Duplicating template

[John Torchick]

My son mentioned that Norm Abrams showed how to make a template for turning multiple items as railing ballusters on a lathe. I searched the NYW using several words and combination of words; got nothing. Does anyone know where I could get similar information? Thanks.

 

[Rich L.]

John, A duplicating template is nothing more than a drawing of the proosed turning which is made full scale. For best use the drawing is mounted on any stiff stock( plywood, poster board, etc.) and then mounted behind the turning . Placed behind your turning, the template will give a visual reference to the turning. It will also allow you to take measurements directly to your work. I hope this helps. Rich

 

[KurtB]

Templates and others

Take a look in this old thread: http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/showthread.php?t=5933&highlight=duplicating+template

 

[John Torchick]

Duplicator

Thanks for the replies. We have lots of cardboard that would work for a few pieces. All I have to do is clean off the pizza sauce and cheese! Seriously, you have made some great suggestions.

 

[Joe Greiner]

Here's another link: http://www.aawforum.org/vbforum/showthread.php?t=6388

 

[john lucas]

John I have to turn a lot of exact duplicates for replacement parts for people. by exact I mean you can measure them and they are, not just close enough you can't tell the difference when they are placed a few inches apart. I use 3 techniques. One is I take a lot of measurements. I have a lot of outside calipers and a dial caliper.
I put a full size drawing of the piece, or the original right behind it. This gives me a visual reference and I can either take direct measurements or I will have them written on the drawing.
Finally, as was said above. I make a full size cardboard or even better plastic cutout of the pieces. I cut out the negative part. This way I can actually lay the cardboard piece right on top of the new part and see exactly where I need to sneak up on the shapes. I use the measurements to get the detail locations and high and low points and then the cardboard to really fine tune the curves.
I tried a method where you put a cutout of the piece behind the lathe and then put a drawing behind that. By looking over the piece you are turning and the cutout and the drawing you can get really close by eye because the 3 layers cuts out parallax errors.