Dupilcates
Similars
When I started turning I let everyone know that they were getting one of a kind. Each bowl, pot or even pen was unique.
I slowly began to make things that were supposed to be exactly alike. First I made a couple of bobbins for a weaver.
Let me tell you, this is a lot harder than 'one off' work. Things are measured and then drawn out and then marked at the lathe and then cut--and wouldn't it be easier to just get one of those duplicating jigs for the lathe? Well, the answer for the finials and spindles I've done so far is no. Duplicating jig can't follow the ins and outs, or even cut clean. If I were making 50 dowels, yes a duplicating jig would be just the ticket. But I'm not.
Clock finials.
I had a guy come to me with two different finials. He collects, repairs and trades clocks. He had the walnut to make them from--balusters from an 1870 house. So I started turning copies for him.
First I drew the finial out on paper.
Then I took it to the lathe and started turning.
The balusters that were left over are in the background.
The next big project was making spindles for screen doors.
The easiest thing to do was to go buy the spindles. I would have done this but the ones I found were to large or to small. I drew out my picture.
The spindle at the top is one I could have bought. Too big. After I made the first spindle I changed the design. I am half way through making them.
As you can see they are all similar.