Large Scale Central

Dupli-nator

Tools and Tips
#1

I’ve been using the Northwest Short Line “The Dupli-cutter for years.

It is a great product for cutting styrene.

Now that I’m making things for large scale I needed something heavy duty.

I need a dupli-cutter on steroids!

Found some parts at Tractor Supply (½ X ½ X 12”), and the rest at OSH.

The plywood base is from piece of scrap.

The brass threaded rod is 10-32, as well as the brass nuts, and washers.

The knobs are 10-32. The clamp is from a block of delrin that I’ve had since the 80’s.

The T-Slot usually takes ¼ - 20 bolts, but I made some sliders out of 1/8 X 1/2 flat stock drilled and tapped for 10-32.

With the T-Slots I just slide the clamps wherever I need them.

With the dupli-cutter I would have to unscrew the clamp and screw it in the other set of holes for longer pieces of styrene or PVC.

#2

Nice idea, Jim, thanks.

#3

OK,

I’ll bite. What does this do?

#4

Unfortunately their website doesn’t help me much. I am a visual guy. Although I am becoming a fan of theirs.

#5

You are welcome Steve.

Devon,

The Dupli-cutter is for cutting styrene (or other) sheets.

If you are making the same cut over and over the Dupli-cutter can save you time.

Instructions:

The top bar (horizontal) is tightened.

The two clamps on the vertical bars is loosened.

Place the piece you want to duplicate up against the top bar with your cutting tool

between the piece and the top bar.

Slide the center guide (white pvc on mine) up against the piece and tighten the clamps.

Remove the original piece.

Loosen the knobs on the top bar and slide your material under the top bar and against the guide.

Tighten the top bar knobs and score the material along the edge of the top bar.

Once you have scored the material loosen the top bar and slide the scored line just past

the edge of the board (top) and tighten the top bar knobs.

Now just snap the material in a downward motion and loosen the top bar knobs and

release the material. Your piece should now match the original one.

It may sound like a lot of steps, but it goes quick once you get used to it.

One of the things you can make is coupler shims of different thickness with just one pattern.

I make strips of styrene to mount LEDs in the roof of passenger cars.

If you do any scratch building or bashing you need one.

#6

I got it that makes sense. I could see where this would save time and get more accurate results on multiple pieces. I do have some projects forth coming that I would need something like this.