Duplicating A Turned Blank

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
StanBrown

StanBrown

Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2018
Messages
90
Location
Waller,Texas
So what's the best way to precisely duplicate a blank that has already been turned? Is it just a matter of measuring and frequent use of calipers? Or is there a secret way to easily duplicate a profile?

I am wanting to be exact; close enough is not close enough.

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Can you tell us what it is you are wanting to duplicate? That might help with some answers to your questions. Note that most duplicating rigs use a fixed cutter which basically scrapes your turning to shape. This most likely will require more sanding to get the turning where you want it.
 
Last edited:
"Exact" is a very high goal, especially on an item only a few inches long and relatively little variation in diameter.

You could by trial and error develop a thin cardboard negative pattern that closely matches the existing profile, then use that to evaluate work in progress. But the cardboard will be subject to bending and wear over time. A longer lasting negative pattern would be to trace the cardboard onto a thin piece of metal, perhaps an old saw blade or a woodworking scraper blade, and file till it matches the existing pattern. But I would NOT suggest using this thin metal pattern to shape a blank turning on the lathe - that could be quite dangerous.
 
"There are duplicating lathes (or duplicating attachments for lathes). . Here is a video that may be of interest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tzKazf-vUY

If you have enough volume to justify the expense of a CNC lathe, that could be a more attractive (and more expensive) way to go."

Interesting but too complicated and expensive for my project.

"Do you need machine precision, like CNC or could you use one of these to copy the profile and then cut a template?
https://www.sealantsandtoolsdirect.c...xoCsToQAvD_BwE"

This is a good idea. I already have something similar to this. I may give that a try.

"Can you tell us what it is you are wanting to duplicate? That might help with some answers to your questions. Note that most duplicating rigs use a fixed cutter which basically scrapes your turning to shape. This most likely will require more sanding to get the turning where you want it."

Handles for measuring spoons. Each set requires one original and four duplicates.

"'Exact' is a very high goal, especially on an item only a few inches long and relatively little variation in diameter.

You could by trial and error develop a thin cardboard negative pattern that closely matches the existing profile, then use that to evaluate work in progress. But the cardboard will be subject to bending and wear over time. A longer lasting negative pattern would be to trace the cardboard onto a thin piece of metal, perhaps an old saw blade or a woodworking scraper blade, and file till it matches the existing pattern. But I would NOT suggest using this thin metal pattern to shape a blank turning on the lathe - that could be quite dangerous."

I have in the past used x-ray film for this. It is easy to cut, maintains its edge and is sturdy enough that it does not wear after being used many times. It works well but is tedious and very difficult to get a precise profile.

"Is this a one of or multiple?? If one of just use calipers. Who is actually going to know for sure. What kind of profile are you talking about?? "

One original and four duplicates. Being the unrepentant perfectionist that I am, I will know for sure. I have not yet turned the first one so I don't have a profile yet. Wanted to read these answers before I cut the furst one. Whatever method I use for duplication will have a bearing on how simple or complicated the profile turns out to be.

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. I'll let you know how it turns out (pun intended).
 
Remember you are making hand made items and not mass producing using robots or CNC machines. You need to sell your product on those basic ideas. There are usually flaws in hand made because we are human. :smile::smile:
 
As you noted, tedious and time consuming to make a profile to match a turned item. So draw out the profile first, glue to xray film or whatever and cut out, the turn all 5 to the profile.
 
donstephan said:
As you noted, tedious and time consuming to make a profile to match a turned item. So draw out the profile first, glue to xray film or whatever and cut out, the turn all 5 to the profile.
Click to expand...

Not that time consuming, Block both ends equally and run a pencil standing at 90 degrees to the profile. I done multiple ballusters for doll houses several times, when they are only 1.5 inches long, a mistake stands out like a flashlight at night. But I used that as a guide to cut plexiglas for a homemade duplicator.

For a treehouse, I turned ballusters for the stair case using the same system, these were 2x2s that 2.5 feet long. The customer brought a picture, together we turned one, then I made a pattern. Then for a couple of days I turned the rest of them. As long as the guide point moves in the same plane as the cutter and the guide stays on the profile, they will match up.

I considered these jobs as easy money, because I also charged for making the pattern and the duplicator. Half the dollars up front, the balance on completion.
 
Penultimate said:
How about a duplicator like the ones from PSI?
https://www.pennstateind.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SEARCH&q=lathe+duplicator


Sent from my iPad using Penturners.org mobile app
Click to expand...

That one is a knock of the Ankar duplicator, it was designed for miniature makers, as in small scale dollhouses. It works, but for just a onetime deal, it is easy and cheaper to make one following some plan on Google. If you want to have fun with miniatures, search "Tom Walden miniatures", warning that can be a bottomless pit. both money and time.
 
I have used a storyboard to mark my high and low points. Calipers for measuring them.
Hold the caliper behind the blank where a low point will be then turn it till the caliper or open end wrench slips over the blank, then turn your high point to match that. Do same for the lows and connect the two. The needle like profile transfer things can be somewhat helpful when you get it close. If you are the one turning the first one remember you have to make others to match it and don't make it harder on yourself than you need to. I made this sound much harder than it is to do, it is a lot easier than it seems like.
 
My sister-in-law once showed me her set of beautiful set of hand blown wine goblets. She told me she hated them because if you looked closely, each one was slightly different. Indeed they were. Dinner was later served with very ordinary wine glasses that could have come from anywhere, but at least every one was completely identical.
 
subscribed, this seems like a very interesting thread
o.png
 
I am using a Vega Duplicator.
Adjustment and setting takes tremendous effort.
It seems that you should prepare a lathe for Duplicator.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom