To turn a perfectly shaped lamp base, decorative spindle, or table leg can bring immense satisfaction.

Turning a matching piece, however, presents a significant difficulty.

Even the most experienced and talented woodworker finds it considerably challenging to machine an exact duplicate of a specific piece.

Using the template, or pattern, included with a lathe duplicator, a woodworker can turn exact duplicates of a particular design.

The duplicator is mounted horizontally over the bed of a regular wood lathe.

One end of the lathe duplicator rail is attached to the headstock, or spindle housing, and the other is attached to the tailstock.

The headstock and tailstock of the lathe anchor the wood piece to be turned.

The lathe spindle rotates the piece so that the pre-aligned cutters can actually shape, or machine, the wood as it spins.

The toolpost and cutters are moved deeper and shallower as they travel in a precise pattern along the stock.

Four of these cutters are carbide, and the fifth is a cone cutter, which is made of steel.

The round cutter is used for initial shaping and forming graceful curves.

The diamond (shaped) cutter is best for deep grooves and intricate detail.

The versatile triangle cutter is able to handle a number of cutting operations from rough shaping to sharp corners, to deep grooves.

Its perfect for intricate cutting and machining the piece with a finished look.

The cone cutter is commonly used for duplicating more decorative pieces.

Lathe duplicators are available in a variety of sizes, configurations, and prices.

Wood Turning Lathe Duplicator