Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | Aug 05, 2005 04:57pm | #1

   I just 'grind' wood on my little wood lathe but here is one post I found..

   Have a look...
   http://www.thisoldworkshop.com/vega-duplicator.htm

2. 
   Bear | Aug 06, 2005 03:06am | #2

   The Vega duplicator is fairly good. I have an older version, now the utility dup. is a little more light duty.
   Here is the problems with duplicators; 1) If you are turning thinner spindles you will need to develop a steady rest to work with the copy attachment or vibrations will destroy your work. 2) All copy attachments of this type are never going to get all the sharp details in your template, so freehand work will be needed when done. 3) The quality of cut will be such that sanding will be needed when you are done.
   Basically, if you need a attachment to rough out multiple spindles that you will then need to do additional work to, a copy attachment is the way to go.

   Bear

1. 
   WillGeorge | Aug 06, 2005 10:50pm | #3

   Geeee Even I understood that! Great post!

2. 
   GaryRose | Aug 08, 2005 03:30pm | #5

   Thanks.  I appreciate your help.

    

   Gary Rose

3. 
   JohnH | Aug 06, 2005 11:02pm | #4

   I needed to duplicate cannons for my scale model of Old Ironsides USS Constitution. I found immediately that the tool rest is the weak part of duplicating. So I bought a mini-lathe that is used for turning metal. Mine is from MicroMark. I had to build a frame to hold my template and a finger to align the tool post to the template. But it worked great. The details are extremely crisp and clear. I also found that different wood species reproduce details differently. Ebony is much better than mahogany. The main limitation is size. Mini-lathes have maximum sizes of 7" diameter and 14" length.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Aug 08, 2005 07:54pm | #6

   duplicate cannons for my scale model of Old Ironsides USS Constitution..Gee I would have made a mold and cast them in LEAD or something!