Copy machine

[Dave Bagwill]

Attempted to copy-carve a bridge out of some 1/2" mdf; mixed results, but I know what happened. I've solved that and will take another shot in the morning - when I say 'shot', I'm referring to 'having another go at it' - a shot of booze right before I turn on a blade rotating about a billion times a second, might not be the best idea....

[Kevin in California]

Okay give us some pics if you can

[Dave Bagwill]

Can and will.

First gotta figure out how to attach that smooth metal 'follower' to the end of a rod or dowel so's I can follow around the piece to be copied, while the burry thing does it's job.
Any ideas?

[Dave Bagwill]

I've used a 1/4" - 20 screw as a stylus to follow the original piece, and a 1/4" straight router bit to do the cutting.

With the above photo, each piece is 3/4", except the cutter which is .01" oversize, to give a surface for sanding

In any case, what do you think is being used to hold the 'stylus' in this pic? Is that a chuck from a drill press?

[Kevin in California]

It sure does look like a drill chuck.
Those either have a Morse taper on them or screw on with female threads, what you'd find on a drill motor,

[Dave Bagwill]

Kevin - just sent you an email.

[John Parchem]

I wonder if you can tap the shaft of a chuck with a 1/4 hex adapter. They are easy to find.

http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/mil ... CADEVICE=c