duplicator advice

[Russianwolf]

I've been asked to make some replacement pieces that need to be pretty spot on in terms of duplication. If I take the job, I'll need to get a duplicator to use on my Griz. Looking around, I know Vega is the best, but also the most expensive, as I don't know how much I'll be using the dup after this project I can't see spending the premium for it. So does anyone know if these duplicators are any good?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Wood-Lathe-Copi...14&_trkparms=72:1207|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318

 

[Sylvanite]

I have a duplicator - and don't use it. I found that while it was ok for roughing-in a piece, it left a surface that I still had to clean up manually. The duplicator did a great job of rounding square blanks, but otherwise got in the way and I eventually removed it.

If you cut out the profile you need to turn on a piece of cardboard, it isn't that hard to duplicate that on your turning without mechanical assistance. I'd suggest trying that before forking out the money for a duplicator.

Regards,
Eric

 

[Fred]

I also would definitely advise you to try the pattern making that Eric is talking about first. Just take your time and use calipers and such quite often as you cut down to the pattern!

Even for a one time use the price of the unit in your post is $109 plus the $35 for HIS. That to me is a steep cost for something that will not be used all that much. If you do increase your business by offering duplication services, then go the extra expense and buy the best you can afford. Service and dependability come with a price, but that is quite often off-set by the time saved overall.

Good luck with the job! At least I hope you can charge enough to cover the cost of the duplicator. Then, every thing else is money in the bank.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Heed what Sylvanite said. Real duplicating involves a powered cutter. That won't be a $100.00 add-on.
Depending on how many pieces you are being asked to do, either decline the project or look for a professional company to contract the job out to.
I was once asked to do some large finials, about 2 1/2" dia. X 6" high. A company that bid wanted $28.00 each to duplicate. That's just one experience or example.
Customer declined and that was just fine with me.