XLR8N- I made a copy lathe back in the 80's, before digital cameras, so don't have any pics - had trouble with money (wife) and finding suitable cutters, would be easy now. pete
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Down HERE, we have to think outside the box.
Heres a peek at one we've been working on.
This prototype was made simply for proof of concept, it has many flaws & it's quite dangerous, please dont attempt.
Once we're happy with the design, we'll make it available here.
Our prerequisites were that the materials be readily available, affordable & be able to build & use in a small shop.
Feedback welcomed.
That falls right into that group of "toys" that Mom said I'm not to play with... That is a cool tool to watch; any idea how long before I can get one at the local Tackle-R-Us store?
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Bruce
To fish or not to fish, that is the question... See you on the lake, I'm out'a here!!!
Red- strait away, that blade looks ' the goods', I used a router and always had trouble with the cutting bit rotation and direction of travel, it always gave a too rough a finish.. great video and keep us up to date on that thing, they mesmerize me.
John - this is a good demo of how they basically work. LaPala posted some movies of the 'Rapala' factory tour, which gave a brief insight into the copy lathes they use. If you get to see it, you will notice they use square stock, which can be held in a square chuck, so as a lure is cut and discarded, the stock is continually fed into the machine - very simple to make and this part on mine worked O.K. I made mine with a couple of bought bearings, a router and assorted motors, chains and junk I had on hand, just for such an occasion- It did not cost much but time.
Every time I get a glimpse (don't see too many) of one, I wish I had kept at it with mine. Pete
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Down HERE, we have to think outside the box.
Last edited by hazmail; March 28th, 2008 at 06:02 AM.
Red- the original copy lathe I saw was a leftover, WW2 machine, made to carve rifle butts (303), it had a bed, as big as a small bedroom, and had a cutting head similar to this, but the teeth were about 2" inches across, evil bit of machinery, never saw it working though - If you know a gun manufacturer (or cricket bats), it would be well worth a look, to see how it all works. pete Pro-4 Woodcarver
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Down HERE, we have to think outside the box.
