How to Duplicate Using a Lathe

The modern wood-turning lathe makes it easy to create balanced, symmetrical and highly detailed table legs, porch spindles and craft projects. Duplicating a specific design dozens of times can be time-consuming and challenging for novice wood turners, however. Even with precise measurements and a steady hand, duplicating a design can require constant remeasuring. A lathe duplicator attachment avoids these difficulties. It runs parallel to the lathe and carves a replica by tracing the contour of the original, ensuring a professional-quality product.

Lathe
Lathe duplicator attachment
Extra bits
Calipers
Sandpaper

Instructions

- 1
  Position the master design leg or spindle in the center of the lathe, then turn on the lathe to ensure that the master spins true, without wobbling or procession. Any imbalance will result in an imperfect duplicate.
- 2
  Attach the lathe duplicator according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that the duplicator is sized for the lathe being used and can handle the minimum and maximum circumference of the leg or spindle being duplicated.
- 3
  Practice, using scrap stock when expensive or rare wood will be used for the finished product, practice on scrap stock. This will familiarize you with the duplicator and whether the bits need sharpening to turn out the edge you want. Often, duplicators' factory settings must be adjusted to conform to a project's specifications.
- 4
  Begin duplicating, working quickly and using steady, even pressure along each contour. If you pause during a cut or linger too long in one spot, the duplicator might leave a ridge or gouge the wood beyond repair.
- 5
  Complete cutting out the duplicate, then use calipers to compare the diameters of the duplicate and the master. If the measurements are within your tolerances, turn the lathe back on and sand the copy to a smooth finish.

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