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Replacement banjo for Nova XP DVR?

D

David A Brown

Joined
Feb 13, 2022
Messages
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Location
Cullowhee, NC
My 14 year old Nova XP DVR has been replaced with a new lathe that is much larger with a swing over the bed of 24" compared to the 16" of my Nova. I still like the Nova and keep it around because it has a longer bed with the extension than my new lathe is capable.
My experience with the new lathe has given me a new appreciation of how nice it is with a smooth moving banjo/tool rest. I saw John Jordan at our turning club and one of the things he recommended is to clean the ways and bottom of the banjo and tailstock with lubricant daily. This has helped, but it still isn't as nice and smooth as I had hoped.
I took a week long course from Ernie Conover and just recently saw him with a new OneWay banjo on his Powermatic. It got me thinking that perhaps I could find a replacement for my Nova banjo that would fit and be the appropriate size.
Has anyone replaced their banjo on a Nova XP DVR?
If so, did it make an improvement for you and which banjo did you find to replace the original equipment?
I would appreciate any help with this issue.
Thank you.
 
My two oldest lathes the DVR3000 and my Powermatic 3520b (over 20+ years old) still use the same banjo and I've never had a problem with either and that can be said for the others in the shop. I have never wanted them to be super easy to move as when I hit that arm to tighten it I want it to be non-moveble without hitting it with a hammer. There's crap that you can put on the bed and bottom of the banjo that will allow you to push them right off the bed. I used a Boeshield product long ago that they don't make anymore and now I use DuPont non-stick dry-film lubricant every 4 or 5 months when and if needed. Keeps them working just like I like them.
 
This Oneway 16" banjo might work for you. I replaced the stock banjo on my old General 260-20 with a Oneway and it was a huge upgrade. I kept it when I sold that lathe and still use it on my Oneway 2436. Two banjos can be very useful at times.
 
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