Wood lathe copier / duplicator

[glenn charles]

I am thinking on getting a copier / duplicator for my wood lathe. I like the Vega BUT it is expensive
Need some advice Thanks

[Marvin Hasenak]

What are you trying to duplicate? Is it a onetime project or an ongoing need? There are a lot of homemade versions on the Internet a little research will lead you to some of the ideas.

[Robert Henrickson]

What are you trying to duplicate? Is it a onetime project or an ongoing need? There are a lot of homemade versions on the Internet a little research will lead you to some of the ideas.

You probably would do better without a duplicator, especially if it is a onetime project. Even if the repetitive turning is intended to be ongoing, I would still say that you would be far better off NOT using a duplicator. The few I've seen used leave surfaces that require further work, either with a gouge/skew and/or sanding. In any case, they are not really necessary.

I do a lot of repetitive spindle turning -- with a little practice you can duplicate closely freehand, have far better surfaces from the tool, and do it it in less time. Before I started doing this sort of turning, I looked at duplicators and watched at least a couple in-person demos. I finally decided that the cost greatly outweighed the limited benefits. At this point I certainly would NOT buy a duplicator.

A better option -- a good detail gouge (or two) is a far better and smaller investment which will give you far better off-the-tool results; using a skew might be even better if you learn to use one. I use detail and regular spindle gouges; I would like to learn to use a skew and have been practicing.

[William Bachtel]

I agree with Robert. You will get faster and better with each spindle you do.

[roger oldre]

https://youtu.be/5PycgbO4tK0 pretty hard to beat a GOOD duplicator. The parts are identical. Its fast. I get a good finish off the tool LOL.

[glenn charles]

Thanks to ALL of you for replying so FAST
I will be turn parts for my son (very picky) ever thing MUST be to his drawing and look a like. I am not capable of doing that I do fairly good at bowls.
Does anyone know anything about SCM Mini Max T 124 lathe duplicator. I would like to see the duplication in action Thanks

[roger oldre]

the problem I have noticed with duplicators is the way the tool is ground most of the time. too much relief and they will self feed. not enough and they don't want to cut. same goes for the cutting edge bevel.

[Gary Campbell]

Glenn...
If the Vega is too expensive, this would never be in your budget, but.... here is a peek at one of my custom projects mounted on a Jet 1642EVS2. I hope to make a smaller (read as much less expensive) version for the 1221VS by the end of the year.

https://youtu.be/4j_GFr0spSE

[Robert Henrickson]

Here is a clear description by a production turner (John Siegel) on how to turn multiple copies of spindles without a duplicator:

http://www.bigtreetools.com/articles/duplication.pdf

[glenn charles]

Thanks to all who replied
TODAY I call every Vega dealer I could fine. They all offered the same price the only difference was some would pay for shipping instate tax
I call Vega direct they gave me a Great price and out of state no tax and paid for the shipping
After I use the lathe I will post a report

Thanks again As Captain Eddy would say lets make some chips

[Don Bunce]

Here's a simple way to do duplicate tunings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYB1vWswqLk

[Bryan Cowing]

Thanks to all who replied
TODAY I call every Vega dealer I could fine. They all offered the same price the only difference was some would pay for shipping instate tax
I call Vega direct they gave me a Great price and out of state no tax and paid for the shipping
After I use the lathe I will post a report

Thanks again As Captain Eddy would say lets make some chips

I have had a Vega for 12 yrs, made a lot of turnings, up to 6x6 columns for a fireplace. Bed posts, newels, balusters. The V cutter is best, the small carbide they have, not so great. I sharpen the V cutter with my Worksharp 3000 . Using the leather strop you can put a very sharp edge on the cutter.

[glenn charles]

Thanks I am not formilla with Worksharp tools. I will look for the V bit Monday

[Bryan Cowing]

Forgot I made a video a few years ago on turning a bench leg.