Replies

1. 
   ron61 | Jul 11, 2003 11:14pm | #1

   I've been looking at Vega duplicator - They look to be top quality

   http://www.vegawoodworking.com/laa.html

2. 
   Shep | Jul 12, 2003 02:26am | #2

   PNUTIII-- I have the Vega utility lathe duplicator which I used to make about 180 lft of an oak beaded moulding. It works pretty well, but does require some practice to get a feel for the tool. I would recommend it , but don't expect miracles from it. You'll still have to do a fair amount of sanding to get a decent-looking finished product. What kind of wood are you planning to make your spindles out of?

3. 
   fdampier5 | Jul 12, 2003 03:58am | #3

   I have the Vega duplicator.  I bought it to do only 220 spindales and so far I'm happy with it..  It does have a learning curve but not terribly steep and they send you a book and a video with it so some of the common mistakes/ problems are simple to understand..   I made my pattern out of a piece of aluminum rather than recopy an existing spindale   That way I could

            I did find that I sould sharpen the cutter each time I turned a spindale to ensure the best/cleanest  least sanding required..  It just takes a moment to change the cutter.    Rather than delay everything I bought ten cutters and batch shapen them..  (or will when I swing into production.. )

     Prior to that I made the mistake of buying the sears craftsman duplicator. (what can I say,   cheap appeals to me)  I'm glad they took it back.. what a POS!!!!!!!!!!!)

     A hint with the Vega,,  lube it up everyplace anything moves..  and keep it lubed.. once it wears in a bit it works much smoother and then you don't need to lube it so heavily)   according to the guy who recommended it to me..