The comparator assembly is a highly effective accessory for woodturners, particularly those engaged in spindle work. While turning a single spindle may not be difficult, creating multiple matching spindles—such as for chair legs, stair balusters, or table legs—can be much more challenging.
The comparator bracket’s profiling centers (Parts 508/509) are designed to securely hold an original spindle template in place on the lathe. This setup allows you to visually and physically reference the original piece while turning subsequent copies, making the duplication process faster and more accurate.
For added precision, you can use calipers to measure your in-progress workpiece against the original template directly on the lathe.
Tip:
If you frequently perform spindle duplication, you may find it convenient to leave the profiling centers mounted on the lathe. However, if you're not doing spindle work regularly, we recommend removing and storing the centers in a drawer to avoid accidental contact—the points are sharp and could cause injury or interfere with other operations.
If you need help installing or using the comparator, feel free to reach out to Harvey Technical Support.

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