I have been looking at a few different stock duplicators and was looking for a few opinions or advise on what one to buy. I have looked at the Gemini, Terrco, Dakota, Hoenig, and Radarcarve. So far I like the looks of the Gemini due to the fact it has a brake system to help dampen or control the router while cutting. They are 5-7000 grand depending on the options and that is defiantly at the upper end of what I want to spend. If anyone is using any of these of another brand please let me know what you think of them. I am sure used ones are hard to come by but if you guys know of anything please let me know.
stock duplicator
- Thread starter brad555
- Start date
Yup. Gemini uses 2" round tube and 2" square tube. Not very expensive metal, certainly not several thousand dollars worth. Linear bearings on ebay can easily be had for under $100 for the pair. But for people that want something ready to go, then I guess you have to pay what the price is.
Made a fuew stocks on a Terrco. would advise against this one ,unless you intend on spending more time and money beefing it up. Am in the process of building one in the Gemini style but more ridgit. building your own is the way to go.
Terrco
I have to agree with this. The Terrco is an acceptable machine for doing smaller items like Duck Decoys and such, but trying to do longer items like gun stocks is a pain in the posterior. I had one back in the mid-80s, and wrestled with if for a year or so.
I am in the process of building one right now. The steel costs so far has been less than $100, and while Linear Bearings and cold rolled steel rod is one way to go, I am experimenting with the use of roller bearings, and angle iron. Since I am a Welder, and have a good selection of metal working machinery in my workshop, I can do the work myself. I also do a bit of scrounging at the metal scrap yards which helps. The use of a Router cuts down the cost of expensive cutting tools. I am projecting a total cost of this duplicator of less than $300.
If you go the do-it-yourself route, I would advise making the frame as heavy as you can. And then anchor it to the floor. This will cut down vibration a lot, and contribute to dimensional accuracy of the stocks you make.
Also, a band saw is almost a must. It not only saves wood, but cuts down on the work time and effort to build stocks. Some 1/8 inch plexiglass will provide patterns that you can take with you to your wood supplier, and you can lay them out on top of the board to get an idea of what the grain will look like. Also, buy boards long enough thay you can get TWO gun stocks out of it, by flipping the pattern and reversing it. With the band saw, you should have enough wood left over for pistol grips, knife handles, and other things.
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I have to agree with this. The Terrco is an acceptable machine for doing smaller items like Duck Decoys and such, but trying to do longer items like gun stocks is a pain in the posterior. I had one back in the mid-80s, and wrestled with if for a year or so.
I am in the process of building one right now. The steel costs so far has been less than $100, and while Linear Bearings and cold rolled steel rod is one way to go, I am experimenting with the use of roller bearings, and angle iron. Since I am a Welder, and have a good selection of metal working machinery in my workshop, I can do the work myself. I also do a bit of scrounging at the metal scrap yards which helps. The use of a Router cuts down the cost of expensive cutting tools. I am projecting a total cost of this duplicator of less than $300.
If you go the do-it-yourself route, I would advise making the frame as heavy as you can. And then anchor it to the floor. This will cut down vibration a lot, and contribute to dimensional accuracy of the stocks you make.
Also, a band saw is almost a must. It not only saves wood, but cuts down on the work time and effort to build stocks. Some 1/8 inch plexiglass will provide patterns that you can take with you to your wood supplier, and you can lay them out on top of the board to get an idea of what the grain will look like. Also, buy boards long enough thay you can get TWO gun stocks out of it, by flipping the pattern and reversing it. With the band saw, you should have enough wood left over for pistol grips, knife handles, and other things.
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TERMINATOR101CA
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- TORONTO, CANADA
Anyone have pictures of their work in progress or drawings ??
I was looking to make one also and the 2" tubes you need is called dom tubbing [drawn over mandrel] $90 for 2 pieces .
After looking at the video of the guy using the gemini machine and seeing the inletting I think it does not do a very good job,also the sanding involved to remove the router marks seems like a chore.
I think I will keep carving them by hand and inlett in the mill , carving the outside of the stock for me is about 4 hours work with less sanding inletting is about the same and I think the mill does a better job.
After reading many reviews on the gemini and similar small machines I think only the larger comercial machines work good .
After looking at the video of the guy using the gemini machine and seeing the inletting I think it does not do a very good job,also the sanding involved to remove the router marks seems like a chore.
I think I will keep carving them by hand and inlett in the mill , carving the outside of the stock for me is about 4 hours work with less sanding inletting is about the same and I think the mill does a better job.
After reading many reviews on the gemini and similar small machines I think only the larger comercial machines work good .
