Single piece, simple ball turner.

**old_toolmaker** · Mar 8, 2018, 02:20 PM

Hi Tony,

Could you possibly have me confused with someone else? I have not had chatter issues with my over the top ball turning attachment. I think it was the original poster who was having problems.

**tonyfoale** · Mar 8, 2018, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by old_toolmaker

Hi Tony,

Could you possibly have me confused with someone else? I have not had chatter issues with my over the top ball turning attachment. I think it was the original poster who was having problems.

Oops sorry about that. As I was the original poster I know it wasn't me. It was steamingbill who had chatter and I asked him to post a photo of his and when I saw your photo soon afterwards I wrongly assumed it was you. Aw well, no harm done.

**olderdan** · Mar 9, 2018, 09:06 AM

Tony
tThanks for posting that link https://get.google.com/albumarchive/...99061223276003 there is some real interesting stuff there. I think we are of a similar age as I remember some of those press pages from my early twenties onwards, my favorite mag was Motorcycle Sport (which I still have a stack of) as they would contain more in depth technical articles. I have found alternative designs fascinating but lacked the technical ability to anything more than observe.

**tonyfoale** · May 5, 2018, 05:31 PM

It looks like I have accidentally deleted video files from my Dropbox, and so the video link for this post was broken.
I am working through putting these videos up on Youtube where they should be safe. Here is the link for this one.

**old_toolmaker** · Jun 5, 2021, 03:16 PM

I use a 2” Criterion boring head for up and over ball turning. Micrometer adjustment is indispensable when turning ball precision ball shapes. I have adjustable stops on both ends of travel.

**WmRMeyers** · Dec 19, 2023, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Ralphxyz

I am just getting started with using a lathe and have a ball turner on my list of things to do.

Where is the pivot on you tool? Sure wish I could could see things live, posible a video of it in action would help.

But thanks!!

Ralph

He's using the compound slide pivot, if I'm understanding correctly. Then all he needs is a block that puts the cutter on center. Swivels the compound, and that moves the tool in the arc necessary to cut the ball.

Though I'm with you on wanting more pictures and a video or two...

Bill

**WmRMeyers** · Dec 19, 2023, 08:55 AM

Though just having resolved the dates, I'm way late to the party, and Tony already posted the video you asked for. Too much blood in my caffeine system.

**tonyfoale** · Dec 19, 2023, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by WmRMeyers

He's using the compound slide pivot, if I'm understanding correctly. Then all he needs is a block that puts the cutter on center. Swivels the compound, and that moves the tool in the arc necessary to cut the ball.

Though I'm with you on wanting more pictures and a video or two...

Bill

I no longer have the ability to use this ball turner, since I electrocuted my lathe I have no need for taper or ball mechanical turning devices. My electronic control and software takes care of it all for me. What am I talking about? Look here
Ball screw and electronic lathe conversion

So I now use a solid toolpost support without a compound.

Single piece, simple ball turner.-lathestuff_004.jpg

For the electrocuted lathe

Single piece, simple ball turner.-curveturn-01.jpg

Single piece, simple ball turner.-curveturn-02.jpg

Single piece, simple ball turner.-curveturn-03.jpg

**WmRMeyers** · Dec 19, 2023, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by tonyfoale

I no longer have the ability to use this ball turner, since I electrocuted my lathe I have no need for taper or ball mechanical turning devices. My electronic control and software takes care of it all for me. What am I talking about? Look here
Ball screw and electronic lathe conversion

So I now use a solid toolpost support without a compound.

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For the electrocuted lathe

Click image for larger version.

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Now you're taking all the fun out of it!

I have John Dammyer's Electronic Lead Screw for the import 3-in-1 machine my brother bought for me. If I ever get all the varnish that used to be grease out of it.

I didn't take the CNC portion of the class, what would be a natural progression for someone intending to be a real machinist. I just wanted to be be able to use my little Chinese mini-lathe from Harbor Freight. And then the Atlas TH42 I bought almost a year after I started the class...

Hi! My name is Bill, and I'm a toolahaulic!

Did I mention that I now have 5 lathes, 4 milling machines, down to 2 drill presses, and a metal shaper? 3 or 4 bandsaws, a chop saw, 3 bench grinders, four angle grinders... Man, I've got it BAD!

**tonyfoale** · Dec 19, 2023, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by WmRMeyers

Now you're taking all the fun out of it!

Hi! My name is Bill, and I'm a toolahaulic!

Did I mention that I now have 5 lathes, 4 milling machines, down to 2 drill presses, and a metal shaper? 3 or 4 bandsaws, a chop saw, 3 bench grinders, four angle grinders... Man, I've got it BAD!

No you are wrong, it doesn't take the fun out of it. It is much more fun using the lathe now.
Yes you do have it bad, I wish that I had the space. I am tool deprived.
1 lathe, 1 CNC mill, 2 normal drill presses, 1 sensitive drill press, 1 T&C grinder, 2 bandsaws, 1 shock dyno, 1 flow bench, 1 watercooled eddy current dyno awaiting installation, 1 linisher, much of it homemade.