Tools and materials I propose:
In this project I used various scrap metal parts I had in the shop to make a simple jig for making spheres on the lathe. I have made a similar jig out of wood in the past. But by using metal I was able to make the tool more simple, more efficient and less bulky.
I begun by making the base. I cut the pieces with the angle grinder and welded them in place. I then drilled the hole on my drill press and cut some threads to keep the piece in place. But I made a mistake here and I had to cut the piece in half.
For the arm I used a couple of corner pieces as support. I also welded nuts in place so I could use their threads.
To make the cutting edge, I used the steel from a cheap old turning tool. I grinded the bevels on the grinder. My grinder is really fast so I dipped the tool in water pretty often to cool it down.
I then grinded a pocket and welded the cutter in place.
After doing some tests, I decided to weld the nut from the pivot point. And I also added a large nail under the cutting edge as support. I wanted this to be removable so I could sharpen the tip easier on the grinder.
I then used my carbide burrs on the rotary tool to clean my welds a little bit. A wire brush bit is also useful to clean up before painting.
I then added a coat of primer and then spray painted orange.
Before you use the tool you have to set it up a little bit. The cutter should be at the same height of the centre of the lathe. And the pivot point should be under the centre of your sphere.
And my sphere making jig was ready to go. But that was it, see you soon with a new project video.
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