Universal Lathe Tool Rest (banjo) minor fix

[paulrussell]

I turned my first solid wood bowl this weekend (previous bowl efforts were Ringmaster) http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewt ... 15#p195115

And found that the Universal Lathe Tool Rest has a minor problem. The arm is attached to the post by means of a single roll pin through the side:



At casual inspection this seems solid enough, but in use it has more play than I cared for. Simple fix was to drill and tap for a set screw:



And now it is rock solid.

[dstensland]

Thanks for sharing this solution. I've been dealing with this exact problem on a used universal tool rest that I recently purchased. It only took a few minutes today to implement your fix. I had been considering more drastic measures, such as complete replacement, or a maybe welding or brazing, but was unsure which option to try. It was fun to play follow the leader instead.

I did replace my apparently undersized roll pin with a piece of 1/4" steel rod and pressed it in from both sides to expand it to a tight fit, then punched it a little more for extra measure. Also, when drilling the set screw hold I intentionally drilled a slight divot in the vertical shaft to help the set screw hold it all in place. It's very solid now.

BTW - The part number for the replacement tool support and shaft assembly for the universal tool rest is 521794. It is currently priced at $48.05 plus shipping and handling.

[paulrussell]

Really happy this helped! I wasn't sure if it was a common problem or if I was just being picky. In any case enjoy your newly stable tool rest.