Ball Turner

[Improvised DIY]

[nova_robotics]

What's with the backwards lathe-ing? Is there an advantage or is it so the camera can see things better?

[Frank S]

What's with the backwards lathe-ing? Is there an advantage or is it so the camera can see things better?

Probably because in the beginning he was turning the ill regular shaped chunk of metal. This would have caused the chips to fly away from him.
There could be another reason as well. Interrupted cuts are slightly more stressful on smaller lathes than larger ones by turning the back side for the initial process this would place the cross slide in an area which is deeper on the carriage, and not in an area less frequently used possibly reducing chatter.

[DIYer]

Thanks Improvised DIY! We've added your Ball Turner to our Machining category,
as well as to your builder page: Improvised DIY's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Ball Turner by Improvised DIY

tags: ball turning

[Improvised DIY]

My primary reason was visibility for me as the cutting tool and boring head makes it difficult to see the cut (I am a bit short). The second reason was the chips flying in my face when I was cutting over the top and I had my face close to the action to see the chip formation, tool deflection and surface finish. It also eliminated double cutting when the chips becomes stringy. The chatter did reduce as Frank said. The weight of the head hanging while the stock is trying to lift it as opposed to the head hanging and the stock pulling it down also plays a role in the rigidity. Small machines are finicky, and you need to manage your forces.