How can I use a regular lathe to turn balls, quickly?
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A batch of spherical metal parts need to be manufactured. Spheres with sizes ranging from 10mm to 30mm – has anyone ever machined them using a regular lathe?
:Handshake hopes that those with experience will kindly share their knowledge
Have you seen anyone make prayer beads? Those people will; check the internet to see if there are any videos
I can operate a regular lathe; it is recommended to use a fixture.
I have seen ball-shaped objects made of wooden material. The specific method is as follows: 1. Clamp the selected wood (in the shape of a rectangular prism with a square cross-section) onto the rotating table of a lathe; it doesn’t need to extend very far – it just needs to be slightly longer than the diameter of the sphere. 2. At the original tool clamping position, a cylindrical cutting tool is used (with an inner true diameter equal to the diameter of the sphere). 3. While the rotating disk is spinning, the cylindrical tool can be inserted (make sure to adjust the tool’s center to be at the same height as the rotating disk’s center). Precautions: 1. What I have seen is the processing of spherical objects made of wooden material; if it is a steel sphere, please consider the material of the cylindrical tool to be used. 2. The radial feed of the tool clamping device must be perpendicular to the bed of the lathe; the center of the tool should be at the same height as the center of the rotating disk, and the tool itself must also be perpendicular to the lathe bed. 3. The feed rate of the cutting tool should be increased appropriately while ensuring safety, including the rotational speed as well. The above are the cases of cut wooden spheres that I have seen; I hope it can help you.
What was said upstairs makes sense; it’s worth giving it a try.
Order custom semi-circular end mills with a radius of 5mm or 15mm from cemented carbide manufacturers; one cut is enough to complete the machining
Use an R-type alloy turning tool for manual turning and create a simple template for reference; after turning, use files and sandpaper to improve the finish.
It can be processed using a template; it’s definitely achievable