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Duplicators are attached to the
woodturning lathe to provide similar cutting control and freedom, like the
freehand and normal turning operation. In turn, it creates an exact replica of
the shape, curves, angle, inner contours and even bowls present in another wood
piece. This device allows the pattern to be placed at the same vertical centre
point as the work piece or the wood. It is usually placed above the wood, rather
than on the side or below the wood, making the lathe's full swing possible.
This attachment has a carriage or bed that brings the tool and the tracer against the wood as well as the pattern. The carriage usually has three parts, and each of them allow for the movements of the tracer and the tool along the centreline of the lathe (both laterally and longitudinally).
Rotationally, it moves perpendicular to both longitudinal and lateral directions. Thus, there is a handle that allows total manipulation imitating the freehand cutting motion. There are carriages on the centre and sides of the lathe. The idea is to completely duplicate the inside contours (like a bowl's shape).
In most cases, the duplicators depend on the pattern templates. They are usually placed below the wood, or right between the bed of the lathe and the work piece. There are specific templates for flat, bowl and face plate. They often have numbers as indicators to the patterns. Also, tracers have numbers and each number signifies a design, so combining them will result in elaborate forms or shapes.
The purpose of woodturning duplicators is to copy certain patterns. Through this, the woodworker will save time and effort, thereby increasing product quantity. Hence, the duplicators are widely used in larger scale wood or furniture enterprises. However, hobbyists can still make use of them as long as they are willing to pay the price.
Note: You can view a
bigger version of the wood turned items by placing your mouse curser on the
image and click. A new window will open with the larger image. When finished
viewing, just close the window and come back here to view the others.
Colour and markings may differ in
appearance slightly in your finished turning from the one's shown in the photo's
depending on wood used at the time they are turned. Each item is handcrafted
individually, so slight variances should be expected especially if ordering more
than one item. The sizes listed are approximate. They may be a couple of
millimetres taller, longer, wider or little shorter, etc.
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