I have always liked to think of my items as "one of a kind".  But the hard, cold facts are that I'm just terrible at duplicating anything and making them look the same.  

 

How does one duplicate a turned item?  Keep careful notes - jotting down thickness of wood, plate blank size, etc when starting?  Perhaps even tools used?   I do have calipers and have never used them for anything.  

 

Is there an easy way to do this?  Comments and tips would be appreciated.

 

SQ

 

 

 

 

 

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It it can't be fixed with glue and sawdust - it's not worth fixing.

There are many ways to duplicate a pen.

 

One is skill.

 

Another is to make a template with diameters marked on it.  Use calipers and a parting tool to set the diameters at crucial points, then use your gouge to "connect the dots".

 

Yet another is a duplicating jig that mounts to your lathe (if one is made that will fit).  I think Vega makes a duplicator.

 

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Semper fi
www.swearingen-turnings.com

Several ways to do it. Depending on the item, there is a duplicator you can purchase and attach to your lathe.

 

Most times you either make a profile of the item or a full scale drawing. From the drawing, you can note all of the transitions and sizes. Using a set of calipers and a parting tool or skew, you can cut in the area of the size change and then turn to that size. You can mark the two sides of a bead and the depth of the sides and just round over the bead.

 

A profile of attached just behind the turned piece will help you follow the shape and size you are turning.

 

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

Jason,

 

Thanks for the feedback.  My machine does have a duplicating machine available for things like spindles.  I've never seen a duplicator for items like bowls and plates.  Or at least none available to the average plate and bowl making woodworker.

 

Sounds like I'm going to have to introduce myself to the calipers and take some exact measurements. 

 

SQ

 

Jason Swearingen said:

There are many ways to duplicate a pen.

 

One is skill.

 

Another is to make a template with diameters marked on it.  Use calipers and a parting tool to set the diameters at crucial points, then use your gouge to "connect the dots".

 

Yet another is a duplicating jig that mounts to your lathe (if one is made that will fit).  I think Vega makes a duplicator.

 

---

Semper fi
www.swearingen-turnings.com

John,

 

Yes, grizzly does have the duplicator for the G1495 which I have.  But that's only for things like spindles, pens, etc - right? I'm looking for a lazy woman's duplicator for plates and bowls.    Know of any?  

 

SQ

 

John Moody said:

Several ways to do it. Depending on the item, there is a duplicator you can purchase and attach to your lathe.

 

Most times you either make a profile of the item or a full scale drawing. From the drawing, you can note all of the transitions and sizes. Using a set of calipers and a parting tool or skew, you can cut in the area of the size change and then turn to that size. You can mark the two sides of a bead and the depth of the sides and just round over the bead.

 

A profile of attached just behind the turned piece will help you follow the shape and size you are turning.

 

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

I don't know of one specifically for bowls and plates. There may be something out there, but mostly it is going to just be measuring, calipers and practice.

 

 

 

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

Oh, I didn't realize you were talking about a duplicator for a bowl or platter.  No, I've never heard of anything of that sort.

 

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Semper fi
www.swearingen-turnings.com

John,

I figured measuring, calipers, and practice.  Thought if there was a way, I would prefer to skip that lesson.  

 

SQ
John Moody said:

I don't know of one specifically for bowls and plates. There may be something out there, but mostly it is going to just be measuring, calipers and practice.

 

 

 

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

That was the part I was hoping to skip - the measuring/marking with calipers.  Apparently, there are no short cuts,huh?

I know those calipers are around here somewhere.    Back to my bowl!

SQ


Arlin Eastman said:

Sue

There is no duplicator out there that will do endgrain work.  What you do use is called a "Story Stick"  If the plate were 14" have a stick 16" long and mark the ends, then mark any cuts into the plate/platter/bowl into the stick with damentions until the stick tells the whole story.  However, you do have to do alot of measuring/marking with calipers.

Arlin

Full sized cross section templates.

Good idea.  

 

SQ


Lewis Kauffman said:

Full sized cross section templates.

I do like the story stick idea.  Thanks for the tip.

 

SQ


Arlin Eastman said:

Sue

There is no duplicator out there that will do endgrain work.  What you do use is called a "Story Stick"  If the plate were 14" have a stick 16" long and mark the ends, then mark any cuts into the plate/platter/bowl into the stick with damentions until the stick tells the whole story.  However, you do have to do alot of measuring/marking with calipers.

Arlin

Thanks.  Sorry you aren't feeling well.  Hope you feel better soon.

 

SQ


Arlin Eastman said:

Sue

I will take a picture of how to do it tomarrow.  I have been layed up in bed since last Friday.

Arlin