Shopsmith Forums

I started building a new oak dining room table (more than a few years ago) and turned 2-1/2 legs by hand, messed up the third of the needed four. As most of you know, some projects span a few years, I’m at this point and my bride has urged me to buy the SS lathe duplicator. So what am I waiting for? Can anyone tell me of their experiences in using it?

Thank you in advance.

Ken
Mascoutah, IL

I like the sucker. However, I would strongly advise that you go to your local library, get yourself a copy of "Woodworking Wisdom," by Nick Engler and read what the author has to say about duplicating lathe turnings (page 313) before investing money in an expensive tool to complete a single project. Could be the problem was not a lack of equipment but a lack of experience. Heck, with the money you save, you can buy 2 or 3 tanks of gas.

With all good wishes,

Nick wrote:.................Heck, with the money you save, you can buy 2 or 3 tanks of gas.

With all good wishes,

Today, maybe. Tomorrow, only 1 or 2 tanks!:rolleyes:

Nick,

Thanks for the insight and the recommendation. There are more projects planned so it would be used more than once. My bride and I attended a traveling academy last year, and had a great time . She really enjoyed the bowl turning. My only fear would be having to share the SS with her as much as I do our computer.

I just attended a TA class here in Portland, Oregon. Rick Davis did not talk about the lathe duplicator, until someone asked about it. He mentioned, if you multiple kinds of turnings to do, it was a great way to go. It works along the same principle as key duplicator.

He said he didn't own one because if he is just making 4 table legs, he uses a story board.

I have the lathe duplicator and have used it to copy antique ballusters for porches for numerous people. It saves time and makes duplicating easier. For just table legs I use the lathe and not the lathe duplicator. For me lathe work used to be intimidating as I was afraid of ruining expensive wood. I have overcome that, but the lathe duplicator helped to give me confidence also. I have not used mine for years but its always there if needed.

qtndas01 wrote:I have the lathe duplicator and have used it to copy antique ballusters for porches for numerous people. It saves time and makes duplicating easier. For just table legs I use the lathe and not the lathe duplicator. For me lathe work used to be intimidating as I was afraid of ruining expensive wood. I have overcome that, but the lathe duplicator helped to give me confidence also. I have not used mine for years but its always there if needed.

I built our first table 26 years ago out of cherry and used a Sears "router crafter" to make duplicate turned spindles for the trestle table and the long rail in the benches. So having a duplicator did give confidence. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it was seriously damaged when we moved. Plus my eyes are a getting worse (I'm fighting' getting bifocals) or it's probably just me getting older.

shydragon wrote:I just attended a TA class here in Portland, Oregon. Rick Davis did not talk about the lathe duplicator, until someone asked about it. He mentioned, if you multiple kinds of turnings to do, it was a great way to go. It works along the same principle as key duplicator.

He said he didn't own one because if he is just making 4 table legs, he uses a story board.

What is a storyboard? Thanks.

timster68 wrote:What is a storyboard? Thanks.

Here is a site showing how to turn gavels. The bottom two photos on the first page show an excellent example of a story boards, and it's use. You can click on the photos to get an enlargement.
http://www.turnedtreasures.com/project. ... gavel.html

Perhaps I have been using the wrong name but these uses are what I have also called a story stick or board for years. I mostly use 1X2 strips that I mark up when installing sliding, windows, electric boxes, laying bricks and blocks so I do not need a ruler which I can misread after a few times.

timster68 wrote:What is a storyboard? Thanks.