources. I got mine at Ace Hardware locally.

for anyone interested I have a stockpile of ratcheting screw replacements for the lathe toolrests. took a while to source them properly, but now I have about 50 pairs.

The thing to note is that the posts are different lengths. The one under the actual tool rest is longer than the one holding the tool post.

Want to say appreciate all the input. Have ordered and patiently waiting for everything to get here. I use the term patiently loosely.
I really had no idea that there was such a following for Shopsmith. I actually bought my first Shopsmith a 10ER about 15 years ago at a flea market in the middle of a field. It has set in the corner waiting for some much needed attention. Will the tail spur work on the Mark V. And more importantly how does it come apart from the tail stock. It seems to be a eccentric adjustment if I am using the correct terminology. This has two large 1-1/8 nuts or combination. Are these meant to come apart?