How to create spindles?

[malefactor]

Considering making a shaker-style bed. Lathe newbie. Is there a tool or mechanism to make accurate, consistent-size spindles for the headboard/footboard?

So much of what I've seen so far with regard to wood turning seems to be more focused on free-form, artsy things--can 100% repeatable, accurate things be done as well?

[BobSch]

It's been a long time since I used a lathe, but how about making a template out of hardboard and using it as a guage as you turn the spindles?

[Whaler]

There are mechanical duplicators available but they are expensive. I prefer Bob's suggestion. Turn one spindle and make a template, turn the others using it. A minor variation between spindles only shows that it was hand turned.

[Ken Massingale]

What Bob and Dick said.
Keep the beads and coves of the legs consistant on the horizontal plane, that's what the eye sees most. A template like Bob suggested will do that for you. 'Minor' variations in diameters between the pieces aren't caught so easily. I wouldn't worry about 100% repeatable/accurate, the minor differences we all put into all our projects help stamp our work with the 'Hand Crafted' label.
ken

[DaveinFloweryBranchGA]

I think I'd take a class from a local Woodcraft or local woodworking club on spindle making. If you haven't bought a lathe, the HF 34706 along with their set of Windsor turning tools for around $40.00 should be ideal for what you're wanting to do.

[Tom Miller]

Making spindles look alike is a lot easier than you might think. What might be more difficult is controlling long, thin spindles while turning, as they tend to flex or "whip".

Regards,
Tom

[malefactor]

Thanks for all the advice. I will definitely be cautious about the HF tool though; I've acquired some reasonable stuff through them but parts of that lathe looked a bit cheesy. I may go ahead and pay $500 or so to get something with resale value and fewer headaches / smoother operation.

My woodcraft is pretty limited, but I'll keep my eyes open.

[malefactor]

Picked up the HF 34706 this weekend for a song was on sale for 200, plus a 20% coupon off of that.

Amazingly well built lathe for the price. Can't wait to hit it.

[malefactor]

Was reviewing this thread. Check out HF 37945. Might do the trick, although I think I'll just do it by hand.