Ball or Radius cutter

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raynerd:
on a forum, 10 people... 15 different ways!

philf:
Hi Nick,

The difference I see in the design from the link is that it allows you to turn a much greater arc than would be possible with a symmetrically positioned insert.

As you say, there are many ways to accomplish the job. I keep looking at my boring head with a view to using it in a ball turner.

I haven't a clue why I feel a need to turn balls. The few I've needed have been made from softened ball bearings.
I have a Quorn tool and cutter grinder (which I inherited) which is covered in ball handles. I've removed some and replaced them with hex nuts as I find the ball handles, although looking nice, get in the way.

Cheers.

Phil.

Divided he ad:
True, many designs based on the same idea.... Many designs based on others.

There is another thing I've noticed on the link supplied by Phil.

I'm not sure if it's an early attempt but that's not a ball shown in the last shot.... Close, but not a ball. (I made quite a few "acorns" when I first started to learn this!) Just wondering how easy it is to set it up for accurate cutting?

Still.... interesting solution to the toolpost into arbour issue. So many cats to skin.....

Nick,

I pictured the mounting of these types of tip in a thread I had going ages ago.... http://madmodder.net/index.php?topic=319.msg901#msg901

It might help you if you read it first since I had to do exactly what you are now? The tip mounting is about half way down the page.

You might need to remove some material from the toolpost too? Might be too chunky? You might be planning to?

It might stop you getting close into the arbour? Assuming your cutting a ball on an arbour?
Of course that adjustment can be made later with little issues.

I'm looking at this and hoping it's not too much? I'm trying to help.
Tell me if it's annoying. I'd hate to be seen to be pushy. So hard to know when you've written too much?

That said I'm going to leave it at that.... Hope I've helped not hindered?

Ralph.

MadNick:
Thanks Ralph,

Looks tricky - I have an index table here that may help, will let you know.

One thing about Mike's workshop solution - I cant see how you can cut convex curves with it.

I dont actually need to cut any balls as such, I just want to be able to cut a radius on the top of a pair of handlebar clamps - im looking forward to actually making something rather than making tools!

Nick

Divided he ad:
Yes, I've been thinking about that too.... It would probably work once you pass the zero point and carry on pushing the toolpost forward towards the work piece?

But then you wouldn't have a lot to grip with the grub screws and the bottom leg of the tool post would be protruding quite a bit..... Always a chance of catching the chuck jaws :bugeye:
(once you've got yours made, always try a dry run before turning the lathe on..... Learned that one the painful way!)

For what you describe this version should work very well. Won't be long now and you'll have some bespoke handlebar clamps :thumbup:

Ralph.

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