Comments on: Turning a sphere

By: art enns

art enns — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:29:51 +0000

Keith,
When I put pencil marks on the initial cylinder, I measure the length of the cylinder and mark the center of the cylinder beyond the tenon so that the entire sphere is beyond the tenon.
I understand mathematics and like your formula for making a sphere.
I find that the diameter of the sphere is usually 10 – 15% less than the diameter of the initial cylinder. The smaller the sphere, the greater is the waste because its hard to see the flat area easily. I now have oak,maple ash,and walnut spheres and a bowl to hold them on the coffee table. I enjoy making spheres.

By: Keith Larrett

Keith Larrett — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:30:29 +0000

You’re welcome Phil.

By: Phil

Phil — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:32:32 +0000

Hi just a note to say hi from a fellow turner thanks so much for the info ive tried to do it and was farely good but ill try it your way now thanks.Im pretty new at this but have been in wood working for along time .but as you know we love our lathe

By: Keith Larrett

Keith Larrett — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:04:17 +0000

You can make whatever you imagine Melissa

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:15:39 +0000

Hey this is sooo cool… i want to make one as well the only thing is, can you only make cylinders and spheres? I was hoping to make a heart but if that’s not possible it’s still cool to make.

By: Keith Larrett

Keith Larrett — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:01:04 +0000

Thanks for the tips Angus. You are right, I now use a small plastic ring to help look for the high spots while turning the sphere round. I use a product called Fun Foam to cushion the chucks. You can get it with adhesive on one side so it is easy to apply. Good luck with the sphere! 400mm (16″) is a big sphere!!

By: Angus Pitt

Angus Pitt — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:39:21 +0000

Hi there
I got into turning spheres not so long ago and use a similar method to yourself. The only difference being the way you get the initial round. A simpler way is to use a perfect ring ie; like the pieces that you use the second stage of chucking. Hold the ring shape on to the ball if there is no gap at all you know that that section is a perfect sphere. I also glue pieces of leather in the press chucks which helps out of sight with grip and the tendency to mark the timber. I have picked something up from you as to how to get the press chucks centered.
I plan to do a sphere soon about 400mm Dia.
Regards Angus

By: Keith Larrett

Keith Larrett — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:25:25 +0000

Thanks Philip. I hope it helps. I’m looking forward to seeing what you make at the next meeting.

By: Phillip

Phillip — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:07:19 +0000

Excellent job Keith, I have been messing around with turning spheres for the last month and can’t seam to get it past some sort of egg shape. Your math method will certainly help. Thanks for the tip.

Phillip