Templates

[Mr. Krinkle]

Originally Posted by justplugit

Mr K, how are you anchoring the plug templates to your dupe?

The templates are thru-drilled so I use the pins that come with the duplicator.

[justplugit]

Thanks.

[Rockfish9]

First I turn an original, usualy of scrap pine, I cut a piece of 1/8X2 3/4 X 10 lexan and glue a piece of graph paper to it....

[Rockfish9]

then with the duplicator in place, I install a home made hardwood tracer, if tracing an original, cover the tip with felt.... I "tune a pencil to fit my stylus, when the pencil is installed, apply SLIGHT down pressure ( too much will tear the paper) now move the hand wheel to trace the pattern..use a square to mark the ends of the plugs, also move the tracer in and out to mark , weight and hook holes...

[Rockfish9]

now using a scroll,band,jig or even a coping saw cut out your pattern, use care to make smooth exact cuts, smooth any rogh edges with sand paper... insert your template into the dupe, check that it is centered by inserting a blank into the lathe.... next remove the blank, reinstall your cutter and stylus.....reinstall your "set up" blank and adjsut your cutter, be sure to leave room for finishing the plug..

[Rockfish9]

now round out your blank, when the plug nears the size you desire, check it with a pair of calipers... once you are satified the diameter is good, continue on with your plug... sand and mark the plug using the stylus and cutter... move the cutter to one side and bring each mark around the plug...I prefer to do this by turning the lathe by hand, rather than turningon the machine...

[Rockfish9]

your finished blank should resemble the set up piece that you turned...

I'm sure there are other/better ways, but this method is quick and easy and works for me...