FILENAMES:

MHE_ball_examples.jpg
MHE_ball_millvise.jpg


DESCRIPTION:

These are pictures of a another ball turning tool for a lathe. 
Thanks to Martin H. Eastburn <oldtree@pacbell.net>. Martin 
provided the following description:

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My version of a ball turner - 

This ball turner mounts on my milling option - pictured in 
MHE_ball_millvise.jpg. The lathe is a Sheldon 11x44 - and with 
this option - I was forced to make a small boring tool - notice 
the 1/2" drill rod with a milled flat, a threaded hole and a triangle.

In the next example - MHE_ball_examples.jpg - are two ball ends I 
have turned from both brass and 6061 Al.  Both turned from a rod 
shape - no preforming done.

I set the center of the ball with the triangle 'full over' - pointing 
to the center. I set the offset of the boring head against the height 
of the rod - for the size of the ball. This requires multiple movement 
of the cross slide and saddle.

I then adjust the milling height for nominal depth of cut - trim and 
then lower the milling jaw for the next cut.  During setup - I noted 
the setting of the mill during setup.

The block of iron that holds the boring head was sawed, milled, edged 
and bored. It fits into the jaws shy of the top as to allow a length of 
steel to take the pressure from the two mounting screws.  It can be 
replaced, the iron takes more time. I bought a 1" mandrel that threaded 
into the head, made two bronze pressure washers, drilled and tapped the 
mandrel - for the main shaft that the handle mounts upon.

I chose the handle as compared to a bat handle simply so I could use two 
hands in the process of feeding the cutter in an arc.

Martin H. Eastburn
oldtree@pacbell.net