DIY ball turner

[nuturner]

Got to study this subject a bit more but I do intend to build a ball turner as one of my early projects. I observed that there is some discussion about selecting cutting tools and wonder if any of you who are more experienced then myself have tried using ceramic tools for this application.

 

[Holescreek]

Having a method of adjusting the cutter independently from the cross slide allows you to set your concave and convex cutters up for blending the radii. There are two different concave and 3 different convex radii on this knob.



The Hardinge Cataract lathe handle on the left was replicated from the one on the right and the three "balls" (the one in the middle is oblong) are turned on a single shaft.

Here's my argument for an adjuster on the ball cutter itself. To dial in a specific radius I use the on-board adjustment knob to set the tip of my cutter to zero (meaning that the tip spins around the center of the bearing axis as I rotate the body) then touch the cutter tip on either a known OD (using the cross slide) or the end of the stock (using the apron) and set zero on my lathe dial, then move either the cross slide or carriage the distance of the radii I want to cut then move the on-board adjuster to touch the part again. This gives me control over size.

 

[markknx]

Mine is of the Steve Bedair style also. The two things I would change are to make it for HSS and off set the tool bit in the holder to alow more room at the spindle side. Mark

 

[chuckorlando]

All you need to do is know where center is as thats the pivot. A hand scale is easy to set the Dia if you know center. Or if you need a 1in ball just mark the stock for 1in then rotate the turner 180 and adjust the cutter till it reaches both marks and your at 1in.

 

[GarageGuy]

I have my ball turner mostly done. The problem I have is that my lathe (whole sale tools WT 13" x 40" Gap Bed Geared Head Lathe) has a stub sticking up when you take off the compound rest. All of the designs I have seen the lathe has a hole in the cross slide and the stub is on the compound rest. Everything I had come up with made the thing to tall. After I saw goboughner's design "I was wrong on how it worked" I came up with this design. It uses the existing stud on the lathe as the pivot point and the compound rest hold down bolts to keep it in place. I still need to take some of the height off the front area so that it can get closer to the chuck without hitting the jaws. Also need to add a scale so I know the size. George is right a micrometer adjustment would be so much better. I need to add a handle. I did this first test just holding the base. Not the safest way but it was just a test. I also meant to offset the insert 30 degrees like NEL957 suggested but forgot. I will redo the tool holder after I get the rest of it done. After seeing it cut I think the tool offset would be worth it.
View attachment 85643

My Logan 820 has a compound mount very similar to yours. I am also building a ball turner and trying to determine the best way to mount it. The ideas I had for mine are very similar to yours. When it gets a little further along, I'll post a few photos. Thank you for posting yours!

GG

 

[Waldo1]

Excellent results from several fine designs- I need to start a materials list for one of these!

 

[churchjw]

Ok finally got the last of my ball turner done. I may make some different bit holders. I would like a HSS tool holder for it. And of course as required by law the first ball it was used to make was the handle for the ball turner. So far I have only used it on aluminum. After I figure out all the little points of setting it up I need to try one in stainless.

 

[drs23]

Good job, thanks for sharing! This is a project that's on my VERY SHORT list. Got some of the stock gathered but still need a few pieces.

 

[Mark_f]

I plan on making a ball turner for my South Bend lathe. But , I have a question. There is about .006 Backlash in the cross slide. Will this affect the ball finish or should I remove a gib screw and install a cross slide lock in its place? ( I was thinking of putting a lock on the cross slide anyway for another project)

Mark Frazier