Ball Turner Experience

[Rick_B]

Good afternoon - just wondering if anyone has had experience with the large ball turner from Little Machine Shop - specifically will it work on a 12' swing Clausing lathe and how does it perform cutting steel.

Thanks
Rick

 

[jcp]

I have one and they do work. Can't get in a hurry with them. I use mine on a 9" SB.

 

[Jimsehr]

Here is a simple ball turner I made tha cuts steel fine.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

I just watched a video yesterday where someone made one out of a dividing head and I got to thinking. I do that sometimes.

The dividing head is not even necessary, all you need is to be able to place the tool he made on a block with a pivot point and the ability to adjust the height.

Simply adjust the insert so it is just touching the top of the workpiece and you have your radius set, then back the tool off and take he necessary cuts.

No real need for the boring head.

 

[Video_man]

I have one, it works nicely, but as jcp said, you can't hurry it. Little nibbles at a time, followed by files and abrasive paper, but worth the effort.

 

[pontiac428]

 

[WobblyHand]

I have the ball turner from LMS. It's a bit flimsy, and not easy to adjust, but it does work with a lot of patience.
@pontiac428 's post is apt. A Holdridge is better, a lot better.

But all I have is the large LMS one (purchased on sale). Would I buy another one like it? No. I'd hold out for a Holdridge, or make my own. I believe the Holdridge comes with pieces that allow you to set it up precisely. The LMS one is totally lacking there. Without fully modifying it, there's practically no way to know where the center of rotation is. So it's a lot of fiddling around to set it to work well.

 

[Rick_B]

Thanks to all for the comments - at his point I think I will move this to back burner.

Rick

 

[pontiac428]

Here are two other approaches for making balls and ends using form tools on the lathe.

 

[rwm]

I have looked at the Holdridge. I don't see how to precisely set the radius? Can someone elaborate?