ball cutter

To make a perfect ball it is very important that this device is set correctly. Mount the ball turning tool the same way as an ordinary lathe tool in the tool holder. As a normal cutting tool the tool point must be aligned with the centre point of the tailstock. This can be done most easily by turning the tool slide horizontally Keep the slide horizontally through a plate or block on the block and tool slide. The height adjustment of the tool must be done by the lathe tool holder so the tip of the tool is on the centre point height. When you have done this, you may NOT move the cross slide. The tool may only have moved right or left with the cross slide. Turn the tool slide 180° and press the right stopper at the stopper pin and lock the stopper with the locking screw. This is prevent turning the tool slide over the centre point and prevent to damage the tool. The left stopper can be used to limit the counter clockwise. The diameter of the ball is determined by the turning the tool in higher or lower position with the hand wheel of the ball turning tool. Using the dial you can determine a very accurately diameter of the ball.

Frequently I see in movies on the internet using horizontal ball turning tools. I think this is a very popular model. I almost see also that the diameter of the ball will be adjusted by turning the cross slide closer to the work piece. This is completely out of the question. When you will make a proper ball. The centre point of the ball turning tool must be, and remain, aligned with the axis of the ball. The diameter is adjusted by moving only the tool of the ball turning tool closer to the axis of the work piece. The ball turning tool itself may not be moved ones it is aligned. You can click on the drawing to see results by misuse.

This type of ball turning tool is designed so that the diameter of the ball easy can be adjust bij a hand wheel with dial ring.

Errors, and how to improve.

If the ball is shown as in the upper drawing, then the tool is too high. The tool is to be moved down in the tool holder, so that the turning point is flush with the centre line of the ball.

If the ball is shown as in the lower drawing, then the tool is too low. The tool is to be moved up in the tool holder, so that the turning point is flush with the centre line of the ball.