Creating a Sphere on the end of a shaft

[Jimsehr]

Just curious - tow things I've heard/read. You should not grind in the side of a wheel but seems like to make that form tool you would have to use the side? Second - form tools don't work so well on smaller lathes like a clausing 12".

Rick

I made all these radius tools on my 11 inch Logan using my simple ball turner and bench grinder and had no chatter problem.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

I've use a corner-radius end mill. Mount the end mill in a QCTH. You'd need a 1/4" radius end mill for your 1/2" shaft. Another option is a pre-made radius lathe tool.

Bruce


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I do this and find it convenient that the manufacturers put the Weldon flat in line with one cutting flute. Possibly on purpose just for this?

One thing I know for sure is you have a wide range of SFM across the cutting face so use lots of good lube. Not coolant, lube, cutting oil etc.

I prefer to start with the tip or small end making contact as if you were facing due to the SFM differential to lessen west on the tool.