I start this project without making proper calculation and drawing. I just made a quick sketch based on my previous ball project calculations. Sure enough, I had to redo first three holes and star vertices because the base of the star was suppose to be a nice small dodecahedron and it didn’t turn up the way I wanted. The base of the star should look good because star will be moving free inside and all cuts and mistakes will be quite noticeable. So, here are the pictures of the first 6 sides:
Ball has 12 marks where star vertices are going to be
Flat face
Going slowly inside at 20 degrees
Another view, about 10 mm done and 5 mm to go
Almost there
Done
Second tool bit to make a groove
In process
Thickness of the wall (depth to the opening) is 6.5 mm
Here it is, half done. I use shellac to finish each side/face/vertex before switching to the next hole.
I have no idea yet on how I’m gong to hold this thing in the lathe to do next 6 sides
-- Live to Learn
6 comments so far
MShort
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1797 posts in 3925 days
#1 posted 03-21-2012 02:46 AM
Yuri— you are definitely in a whole nother dimension that I can keep up with… :) Love your creativity and boldness to try anything. I enjoy watching even thought it is much far beyond my capabilities. Hats off to you.
-- Mike, Missouri --- “A positive life can not happen with a negative mind.” ---
kenn
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813 posts in 4226 days
#2 posted 03-21-2012 04:06 AM
Just amazing work, the only way I could think to hold it is to fill it with your wax/sawdust mixture. Good luck, it’ll look great.
-- Every cloud has a silver lining
HalDougherty
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1820 posts in 3744 days
#3 posted 03-21-2012 11:07 AM
Wow, that’s going to be way beyond my turning skills for a long time. Very impressive. I can see how filling the cavity to reinforce the center while turning the next 6 openings is important. A wax-sawdust mixture would be easy to get out, after all the cuts are finished. Good luck with this project. It’s going to be a fantastic display piece.
-- Hal, Tennessee http://www.first285.com
stefang
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16722 posts in 3841 days
#4 posted 03-21-2012 11:28 AM
Great work Yuri. I love the looks of this ball! If you hadn’t already finished the outside I would have suggested gluing on wood with paper in between, and turn round again so your chuck can hold it. The glued on pieces can be easily removed with a chisel and light taps at the glue line. I realize this may be a bit more difficult than it sounds. I am sure with your technical abilities, you will find a good solution.
-- Mike, an American living in Norway.
BritBoxmaker
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4611 posts in 3543 days
#5 posted 03-21-2012 01:15 PM
That is seriously clever and interesting. I’m sure you’ll work out how to complete it.
Could I suggest some form of three jaw chuck with jaws opening outwards instead of closing inwards, inserted into one of the circular apertures.
-- Martyn -- Boxologist, Pattern Juggler and Candyman of the visually challenging.
LittlePaw
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1571 posts in 3585 days
#6 posted 04-29-2012 01:22 AM
It’s sort of like watching some university work while I’m struggling to get through grade school! It is fascinating just to watch and admire!
-- LittlePAW - The sweetest sound in my shop, next to Mozart, is what a hand plane makes slicing a ribbon.
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