Ake's got a duplicator...

[Ake G]

And after I broke it in this past weekend, I don't know how I got along without one!

Truth is, I can crank out the two shapes I know how to make freehand w/o a template by eye and they're close enough but with my Vega I have a perfect copy in less than 5 minutes! And it's fun to use.

Going to help out immensely w/swimmers where consistent size/shape is most critical. More time for finish work and to maybe branch out from my three basic color schemes.

I will not be short on plugs next season. More later....

[saltyric]

Ake- I got a question for you. i set up a vega as well, but it seems no matter how many times I make a pass, it takes off more material? have you had any issues like that? Thx

[Rockfish9]

Originally Posted by saltyric

Ake- I got a question for you. i set up a vega as well, but it seems no matter how many times I make a pass, it takes off more material? have you had any issues like that? Thx

This should not be happening... first, is the duplicator set up properly?

Did you center the head and tail stock with the cutter?Did you set the height of the cutter? is everything tight? Is the work piece securely held between the headstock and the tail stock? If the answer is yes, you need to check the run out of the headstock and or the tail stock, if all is well with the duplicator and it is set up correctly, there has to be movement somewhere, and that movement would have to come from your lathe itself... double check everything.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Check the nut that keeps the tool arm in place, keeps it from sliding forward and backwards....its probably loose, figured that one out the hard way as the same thing was happening to me

[Ake G]

Maybe the cutter shaft is binding up? Try tightening/increase tension on the spring on the left side of the carriage (to the left of the red control handle) that controls depth of cut.

Is your workpiece centered on the lathe? Is your template or original locked -in tightly?

[Charleston]

If you are getting that condition your are experiencing what is known as "tool deflection" You are probably too high above the centerline with your tool. When you make a pass the wood is "deflecting" the duplicator backwards slightly.
Once you have everything on center you should be fine.
BTW the same condition can exist when you have a dull tool. Also, something else to check for; On the duplicator carraige there are 4 setscrews with retaining nuts on them. I have seen instances where one has backed out slightly. This will allow the carraige to pivot back and forth. This will cause the condition that you describe. Adjust the screws so they exert even pressure on the nylon gib glides. Elliminate the wobble and you will see an immediate diffence .

I think I'll open a shop and call it Jiffy-Dup

[saltyric]

I know the tail and center are aligned. I'm fairly certain the tool height is right on as well. I think part of the problem is I am using a plug made of suger pine as a pattern. Tonight I noticed "flats spots" running along the pattern where the duplicator "follower" comes in contact.......maybe I am pressing too hard?

[The Dad Fisherman]

Make a pattern out of plexi-glass instead of out of wood

[Charleston]

Originally Posted by saltyric

I know the tail and center are aligned. I'm fairly certain the tool height is right on as well. I think part of the problem is I am using a plug made of suger pine as a pattern. Tonight I noticed "flats spots" running along the pattern where the duplicator "follower" comes in contact.......maybe I am pressing too hard?

That condition exits with allot of patterns. However, once you have made the flat spot it should not continue to cause the problem. Unless you are turning the pattern each time. When I have a pattern in softer wood I give it a coat of epoxy.

Questions;
What is your spindle speed? RPM's
How much are you taking off with each pass?
Are the mounting posts on the duplicator tight?

Try this; Turn your stylus so you have the larger diameter agains your pattern. Turn until the tool removes no more material. Now flip the stylus over and follow the pattern with the smaller diameter. This is how the dup is intended to be used! Not many guys do it but that is the design theory. See if you may be crowding the work slightly.

Good luck!

[JFigliuolo]

Originally Posted by Ake G

And after I broke it in this past weekend, I don't know how I got along without one!

Truth is, I can crank out the two shapes I know how to make freehand w/o a template by eye and they're close enough but with my Vega I have a perfect copy in less than 5 minutes! And it's fun to use.

Going to help out immensely w/swimmers where consistent size/shape is most critical. More time for finish work and to maybe branch out from my three basic color schemes.

I will not be short on plugs next season. More later....

Nice, so when should I expect my spook???