parallel etching lathe

[Tom Schottle]

I was recently asked what a parallel etching lathe was and if I knew anyone who had one. Never heard of one so I'm wondering if anyone out there could enlighten me. Google wasn't much help. Thanks, Tom

 

[jffink]

I did a Google search, and the only two hits that came up each described a "parallel etching lathe" as a carving duplicator such as is found at this site: http://www.wood-carver.com/

I can't imagine why anyone would call this a lathe.

Regards, John

 

[MichaelMouse]

Perhaps something like the old discontinued Sears Router-Crafter? Here's one similar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3woGrOdNK0

Or maybe they're referring to a fluting jig for a regular old lathe. http://www.cumberlandwoodturners.com/PDF Files/fluting_jig_for_the_lathe.pdf

 

[Joe Greiner]

Blanchard lathe

I've never heard of it called a "parallel etching lathe," but Thomas Blanchard invented a duplicating lathe in 1822 at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. Read about it (and some other machines) here: http://www.nps.gov/spar/historyculture/machines.htm

Or just Google [blanchard lathe].

In addition to gunstocks, such lathes are used for wood golf club heads and smoking pipes; wooden shoes, too.

 

[john lucas]

The fluting jig PDF didn't work. Try this one.
http://www.cumberlandwoodturners.com/PDF Files/Spindle Fluting.pdf
Our newsletter editor is redoing the website. I promised him some more articles and tips so i guess I'd better get on the ball and do it.
Here's how I do it on the lathe. I think if you used a V cutter and just make lines you could almost call it etching.

 

[Bill Boehme]

... Or maybe they're referring to a fluting jig for a regular old lathe. http://www.cumberlandwoodturners.com/PDF%20Files/fluting_jig_for_the_lathe.pdf

There is an error in the link -- it should be http://www.cumberlandwoodturners.com/PDF Files/fluting_jig_for_the_lathe.pdf