Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Lathe duplicators - - they work ?
Pete in Holland, MI
>Guys - - Have a co-worker that builds a lot of cabinets and wants to buy a lathe, and is particularly interested in one of the duplicating attachments that are available. Any feedback on quality of the attachments and resultant quality of the turned spindles ?
Re: Lathe duplicators - - they work ?
Bill Grumbine (Kutztown PA)
>Hi Pete
Would he like to buy a very lightly used Mini Max duplicating lathe? ;-) I can set him up.
The truth of the matter is, if duplicating is something that is going to be done on occasion, or in small lots, a duplicator is probably not going to be cost effective. If he is looking at LOTS of legs, spindles, or whatever, and does not want to invest the time to become proficient by hand and eye, a duplicator can be a good idea. There are levels of duplictor quality just as there are levels of regular lathe quality. And, it is a different kind of turning. Some would say it is not really turning at all, but that is just their opinion.
I bought my Mini Max because I had a customer who wanted 60-80 table legs a month from me. Unfortunately for me, he did not regard a handshake on the deal as binding and honorable, so I am sitting here with a lathe that has no work. If you or your friend would be interested, please feel free to email me.
Bill
Re: Lathe duplicators - - they work ? *LINK*
Bryan@ Woodstock, Ontario
>I have the Vega pro 36 copier on my General lathe and recently picked up a used Mini Max T124 copy lathe. I used the Vega copier to produce 2"x2"x36" oak ballusters and 5"x5"x48" newells for the staircases in my new house. For long spindle work, under 3" diameter you will also need a good steady rest, like the Oneway , available at Lee Valley. The Mini Max has the steady rest built in, and is an extremely a heavy duty lathe for spindles, but can also do face plate work. Once set up with a pexiglass pattern or a existing part to be copied, the Mini can rough out the bedpost section in 10 minutes. Then touch up or sharpen details with lathe chisels and sand , another 10 minutes. Here is and example of bedposts done on the Mini Max, turned in 3 pieces. Finials where hand turned. The bedposts are from a "Shopsmith" plan available online and will be a bed for a 3 yr old grandaughter.
Vega duplicator examples
