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Tool Support Rod on Banjo Slipping (PM2014)

Paul Engel

Paul Engel

Joined
Jul 28, 2025
Messages
23
Likes
27
Location
Coralville, IA
When I tighten down the tool support rod MOST of the time on my PM2014, it's solid as a rock. But when I have my tool rest about 1" from center while spindle turning, as soon as I tighten it, it "springs" back up, leaving me with a loose banjo. I've cleaned all the parts, but this is still happening. I've included a link to a brief video of this behavior. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QnMUV5vNKCnuV2bCNLThTs1O0sVq0S35/view?usp=sharing) Anyone seen this before? I've studied it quite a bit and can't figure out what's causing this. Thanks in advance.
 
Paul-Have you tried adjusting the cam-lock nut? I haven't run into that problem specifically on my PM 3520, but I and others have complained about the "spongy" lockup on both the banjo and the tail-stock (which has a tendency to creep backward when cranking down the live-center on a big green blank before I get a solid tenon constructed for a more secure hold). It's a very frustrating problem. I've heard that slightly tightening that cam-lock nut can fix it, though I haven't tried it yet (too busy turning, which is a poor excuse, I know). But given that your locking handle tends to spring back up, is it possible that it is too tight to engage a proper lock? It's worth some experimenting, I think-maybe a very slight adjustment and test it?

And don't even get me started on the fiddly tool-rest lock that (for me) gets stuck in its recess and has to be loosened with a mallet! I love almost everything else about my PowerMatic after almost two years with it, but their locking systems leave a lot to be desired. Maybe a "D" model will address the issue? I have even thought about just swapping out for a OneWay banjo, but they aren't cheap, and I have other shop needs I'd rather spend my money on.

Anyway, I hope this gives you an idea to pursue. I for one would be interested in hearing about any potential fix if you get it figure out.
 
Aaron Harris said:
Paul-Have you tried adjusting the cam-lock nut? I haven't run into that problem specifically on my PM 3520, but I and others have complained about the "spongy" lockup on both the banjo and the tail-stock (which has a tendency to creep backward when cranking down the live-center on a big green blank before I get a solid tenon constructed for a more secure hold). It's a very frustrating problem. I've heard that slightly tightening that cam-lock nut can fix it, though I haven't tried it yet (too busy turning, which is a poor excuse, I know). But given that your locking handle tends to spring back up, is it possible that it is too tight to engage a proper lock? It's worth some experimenting, I think-maybe a very slight adjustment and test it?

And don't even get me started on the fiddly tool-rest lock that (for me) gets stuck in its recess and has to be loosened with a mallet! I love almost everything else about my PowerMatic after almost two years with it, but their locking systems leave a lot to be desired. Maybe a "D" model will address the issue? I have even thought about just swapping out for a OneWay banjo, but they aren't cheap, and I have other shop needs I'd rather spend my money on.

Anyway, I hope this gives you an idea to pursue. I for one would be interested in hearing about any potential fix if you get it figure out.
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Thanks, Aaron. I’ll give that a try tomorrow.
 
Get the handle in a different position. I don’t know what is under the bed that you are tightening the nut against, but on many lathes making a larger plate or washer also can help.
 
I've adjusted the the nut under banjos, tailstocks, and even sliding headstocks on almost every lathe I've had - sometimes even a minuscule amount makes me happier. That's saying a lot, since I'm usually extremely happy...

JKJ
 
Paul Engel said:
When I tighten down the tool support rod MOST of the time on my PM2014, it's solid as a rock. But when I have my tool rest about 1" from center while spindle turning, as soon as I tighten it, it "springs" back up, leaving me with a loose banjo. I've cleaned all the parts, but this is still happening. I've included a link to a brief video of this behavior. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QnMUV5vNKCnuV2bCNLThTs1O0sVq0S35/view?usp=sharing) Anyone seen this before? I've studied it quite a bit and can't figure out what's causing this. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
This happened to me when I had a PM2014. Try loosening the nut like others are saying, but if that does not work, then the shaft is most likely bent. If you want a much better banjo, order the Robust Scout banjo, I did this and it worked really nicely. It is compatible with the PM2014.

 
Paul Engel said:
When I tighten down the tool support rod MOST of the time on my PM2014, it's solid as a rock. But when I have my tool rest about 1" from center while spindle turning, as soon as I tighten it, it "springs" back up, leaving me with a loose banjo. I've cleaned all the parts, but this is still happening. I've included a link to a brief video of this behavior. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QnMUV5vNKCnuV2bCNLThTs1O0sVq0S35/view?usp=sharing) Anyone seen this before? I've studied it quite a bit and can't figure out what's causing this. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
This has been resolved. The loosening of the bolt did not fix it. I called Powermatic, and they had the same initial suggestion. We reviewed what was happening, and the fact that it was only springing back in a 1 1/2" length of the bar gave us the final clue. The tech support person had me rough up the bar in that area w/ 100 grit sandpaper, and it fixed the problem. Even though the texture felt the same as the rest of the bar, the tech said it must have been just a little bit smoother and wasn't achieving the friction fit required to hold. I'm a happy camper again. (Still not turning out anything to be proud of, but BOY do I love watching those chips and curly strings go flying off the wood!)
 
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