Are there any lathe duplicators that duplicate plugs that are not symmetrical about an axis of rotation? The only way I can see this working is if the template piece rotated (at the same velocity) as the lathe.

Are there any other machines that can duplicate non-symmetrical shapes like wide wobbling plugs or is the answer some version of a lathe duplicator? Any help is greatly appreciated, I am very new to this. Thanks!

-Matt

Yes, there are carving duplicators (gunstock carvers) available commercially. Guys overseas (Finns) commonly build home made versions. These use wheels linked by chains to turn your pattern and the blank simultaneously, a follower on the pattern linked to a router or dremel cutting the blank, and a screw feed to move things along. Most of their plugs are balsa.

Here are a few made by a guy in Finland

I never was aware of a carving duplicator, however it looks as if the ones I am seeing commercially would not be too ideal for carving crankbaits...as you would have to clamp the piece being carved at least twice with this machine, since crankbaits are 3D models with curvature.

Woud it be possible to modify a lathe with say a vega duplicator...modify it so that the template piece spun at the same velocity as the lathe?

Good luck finding one of those.
This is a commercial version of what I showed you. You will need the rotary device to do what you want......and a lot of money or ingenuity to boot.
Gemini Wood Carver Specifications and Pricing (http://www.wood-carver.com/unispecs.html)

Lathe speed say 1,000 rpm, template 1,000 rpm. How is the duplicator going to follow a pattern spinning at 1,000 rpm, and in PERFECT synchronization? It's impossible

Instead of the work piece turning, the cutting piece turns....sort of like a Key Cutter....

Lathe speed say 1,000 rpm, template 1,000 rpm. How is the duplicator going to follow a pattern spinning at 1,000 rpm, and in PERFECT synchronization? It's impossible

You have lower rpm's on the lathe as well as the pattern the high rpm's are on the cutter.One of these days i will post pics of one i am building.

The cutting is done with an end mill type tool as both the sample and the work piece turn.

Copy Carver Plans - shop built carving duplicator (http://fishcarver.com/wood_carving_duplicator.htm) try this out low tech but works

I think you could achieve that shape with a 4 jaw lathe chuck and some accurately sized blanks. Turn it round, move to one side, then other side, then bottom. Lot of work to make a redfin, bomber, mambo, rebel, etc., then how do you load it?
I know its not the destination, getting there is all the fun.

have you guys ever seen the one that was on tackle underground?

it had a angle grinder with a circular saw blade attached to do the cutting... thing was awesome!

Yes i have but that did not compare to some of the ones built by the Finnish lure builders.

This is the best Finnish DIY duplicator I have found in the web (http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=fi|en&u=http://www.tee-se-itse.info/artikkelit/tee-se-itse-vaappusorvi/&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhj6WvLK9aJlHuQjMmOZWXuRQSYctQ)

If you are smart enough to follow those instructions and pictures, you don't need them. :conf: