Different approach to the banjo fitting

[Bryan]

Here is one made by one of our site members. Very well done and unique! Perhaps he will chime in and give us more details on this very interesting fitting.

[crimediver]

Looks pretty rugged. I wonder if it would fit all manufacturer's yokes or only the larger ones. I suppose you lose some ability to rotate this banjo as opposed to the traditional design, but I don't see a problem with that. I like the heavy duty design.

[JES]

Looks pretty rugged. I wonder if it would fit all manufacturer's yokes or only the larger ones. I suppose you lose some ability to rotate this banjo as opposed to the traditional design, but I don't see a problem with that. I like the heavy duty design.

Crimediver,

Great questions and observations. Hopefully the builder/owner will weigh-in on their fine piece of equipment.

[21]

It is refreshing that some one is taking a different approach and not just duplicating that which was previously produced.

I like the use of the bar stock. I am certainly not aquainted with the world of machining but I would think that utilizing bar stock or an octogon stock as the basis would create a stronger item that is less expensive to produce.

I would also submitt that the finished unit should be universal; applicable to all popular regulator and tank configurations. As I recall there were 4 different sizes & types of Banjo fittings offered by almost as many companies.

I do not recall the banjo fitting to be a popular item during the double hose era. The original SPG made by Mar Mac and introduced in 1954 had a multitude of problems; not the least of which was excessive leakage. The US Divers unit was also less than desireable. It was not until 1963 when Sportsways introduced their unit did the diving world at last have a decent SPG. However the double hose era was in its terminal phase at that time and a decade later would be eliminated from the market place.
21

[thepeanutking]

hey who ever made this one did a much better job than the other it look a lot more tough and would hold up a lot better, besides i just like the look better, and who ever has any if you want to sell one let me know I will buy one.

Thanks

[treasureman]

A most rugged design. Simplicity in machining, fewer cuts translates into better price. It may not be rounded or smoothed, but it seems to embody that which we as double hosers need. It could be narrowed in the upper protion, but as it stands, it looks good to me.

[1969ivan1]

So the mystery thickens..Who made it and are they up for sale?

[Bryan]

Here is the information he sent me. I think he's diving in Hawaii with that cherry RAM that he just purchased from me....

The problem of no SPG came up around that time, lawyers in action. I had heard of banjos but then, no Internet of course, I knew of no one else who cared about the old stuff. Knowing only a few details I set out to make my own, which I did. Not being an expert with machine tools, I made it as simple as I could. I have attached a jpeg of my two banjos as well as the one I bought from you several months ago. Mine, being thick, clunky things meant that I had to make two new yokes as well. But they have worked fine for over twenty years.

[JES]

Here is one made by one of our site members. Very well done and unique! Perhaps he will chime in and give us more details on this very interesting fitting.

Well, I think the jury is in. Will the member behind these fine banjo fittings please step-up and take credit.

It sounds like you might have a number of potential customers if you're wanting to sell these.

[Nemrod]

Well, it looks like it would function but I imagine there will be interference issues with more setups than with the sleek Broxton Chuck Banjo. Chuck's banjo is not just a copy of the original casting. It is a machined from bar stock piece. I got lucky somehow and wound up with several including a stainless one. Yes, I have one for sale but it only comes with my DA!

I was highly suspicious of the banjo when I first tried one. I figured it would leak and have all sorts of problems. Nope, at least the ones made by Chuck and his friend work absolutely perfect. I have had no issues period. The O-ring on one of them has begun to fray from lot's of use but still it seals. I think I will treat it to a new o-ring soon. Cheaper would be nice but the banjo as most recently produced is nearly a workof art, looking at this stainless one it looks as if it were carved from stainless bar with a laser, the workmanship is quite fine.

Much below 30 feet most of us old guys really do need a SPG. The J valves just don't give the warning time needed to prepare for a leisurely ascent and safety stop. The addition of the SPG to our vintage diving activities is a huge safety boon and with any of several vintage SPGs your still vintage.

Nemrod

[treasureman]

Will the banjo be rendered obsolete with the new "Pheonix" valve comming to a online vintage dive store near you

[JES]

Will the banjo be rendered obsolete with the new "Pheonix" valve comming to a online vintage dive store near you

I believe that there will always be a need for the banjo because not everyone will want to convert their regulator for a variety of reasons (i.e. historical accuracy, it's already a RAM, etc).