Wood lathe copy attachment

[benupton]

Hi,
Wondering if anyone has used one of these?
Catalogue - Woodturning - Lathe Copy Attachments (http://www.timbecon.com.au/products/lathe-copy-attachments-376_0.aspx)
Copy Attachment - SCA-900
Wondering how well they work? How long do they last? and how easy to use are they?
Merry Christmas
Thanks Ben

[RETIRED]

A waste of time, energy, effort and money.

Notice in the illustration that the turning doesn't match the template?

They leave a rough finish. They take a while to set up. Even when set up are still prone to mistakes. They don't like detail and tend to round it out.

You would be far better off learning to copy by hand and eye.

[benupton]

A waste of time, energy, effort and money.

Notice in the illustration that the turning doesn't match the template?

They leave a rough finish. They take a while to set up. Even when set up are still prone to mistakes. They don't like detail and tend to round it out.

You would be far better off learning to copy by hand and eye.

Yea I did notice that. Thanks

[joe greiner]

Here's an assistant to hand and eye: http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/visual-calipers-102822/

Cheers,
Joe

[manofaus]

hello, just a question I was going to ask. Although I was after a copying attachment for face turning.
I have used a copying attachment for a metal lathe and you are correct that the pattern does not show true form. The problem lies in the fact that the stylus is not the same shape as the cutting tool and therefore you need to make the pattern include the difference to create the copied job. Also for the stylus to move on the pattern you need to allow for less discrete changes in direction.

BTW I need about 30 corner blocks turned for my new house.. Any ideas?

(corner blocks sit on top corners of architraves around your federation styled doorway)

[issatree]

Hi Bupton.
As said, waste of money.
I have seen the Woodfast in action, but at $350+, I would invest in some Classes & learn to do them by hand. It's the age old thing. The more you do the better you get.
Being in Melb. Vic there are numerous Clubs around, & you can learn Turning from them.
My guess would be that they will not be going again till Feb, 2012.
Just Google, " Woodwork Clubs, Vic. " & you are bound to find one near you.

[joe greiner]

hello, just a question I was going to ask. Although I was after a copying attachment for face turning.
I have used a copying attachment for a metal lathe and you are correct that the pattern does not show true form. The problem lies in the fact that the stylus is not the same shape as the cutting tool and therefore you need to make the pattern include the difference to create the copied job. Also for the stylus to move on the pattern you need to allow for less discrete changes in direction.

BTW I need about 30 corner blocks turned for my new house.. Any ideas?

(corner blocks sit on top corners of architraves around your federation styled doorway)
1. Make the stylus the same shape as the cutter.

2. Your "corner blocks" are also called "rosettes." If you're not too picky about the style, consider stock rosette cutters, like these: Grizzly.com (http://www.grizzly.com/search/search.aspx?q=rosette%20cutter&cachebuster=9828086509260326)

or these: Rosette Cutters : CARBA-TEC (http://www.carbatec.com.au/rosette-cutters_c9272)

Cheers,
Joe