Lathe Duplicator - Copying a Chess Piece

I wanted to copy a chess set on the lathe, and developed this method which uses carbide cutting tools set in blocks. In this video I take you through the key components of this duplication method, and copy a chess bishop as an example.
Products featured:
God help you if you purchase this cheap lathe from Canadian Tire:
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WEN chuck
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Carbide Lathe Cutter - 12mm round
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Carbide Lathe Cutter - Diamond Tip
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[@gardeningdianne]

I belong to a Men's Shed in South Australia and we have just finished turning 216 spindles for 36 ships wheels. This copier would have made it much easier for us and reduced the risk of the spindles being slightly different. I can't wait to make one of your gadgets for future projects. Well done and well presented.

[@youtukang]

Hiii friend

[@VLXVNDR]

Men’s Shed is an awesome organisation 👍🏼👍🏼 Hi from Brisbane mate 👋🏼

[@gardeningdianne]

@@youtukang G'Day to you YouTukang.

[@gardeningdianne]

@@VLXVNDR I couldn't agree with you more. It is one up for Australia as we created the Men's Shed concept back in the 90's. Now it is worldwide.

[@dennisbarnes38]

Well done, an easy, quick and cheap solution for component duplication. Very well explained. Greetings to my fellow sheders from Mansfield Men's Shed in Victorian high country.

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

I asked my dad about this one time when I got a copy tool for the lathe and I was excited about it and he said to me that they dont have to be exactly the same and its good for it to look human made like there was some skill involved and even some minor flaws to give each piece its own personality.

[@user-zi7yz5gu9x]

@@user-nu3vq9ll6rю

[@Javedkhan-ox8ys]

Only a hobbyist can do it.

[@acanadianwoodworker]

Yeah you're right - if not for the human element, we would all just be 3d printers. The variations are important. I want to work my way up to that ideal

[@1965mt]

to each his own

[@woodworkingandautomation]

correct!

[@soluschristus8360]

You are just trying to make me feel better about my less than perfect lathe life. And you are doing a splendid job! Thank you for the humanity you don't edit out of your video. Peace!

[@dreunmason8315]

The small benchtop Wen lathe is doing kzbin.infoUgkxKGVtPhqZBB5AQXXFlU2kdd4mQhO6wlhl just what it was desighed to do, turn small pieces. This product is workig very well in wood and plastics, I wouldn't recommend any metal turning on it though. Overall from an old tool guy, I highly recommend this lathe as long as you realize that this is for small turning only. I bought this a few weeks ago and have noticed the price has gone from $174. to $249. Might want to get one sooner than later.

[@anthonyperry5227]

A credit to you - as well as a big thank you! This hopefully will expand my ideas of copying small objects on the lathe. It is always said that the simple ideas and notations are the best.

[@nolanhairr]

This was awesome to watch. The pieces came out amazing and your method is no doubt easier than trying to freehand an entire set.

[@thecreativepineapple7276]

Really nice comment, thank you!

[@joelcopeland3018]

Try t-track in your table to stop tipping and if you have a tool like a dremel you could use a small dremel router bit to carve out the bishop maybe... Just an idea... this is one of the coolest things I have seen... Remember the slight imperfections are what make your pieces unique thus more valuable... One of a kind...

[@Meevious]

Lining it up (especially repeatedly) can be made a lot easier by drawing lines on the table and on either side of the model jig. For the table, you can get the centre with a (plumb bob, spirit level or a) large square and use a square to continue the line. For the model jig, you can mark a squared line and use it to drill the holes by which the model is centred. Taking it further, you can make sure that each model is lined up and centred at the same distance from the inside edge of the jig and with everything in place, put a fence on the table, so that lining it up is as easy as pulling it into the fence.

[@glenwardgross366]

PLEASE! Stop sweating and worrying, because I do not need you to be in a mental institution. This is amazing/beautiful. Stop second guessing your self! What a wonderful video. I don't even have a KZbin Channel yet. Working on it thou. You just keep providing positive content. Turbo

[@hughbarned7660]

The trick to getting the replica of the same size is to adjust the lade cutter a little back from the guide following the template, this will leave sufficient material should you choose to sand the piece for a smoother finish Great work and thanks for an informative post

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

If you want to produce exact copies, you'll need to build a pantograph. Even then, you'll need two versions of every cutting tool: one with a left cutting edge and one with a right cutting edge that are mirrors of each other. This is because every cutting tool is by design prismatic so the edges at an angle to the cutting edge prevent it from cutting a curve that is tighter than said angle, in the direction of cutting. The last statement doesn't make a lot of sense unless you see it: it's easier to draw than to describe in words. You can achieve the same results as with a pantograph by modifying your existing cutting tool holders to make them attached to a base similar to the second tool's that you made for severing the piece (provided you make that base a little sturdier so it won't come flying off if the cutting tool snags somewhere). Then you'll be able to always maintain a constant angle between the cutting edge and the lathe's axle (e.g. 90 degrees). In essence you'll be making a platform (similar to a CNC machine's) that will allow you to move the cutting tool back and forth and left and right but without ever being able to rotate it. The final requirement is that you need cutting tools that are small enough to be able to cut the details desired e.g. if you wan to cut a crevice that is 1mm wide and 5mm deep, you'll obviously won't be able to do that with a cutting tool that is 5mm thick and 5mm wide.

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

Simple, elegant and effective. As you stated, with a little tweaking or, "add other levels of perfection" this is a great tool. You have made a great contribution to the world of woodworking. Stay safe be blessed.

[@simonlevett4776]

'Stay safe' ?

[@wrongfullyaccused7139]

@@simonlevett4776 : Considering he lives in the communist republic of Canada wishing him safety is good thing.

[@angelremigiocardenasgutier2422]

Excelente trabajo Estimado MAESTRO. Admiro su habilidad y destreza. Gracias por participarme y hacerme conocer este bello arte. Felicitaciones.

[@madmikemakes3056]

I think that piece came out really well despite it not being identical. It certainly looks nicer in wood than plastic. You could also drill magnets into the base as long as you have your chess squares mounted on a sheet of steel or steel plate in the chess board. Nicely done looks really good.

[@danielnavas3982]

Muy bueno, excelente el dispositivo copiador. Ahora esperamos el video de la fabricación de los caballos. Gracias por compartir, todo conocimiento que se comparte, no ser pierde.

[@FishmanEricRussell]

Love all of the gigs and templates you made! Thanks for sharing

[@luke46219]

Looks great! If it's easy to put the melamine table in the same spot each time, it might be good to draw a centerline on the melamine to line up the piece you are copying.

[@albertoortiz3574]

Great! I shall go on this for a trail, it seems great for small pieces. Thanks for the time devoted to explain the pros and cons of this. Great!!!

[@niklar55]

I have just CAD designed something very similar to this, to copy about 20 stair baluster spindles. So, it's nice to see how much my projected design corresponds with your proven design. [My one difference, so far, is that I've extended the block holding the cutter, and made a handle, like a saw handle in it.] Thanks.😊 .

[@NSSRuss]

I’m currently working on a hand turned chess set. I’d consider myself quite proficient on the lathe so I decided to do them all without using a duplicator or template, I’ve done 8 pawns so far and they aren’t all the exact same but I think that kind of adds to the hand made aspect of it. It’s also my first time trying it so as I go through them they get better and better. I like the duplicator method though.

[@aminmuhammad-dbf]

Love your improvisation. Nice explanation, was very informative. Thanks.

[@youtukang]

*ASSALAMU ALAIKUM*

[@brentscott5359]

Just purchased the same lathe yesterday. Nice to know what that little beast is capable of doing. Of course a good sportsman doesn't blame their equipment. So many projects rattling around in my head. I haven't used a lathe in over 50 years but anxious to do so. Great video.

[@acanadianwoodworker]

Yes I noticed they were on sale at CT (hoping you got it for the sale price) - enjoy!

[@brentscott5359]

@@acanadianwoodworker Yes I did. Too good a deal to pass up.

[@oobihdahboobeeboppah]

I think I can sum it all up with one word: Awesome. One idea would be to hollow out with your drill press the base of the pieces a little bit and just pour in steel shot from a container of BB's from a sports store. Fill in with epoxy and you're all set. I was really interested to see how you would make the knight because that obviously has to be done differently. I suppose making a mold from which it could be made from epoxy. Regarding the slant in the bishops hat, that could be done probably with a band saw. I have a lathe that is still in the box, and though my thoughts of grandeur had me all over the map of what to do with that, you've given me ideas that working with smaller pieces like this is probably where my niche lies. Thank you very much for the excellent tutorial!

[@pathardage1880]

Scathingly workable. You have set me forward six or seven years. Thank you.

[@terry2346]

Really nice Jig and I can see using it for the chess set I want to make.! Made one by hand but it was a great deal of difficulty getting consistent looks for the pieces! My suggestion for the bishop is either leave out the notch or just make an angled guide for cutting them with a handsaw. Also using small 1/4 inch washers gave them a nice bit of weight and then I glued the washers in with Epoxy to the bottom recess I drilled and , at the same time, added the felt bottoms and the Epoxy held them quite nicely.

[@billh9643]

Well thought out. I am impressed. This solves many problems.

[@matthewwysocki5019]

Ingenious! I’m about to start making chess pieces and was thinking through how to replicate the sculptures. Thank for sharing your insights. Blessings!

[@kanaka2010]

This is really a cool thing to have for replicating a lot of pieces. For the notch in the bishop, id get a set of needle files or dremel with the small diamond heads. Nice work.

[@migalito1955]

Nice. Well done. I often thought about sculpturing a complete set of chess pieces and always set the idea aside not sure if casting or turning was a method of choice. I do have a lathe now. It's a bit big by being a Shopsmith but you demonstrated its doable. I'd probably leave the slot in the Bishops hat off my piece. It's a difficult operation to achieve once turned and it needs not be identical. The Knight will take a bit of hand carving. Good thing there are but four.

[@user-eu1vz3qc6z]

Everything was going so well until I was accosted by a purple giraffe.

[@robertmihalyfi4901]

My family has an old chess set. Some pieces are missing. In my childhood I often watched my father, and mother playing with it. My father passed away last year. I want to copy the set for me and my two brothers as a gift. But I did not know how to do it. You just showed me the solution. Than you!

[@thecreativepineapple7276]

I am truly glad I could be of help to you! Thank you for posting your touching story, and I'm sure the set you turn is going to be incredible!

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Very clever and simple copying implementation. Something I need to try :-)

[@TReischl1]

This is similar to a product produced by an Australian guy to freehand turn metal objects. It is called the "Turnado". I think you could pick up a few fine tuning ideas from his design. That said, I think your execution of the idea is excellent. Well done, sir!

[@acanadianwoodworker]

Amazing, I'm going to look that up. Thank you!

[@paulossiter]

i was thinking the same thing. The Turnado is very well thought out

[@stevearehart313]

It’s a total ripoff of the turnado system!

[@solochristo65]

Your piece blows the original away!!! This is amazingly skillful

[@TheOtherGuybo]

Excellent system. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@RenotSemaj]

You've done a very good job. I think that your slight variations between pieces adds to the value. they are hand made pieces the variations just prove that they are not a product of CNC or similar. They are great be proud

[@The.Sun-Rise]

An ingenious solution, thanks for the idea!

[@jacobburdette77]

Looks like your jig is slightly off. But man that's a dang good idea. That's really impressive. I'm a machinist by trade and I love seeing ppl come up with ideas like that to duplicate their work. Really nice job

[@DanaOredson]

I've been trying to design a copy system in my head, but I might try to duplicate yours. Maybe can add some kind of rail system with a screw or two to keep things at an exact depth. I don't know, but I'll try what you have so far.

[@rojerjula5824]

I sorta imported your ideas on the base build and the using of carbide cutter heads onto my lower grade wood lathe, and things seem to be working wonderfully. The next step I would do is to upgrade my spindle head for my lathe. I greatly appreciate your sharing sir!

[@acanadianwoodworker]

I'm really happy the video helped! That's honestly the main reason I do the videos, to try to add to the overall knowledge pool. Thanks for the comment & for watching!

[@AzmatAli-ht1rz]

Its quite helpful for those who really wish to learn Lathe jobs.Thanks for the nice upload, watching from Pakistan.

[@BernhardHofmann]

I used to feel the same way as you, then I changed my opinion and now feel that making each piece individual and unique makes a hand made set that much more appealing and something worth cherishing. Nevertheless, this is an interesting technique and jig.

[@youtukang]

😊👍

[@tomasgonzalez4819]

Great video. Concerning the slit, you could first cut it into the stock itself before shaping it. Of course chip out and splitting now becomes a major concern. Alternatively, you can make a clamping jig that lets you run the shaped form along the table saw. It could be as simple as splitting the 12 mm stock in half, carving out the appropriate recesses for holding the top and bottom of the bishop, clamping it all together, laying it on its side, setting the blade angle, adjusting the fence, and making a pass... _et voila._ Just a thought 🤔

[@SurenAghabekyan]

good job, the same technique of copying keys works in here as well..

[@sanfire00]

Great ideas... I think the diamond shaped blade needs also a diamond shaped follower. Maybe even a very fine cutter for the details as a third step...

[@iamwhoiam4410]

Set your tracing stylus in further that your cutter. After you turn your item down until it stops cutting take a measurement. Setting the cutting and tracing stylus even with each other can cause it not to turn true to the template. I've been using a handheld duplicator since the early 90's and this is how I get an exact copy of the template. You've designed a fine duplicator and thanks for sharing the video.

[@denisbrisbane456]

Great video and such a simple idea thanks, might try something like this on my metal lathe

[@jamesmoody562]

Ok a good idea. I have some suggestions to maybe help you. Sorry if they have already been said but I'm looking from an engineers perspective. To get a true copy your cutting tool shape must match the form follower exactly. you mention the rotation dragging/snatching the cutting tool. How about elevating the copy platform, this allows you you extent the toolholder base (the edge under the follower) forward to counter the forces. you could also set the copy platform further back. As long as the same offset is used on the follower to tool edge as machine centre to form centre it should not matter. It will also give it a bit more weight allowing more control. Lastly to combat the waste and dust problems connect the vacuum cleaner hose to the tool post, you have quite a solid block of wood. stick a hole in it and add a nozzle directly under the cutting tool. I might not catch it all but should help.

[@michelricher8718]

Just what I was looking for! Thanks, it will help me greatly

[@johns9543]

For the cut in the top if you haven't already done it you can make a small mitre box jig, drill a hole in the bottom for it to rest in

[@-romaric1419]

I prefer the copy, much more beautiful ! Thx for tips i will do the same Greatings from France

[@gotoforwoodworkers672]

I think your design is very logical, good job!

[@fukkayuu]

Of course it is. He stole the idea from a machine that's been used for decades to copy.

[@waltergianetti530]

Muito bom o seu trabalho! Parabéns .

[@Sig.Valter]

👍🏼Just ingenious solutions. Thanks for sharing ☀️🙏

[@youtukang]

😊😊👍

[@VLXVNDR]

Maybe the plastic joint makes the thickness different?? The timber piece doesn’t have that joint as it’s one piece. Great work!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@MrPeterPanos]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video, thank you for sharing your know how!

[@richardleveson6467]

Really nice, careful work. Possibly keeping the tool shaft perpendicular to the rotation axis at all times would improve the accuracy. Admittedly this is darned difficult to do but maybe you could use your set square to maintain the perpendicular - and having an assistant to oversee this might help. But it's a pleasure to watch you at work - and thank you for an excellent video.

[@faustdj7878]

Awesome and creative idea - love it!

[@chitwazingambi9003]

You did just great love the simplicity ❤

[@graemeross4383]

Came across your video and I must say that I'm very impressed by what you have done with your POS lathe, by the way I have the same lathe and was thinking of making some sort of a platform to reproduce a way to repeat / duplicate the same item over and over - you have solved the problem for anyone that has a mini lathe. I also have a big floor model wood lathe that I do a lot of turning of table legs and as small as chess players.

[@acanadianwoodworker]

Haha you're absolutely right, it is a POS. I've broken almost every part on it, the headstock collapsed and I had to rebuild it, the live center is completely destroyed, etc. But its 150.00 CAD so I can't really complain. Its funny I've never even seen a better lathe in person, let alone used one. I'm sure a proper professional lathe is a revelation as far as quality and solid-ness.

[@woodstoney]

I noticed during your turning process that you were swinging or sort of sweeping the cutter which affects the angle of depth whereas I feel the cutter tool needs to be completely perpendicular to the piece being cut and followed. Just my $.02. Great instructional video. Thanks!

[@christianlidborg1747]

Agree

[@RPSchonherr]

We had a lathe in the woodshoop class when I was in High school. It had a duplicator. Now I wish I had spent time using it so I knew the basics of how it worked and could do it on my lathe now.

[@mlong1958]

Put a magnet in the base. Then you could have a metal sheet under the top layer of the chess board. And if the chessboard has drawers for the pieces, you can have a metal strip to hold them in place while they are in the drawer.

[@noelgreen9381]

Excellent work. Could the reason it came out a bit thinner be that you were turning slightly sideways with the slider. When sideways it tends to cut closer to centre. Wonderful to watch.

[@user-er7fw7og4c]

Мне очень понравилось.Отличная работа.Вам Здоровья.Спасибо.

[@just-dl]

Another thought....steel bars from the original piece base into the vase of your moving tools. Fixed on the original side. Wide slots on the tool side. Solely to hold the tool down. Maybe a piec that captures the rods and and wraps around the foundation to also help the piece stay flat. Got another idea but I can’t think how to describe it. Roughly tool and original are on guide bars that slide toward each other. Big spring(s) push(es) them apart. Tool is riding a sliding dovetail left and right. Keeps the tools 90* to the work. Allows left/right motion. Should help with keeping the tool from lifting in the middle. The piece the tool is riding on can be clamped to the back the table. Keeps it from lifting in the back. I’ve got a picture in my head. Wish I could click “share....”

[@paulinhomartins581]

Parabens , excelente ideia! Gostaria do passo a passo!

[@LuisTL44]

Awesome you really answered a lot of questions for me thanks

[@ZeroOneInfinity]

Respect to anyone who can make a chess piece, not to mention a chess set!

[@rsz90182]

Wow works great and very simple design.

[@lucascardosoart3216]

sensational work, wonderful technique, I am fascinated with the game of chess I made my first chess by hand, with a broom handle, and I always wanted to know how they do it on the lathe, thank you

[@arnauabraham]

nice workshop, clean and tidy

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

Excellent. I have an upcoming use for a system like this - I need to make handles for a set of 8 chisel irons.

[@bozz104]

Fantastic work! I'm wondering if you'd be able to do a video showing how you secured the cutting tools into place?

[@derekpeterson8005]

Thank you for sharing your time and talent

[@GeekItalian]

Do you have the plans available for download/purchase? I often have to replicate pieces for my customers. Beautiful work and great idea!

[@joachim9043]

Super Tool. Das muss ich mir nachbauen um Holzzierteile von alten Uhren zu kopieren 👍👍👍👍

[@sylvainmagne158]

You have a very good diction. We understand every word you say.

[@jpkatz1435]

Love your "home shop" engineering.

[@robykaufman1618]

To make the notch you may be able to add a jig that holds a dremel tool with a cutting disc and cut the slot while it is still mounted on the lathe.

[@TheSGBrown]

Brilliant! A 'duplicarver' for the lathe.

[@acanadianwoodworker]

Good name for the system!

[@AussieDonkeyDan]

You have a fantastic idea there and I fully intend to copy what you are doing and try it for myself, So Thanks. I suggest You mark a grid on your board or perhaps a slidding square so you keep the profile follower and tool at as close to 90' to the job as possible and I (Think) you will get a better copy. Or maybe if the follower and the tool are the exact same width and shape? Also you/we could try putting the original on a small bridge to allow the cutter holder to have an extended fore foot that slides under the original and makes it impossible for the tool to bite and tip forward.

[@ndeco2]

Good work man, and very, very clean workshop. Mine is like a cave :)

[@GENcELL2014]

For the rougher you could have it offset behind the follower by .2mm for example, leaving only .2mm of material for the finishing tool.

[@VoudouLounge]

Awesome work my friend 💯

[@rollmodelbjj]

Genius!! Can’t wait to try this Thanks

[@-mejor-que-nostradamus-6152]

I Just Invented A Machine All Is Because Of You So We Donot Need An 3D Printer Anymore And We Donot Need A Metal Milling Machine, I Just Patented it. Amén.

[@henrysscrollsawworks6917]

I just run across your videos and saw your set up I would like to build something similar for pen turning

[@ninoarche8514]

Muchas gracias. Excelente video. Saludos desde Argentina.

[@robertjones1730]

All in all, great stuff, I'd recommend not roughing out the base before finish detailing the top. It flexes a lot less and maybe you get finer details. Ideally the best case is using a live center too

[@pauldejesus9644]

NICE WORK AND VIDEO

[@SprFr33k]

I'm sure by now you've sorted this all out but when looking at your rig to cut the base off, the part that rests against the side of the whole base rig, I'd make it an upside down L-shape to keep it flush with the top and the side at the same time. Also for the cutting of the bishop notch, have you ever seen a Fractal clamp? They are bonkers cool and can clamp just about anything regardless of shape. The you can just cut into it with a had saw or similar. Other option would be to build a holder for the piece that is the inverse shape of the piece that would allow you to cut with a band saw or something. Just ideas that I'm guessing you might have sorted by now but wanted to share.

[@russellwaite5874]

I just HAD to google that fractal clamp, never heard of one but having seen the images , , WOW . I've learned something new. Thanks.

[@user-ch3cn9kb6v]

Молодец! Хорошая реализация. Многие не знают, как изготовить простейший копир. Привет из России! Лайк и подписка!)

[@noelgreen9381]

You can drill a hole in the bottom of the blank to get the hole for the weight. Makes parting off easier as well.

[@AgnaktoreX]

Awesome and inspiring

[@Sanya_Schulc]

Супер, идея хорошая, спасибо. Удачи

[@josemiguelplanton4613]

Thanks for your idea. Now I have the solution.

[@joetkeshub]

I see that you have 9.99K subscribers. I hope I'll be the 10,000th... Great channel and interesting posts and tips. Thank you!

[@ferrancanteromarquez1634]

Muy buen copiador, espectacular. Donde se puede conseguir uno igual o los planos para hacerlo? Gracias!!!

[@avih7311]

Very clever and useful jigs and techniques - I think the reason you didn't get the full profile is that your follower is too thick to follow the narrow indentations. Really nice. BTW the fact the pieces are not exact copies actually adds that je ne sais quoi of hand made and not machine assembly line exactens.