Project Information
Fun with new shapes!
I have turned a ball shape on a christmas ornament. That was easy compared to these. With the posts for the upper and lower finials you have something to hold onto. Turning a ball, without having any tool marks where you held it ( i don't have a vacuum chuck) Is difficult, to say the least.
Start out with it between centers or in a chuck. A longer piece should be used. Turn to a ball shape with the mount marks in the "extra" pieces at the ends of the longer blank,Cut blank down as much as possible to shape.
Now, Remove from lathe and turn 90deg and remount! DO NOT USE THE TOOLS TO HOLD THE WOOD!!!!
You must first devise a clamping system to hold the ball without touching the all ready turned areas.
I used a wood cup mounted in the chuck and another piece mounted on the tail stock.
Once mounted, Turn the wood again to the desired size.This will clean off any excess left on the shape.
Repeat the procces for each step of sanding and finishing.
By turning the wood 3 or 4 times before going to the next grade of sandpaper you will get a more uniform roundness to it.
The first ball is only 2 and 3/8 inch Diam, But it is within 1/64inch of being truly round Only .015 from being a true sphere.
Claro Walnut, with Turquoise inlay.
Second ball is Jarra Burl, 2 and 3/4 diam within 1/64inch of being truly round.
I have turned a ball shape on a christmas ornament. That was easy compared to these. With the posts for the upper and lower finials you have something to hold onto. Turning a ball, without having any tool marks where you held it ( i don't have a vacuum chuck) Is difficult, to say the least.
Start out with it between centers or in a chuck. A longer piece should be used. Turn to a ball shape with the mount marks in the "extra" pieces at the ends of the longer blank,Cut blank down as much as possible to shape.
Now, Remove from lathe and turn 90deg and remount! DO NOT USE THE TOOLS TO HOLD THE WOOD!!!!
You must first devise a clamping system to hold the ball without touching the all ready turned areas.
I used a wood cup mounted in the chuck and another piece mounted on the tail stock.
Once mounted, Turn the wood again to the desired size.This will clean off any excess left on the shape.
Repeat the procces for each step of sanding and finishing.
By turning the wood 3 or 4 times before going to the next grade of sandpaper you will get a more uniform roundness to it.
The first ball is only 2 and 3/8 inch Diam, But it is within 1/64inch of being truly round Only .015 from being a true sphere.
Claro Walnut, with Turquoise inlay.
Second ball is Jarra Burl, 2 and 3/4 diam within 1/64inch of being truly round.
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