Dumore Carvit

[RHIKERDAD]

Sure hope someone can help me out. I too
have inherited a Dumore Carvit that belonged to my dad. I used to watch him carve bookends and toys with it years ago.
Trouble is: there is no owner manual, or instuctions to help me set it up and enjoy it as it is intended. I recently rebuilt the motor and it is all ready to go. Does anyone have any info you could send me to help me get going with this incredible machine? Thanks.
Jim

[rick-in-seattle]

The Dumore Carvit is based on a pantagraph design like most duplicating routers.

The size of your cutter will determine the speed the wood is removed and the quality of the finished carving.

There are some adjustments necessary to obtain good results; if I recall correctly, this is done with the stylus length.

If the machine has not been modified, there is a counterweight on the stylus arm that helps maintain control; if the motor has been changed, you may need to adjust this weight to compensate.

I would check the collets to be sure they have not been broken, and do not extend the bit too much in an effort to produce more depth of cut.

This router has it's limitations and it is best to work within them.
While it was advertised as being capable of carving figures, I suggest you stick with relief carving on flat stock.

Before you turn it on, check the limits of travel and mark them on the table surface. Your clamps should be made of wood to avoid damaging the cutter.

P.S. send me your email address and I will send what little I have on this machine.
Which isn't much.
Good luck

[AlArchie]

Hey, Rick, is there ANYTHING you don't have a handle on? You have got to be one of the most prolofic sources of good information I have heard of ANYWHERE!

Al

[bbeery]

Hey Al, I always thought YOU were the most prolific information source. But now, by your own admission, I'll need to put Rick first and you second. I'll bet 90% (plus) of the registered people on this site, never heard of a Dumore Carvit

[AlArchie]

And I have to put myself in that 90% +! Well, sort of.......I've seen these things, but never knew what they were called, or who manufactured them. That still puts me in the 90% uninformed group, though!

Maybe I know sumpin' Rick don't, but I doubt it, and I ain't about to get into a challenge on that point!

Al

[carver6]

Have to admit I'm in that 90%. When I first saw this thread I had no idea what was being talked about. To tell the truth, I still don't!!Monkey Just goes to show you learn something everyday (hopefully).
Garon

[Tucson Bill]

When I first saw it, Rick was the last one to reply. Seeing his name there I took it as "Do More Carve It" and thought Cool, another Rick story, probably along the lines of a Dudley Do Right!

[rick-in-seattle]

Al,
I am sure you have a broader base of knowledge than I.
Mine is pretty much limited to whittling and tool making, but I do own a duplicating router that is large enough to carve an entire door in one shot. I have extension rails I have never taken out of the box; they would add another 6 feet of travel.

I hope I don't sound like a know-it-all, but I enjoy sharing what little I do know.

[RHIKERDAD]

thanks for everyone's responses. now I think I at least know i'm not completely crazy. yes, the Dumore do exist and i was able to find the company in Wis that the co-owner remembered my dad and used to send him small parts for it. naturally they don't have it anymore. here is a pix after i reconditioned it and refinished the table. i will have to find someone to fashion me some hold down brackets since i'm no metalsmith.
Jim

[JCMick]

Rhikerdad, I checked the holddowns on my Carvit and on second thought, they seem too hard to be Masonite. They may be Bakelite or some such material that would have been used back in the 1940's.

JCMick