How to Turn Completely Round Balls Without a Ball Turner. Take a Look !!

[@radardoug]

I watch most machining channels because they are entertaining. I watch yours because it's educational. OK, it's entertaining too.

[@joepie221]

Thanks. I try to add value.

[@kenithguthrie1274]

In the Navy the cannon ball holder is called a monkey and was made of cast bronze. Cannon ball were cast iron. In cold weather the monkey shrink more than the cannon balls. The saying "So cold it would freeze the balls off a brass monkey" I enjoy your channel thanks for uploading it.

[@planeflyer21]

I was looking to see if someone had already dropped this nugget of grammatical history. Thanks, Kenith!

[@modellingmark]

This is probably a myth as the brass monkey would never contract enough to make the balls fall off.

[@ellieprice363]

@@modellingmark Perhaps in a heavy winter storm with extreme listing and rolling of the ship?

[@nomen_meus]

@@modellingmark This is a myth. The origin of the phrase is unknown.

[@daveticehurst4191]

Hello Joe. The base you made for the canon balls is called a MONKEY. Originally they were made of brass and screwed to the ships deck to be salt water resistant. The cast iron balls were then stacked as yours. In freezing weather the balls if wet would freeze solid on the Monkey. Hence the saying of "it is cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey" Great outcome. Happy New Year from Australia.

[@spehropefhany]

I have a feeling that story came out of the imagination of some old salt who was given a hard time for being lewd.

[@MrPossumeyes]

A comment above suggests the bronze monkey (ship fittings being of bronze) shrank before the cast iron balls did, which then rolled off the monkey. I always wondered where that expression came from - this sounds plausible.

[@sblack48]

I’ve seen many ball turners but I’ve never seen it done like this. You’re full of surprises Joe!

[@joepie221]

I could have made a ball turner, but I thought you all would like this approach.

[@doingstufforatleasttrying4843]

Good morning, love the videos Joe, I found your channel by accident and learned so much from you. Can’t thank you enough.I was in an accident that left me disabled.I was a master plumber but since watching you for about 2 years now. I have learned a new skill.Can’t thank you enough. Keep the videos coming. From PENNSYLVANIA.

[@johnm840]

2nd step, clever. Didn't see that process coming... TY

[@diggerdelaney]

This came at the right time a simple way of turning brass balls as I need two for a project I am embarking on

[@nectouxpierre4634]

Well done, Joe, amazing simple technique. I definitely keep this one! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@2lefThumbs]

Good shout out to Stefan, man's a legend👍 I think he gave credit to Tom Lipton /OxTools for that milling a sphere method though🤔 Great lesson in form-cutting in this video, gotta say👍

[@wrstew1272]

Stefan is wonderful! You 2 could have a great time addressing various mounting challenges! Love your relatively simple method for this project.

[@TomokosEnterprize]

When in the machinist school some 50 years ago hand ground HSS tools were the norm. There was some carbide but only used rarely. Same basic rules are applied but with a negative or neutral rake. Those skills are as they are and the basic rules will never be changed but can be modified to suit the material in question. There you go with more pressure turning. I have still yet to try it. I may have to just do it to get the feel for it. All the best for 23 my friend. Take care eh ! ! !

[@somebodyelse6673]

Man, if the idea to pressure turn a high contact form tool had ever entered my mind, I would have dismissed it as impractical at best. Now I gotta rethink the whole idea. Thanks, Joe?

[@Anon_Omis]

I've never had an occasion to pressure turn anything. I keep forgetting that's an option.

[@scottroland6577]

Outstanding work. Fixturing is 50% plus of the machining challenge. You've taught me a tremendous amount. Many Thanks, Scott

[@joepie221]

Absolutely.

[@grntitan1]

I needed some 0.625” brass balls recently. I took the easy way out and did the old McMaster Carr thing. 😊

[@orangetruckman]

Learn something every time I watch your videos sir. Great stuff 👍🏻

[@nigesbasementworkshop9541]

At one point I thought ‘now how the hell is he going to hold that?’ But then you introduced the pressure turning holders. So brilliant, so simple, so Joe Pie. Happy New Year.

[@joepie221]

Thanks.

[@Bodhi1satva]

I’m impressed! Just another example of things I wish I had learned how to do!

[@allanrichards3752]

Hi Joe, A very interesting project. I think you need to make a "triangular ring" to hold the balls. The triangle should have 1/4" radius at each corner and sized to hold the first layer of balls. Originally they were made of brass and in the British navy they were called monkeys. Hence the saying "cold enough to freeze the balls on a brass monkey" I made a ships cannon from a 40mm Bofors "ack ack" shell that I picked up whilst on holiday in Malta. My grandad was stationed there for some time during WW2 and I have his regiment cap badge which is like a crown I have fixed this to the top of the cannon barrel to represent the crowns cast into the barrels. I think it is a nice way to display his badge.

[@michaelryan6884]

Nice work, Joe and now you have a set of brass balls!

[@metalshopwithtroy5755]

Hey Joe enjoyed your video thouroughly previously I watched a clickspring video. Chris was making a form tool with a small radius. Didnt understand why it wasnt done your way in the first place. I thought afterwards your Radius would of been closer to aproximate to print without the heat treat distortion and extra work Chris put in to achieve his result. I do also acknowledge Clickspring channel and Chris is an absolute craftsman too.

[@rchristie5401]

ILMAO!! love the "break out in a rash" comment. Priceless. Happy New Years and thanks for all your videos.

[@StuartsShed]

Brilliant - what a great technique.

[@joepie221]

Glad you like it!

[@jacqueso8424]

This is a much better way to make balls on a lathe. Lot easier than to actually add an attachment to lathe to turn balls. Will certainly put that in the "tip toolbox " and will try it🙂

[@ChrisB257]

That was fun - great to follow that approach. Balls turned out excellent and as usual some useful tips.. :)

[@squishymonster3267]

Oh, this is a super neat technique. I'm definitely trying this. Thanks for the tip!

[@N1gel]

The 2 very best engineering tutors on YT Joe Pie & Stefan Gottswinter. Stefan also, (like "This Old Tony") has a fantastic eloquence in respect of real English humour. Great video Joe.

[@joepie221]

Thanks. I enjoy his material and delivery.

[@stevespra1]

Very interesting! I would have never thought that the pressure turning setup would hold against the interrupted cut like that. Certainly good information to store away in the back of the mind.

[@billmckillip1561]

Interesting work holding method - I always learn something from your videos.

[@outsidescrewball]

You never cease to amaze me with your lessons that you share….HNY, thank you

[@joepie221]

Happy new year Chuck! Thanks for stopping by.

[@adamstripp39]

Well done! Also nice tips on grinding your own tools

[@joepie221]

Thanks! 👍

[@eyuptony]

Excellent work, after watching the second work holding set up and cutting operation. It's rather simple as long as your tool profile is correct. Enjoyed that Joe (well, you make it look simple). Tony

[@jhawker2895]

Thanks for Sharing ... Happy New Year .... Stay Safe and Well ....

[@ruperthartop7202]

Love it. Amazing work holding. Thanks, ill use that one

[@roberthiggins1142]

Great Tutorial of how to make the cutter & the brass balls.

[@joepie221]

Glad you liked it!

[@adambeaumont9169]

Joe, great video. Just commenting to say that I was given the PMR engine lathe kit as a christmas gift, and I intend on following your lathe series step by step to learn all the little tricks you used. Thank you for the effort you put into your videos and the knowledge you share, it is invaluable to young machinists like me.

[@joepie221]

We were all young machinists once. It starts in your heart and your imagination. Go to my website and use my contact page if you get hung up on any of your parts. Now go give the person that bought you that, a huge hug.

[@SlowEarl1]

Outstanding Joe!

[@12345NoNamesLeft]

Stefan is one of my favourites.

[@rods87175]

Thanks for another great video. I also enjoy watching Stefan do amazing work on his Dekel FP1.

[@Moonfleet41]

Great tutorial Joe... Again i can say ""Joe Pie Taught Me Something" didn't know about pressure turning! For interest, the plate you made to stand them on, in historic Royal Navy times was apparently called a "Brass Monkey". when it was cold enough on the ships, the plate buckled and the balls would roll off.. Hence the term "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey ! Learned that on the HMS Victory tour !

[@joepie221]

Hi Del. Thanks for stopping by. Interesting how a video can spin off unexpected bits of knowledge you wouldn't normally be exposed to. Thanks for the comment. Ride safe and Happy New Year.

[@budconn421]

Outstanding Joe

[@MatthewTinker-au-pont-blanc]

I didn't know you needed brass balls to build a Quorn! Happy new year!!

[@alwayscensored6871]

You made it look easy. Brass is my favourite material to machine next to Acetal. Stefan has gone full time, will interesting to see his progress.

[@ronnieg6358]

Have you any plans for firing them!

[@russelldold4827]

I once had to make more than 1000 brass balls 10mm in diameter. Very interested in your solution - great result. Thanks for sharing.

[@joepie221]

I hope you were on a CNC. Woof.....1000 pieces manually is a real test.

[@russelldold4827]

@@joepie221 No CNC. Home shop. I was much younger and the money was good 😉

[@paulskvorc7021]

Nice tutorial - as usual. :) Thanks. Were it my assemblage, I'd darken the bead-blasted cannon balls with any one of several brass blackening solutions for a little extra authentic look.

[@joepie221]

I may do that.

[@mtm101designs9]

Nice lesson on form cutters and their use, Thanks. The cannon is a real beauty!

[@ls2005019227]

Thanks Joe for another excellent video! I learn something from EVERY video that you share-

[@markthompson8656]

So cool. I have a 1 1/16 bore Cannon I made 20 years ago. Now I know how to make some Balls for it!

[@davep8462]

not having access to other machinist you are an amazing resource I have wondered about holding similar shaped parts. This definitely goes in the workholding book!! Thanks much

[@joepie221]

You Bet.

[@mrc1539]

Going to have to revisit pressure turning , haven’t had much luck in the past but this video gives me new hope. 🤔Thanks for making it look so easy.

[@TrPrecisionMachining]

very good job Joe..thanks for your time

[@hemanthharrilall6469]

As always, brilliant video. Short and to the point Thanks for the video

[@jimstone2669]

WOW Joe that was amazing thank you for teaching me something new.

[@joepie221]

Any time

[@joell439]

No ball busting here ...... 👍👍😎👍👍

[@wolfhausindustries]

🤣saying Stefan sounds like the Terminator just made my day! lol

[@joepie221]

I don't think he would mind hearing that. At least I hope not.

[@wolfhausindustries]

@@joepie221 I mean who doesn't love the Terminator!? One of the best movies of my youth. I just never put two and two together and now I'll never be able to unhear it in his videos lol.

[@raymondhorvatin1050]

There hasn't been a video I did not enjoy Thanks for sharing

[@paulmanhart4481]

You are so cool Joe. I love your videos. Such a master. Thanks for sharing with all of us mortals. Paul

[@alangliniak9514]

Thanks for everything you do Joe, it's really appreciated. I've picked up so many tips from your Chanel.

[@joepie221]

Glad to help

[@al69770-b]

Love it Joe, great video!

[@joepie221]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ramonching7772]

Fantastic technique. As always. 😊😊😊

[@oldpopmike]

Brilliant. Thanks Joe for the video. I wondered how you were going to make them 👍

[@eddiehayes2388]

I always learn something from your videos. Thanks Joe.

[@joepie221]

Thanks for watching!

[@georgehollowell9295]

Neat! The navies used brass monkeys on which to store the cannon balls. This to prevent rust and corrosion in the salt air environment. Hence to the saying 'colder than the balls on a brass monkey'. The example I saw the depressions in the monkey were spherical and not conical.

[@evilbrat5376]

I have now learned that "Brass Balls" are made and not grown. Great job on their turning. Turned out just like the cannon and it carrage. Opinion - Blueing them would make them unique.

[@joepie221]

Trust me, they appear for many different reasons.

[@angelramos-2005]

Such a beautiful project.Thank you.

[@michaelrogocz1160]

Happy new year Sir, good to see you again.

[@ftownroe]

Another great video Joe. As usual, some fantastic techniques learned. I assume that the brass pieces to hold the balls for the final operation were formed with a round nosed end mill.

[@joepie221]

Initially, yes. But a conical recess will work too.

[@steventhompson3507]

Lovely work that Joe.

[@douglasbattjes3991]

So one on the cannon Joe, he looks great, 👍👍👍👍

[@HexenzirkelZuluhed]

You're always an inspiration on work holding!

[@passenger6735]

Another masterclass in holding a difficult shape for machining. Thanks again Joe. A belated happy new year. Bob

[@joepie221]

Thanks Bob. Same to you.

[@robertoviana514]

I come here for inspiration and you provide it. Keep up the good work.

[@frankward709]

Look sharp thanks for the video

[@joepie221]

Thanks for watching

[@petermcneill80]

That was absolutely magic, loved that method superb 👍🏻

[@joepie221]

Glad you liked it! It worked well.

[@donteeple6124]

This goes to prove it !!!!! Joe does indeed have brass balls......and can make em too !!! Don

[@davidmyhre2720]

Hey Joe, Nice brassies couldn't help myself Haha. Putting this one in the Rolodex. Joe thank you buddy be safe.

[@conradspamer2077]

for rounds to actually use... discovered that i can roll lead into fairly good spheres between two pieces of flat plate. i start with cast balls, flash removed to make things easier. this also work hardens the ball which has it's uses.

[@Tasarran]

Nice balls!

[@joepie221]

Solid Brass to boot.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

When I do stuff like this, I superglue the ball in place, and heat it up to remove it. It may never slip without it, but it calms my paranoia!

[@brucewilliams6292]

You have a good eye for esthetics. Happy New Year!

[@joepie221]

Thank you! You too!

[@peteengard9966]

Sweet. Some powder and a ram rod is all you need now. Does the barrel have a powder hole and sump to send the ball down range? Don't forget the recoil rigging. Thank you Joe and Happy New Year.

[@kurtarmbrust]

All the best in the New Year.

[@mperry9025]

Thanks Joe

[@ophirb25]

Very very nice. I wonder how it will work with mild steel.

[@donstelfox6921]

Very nice, great technique, nice look. Cheers

[@christurley391]

Thanks again Joe.

[@l.neilyoung1775]

If you had made the cannon ball stacking base, you would have made a "Brass Monkey".

[@Agnemons]

As an amusing aside. Pretty much everyone has heard the phrase "Cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey" A "Brass Monkey" is actually the base you stack the cannon balls on. With the cannon balls usually cast iron and the monkey made of brass they have different thermal expansion characteristics. In cold weather the brass contracts more than the cast iron. If it is cold enough the monkey contracts enough to let the cannon balls fall off.

[@joepie221]

This video taught me that. Thanks for adding to the conversation.

[@RicktheRecorder]

Unfortunately, a myth. See my long comment.

[@michaelnoyes4817]

Happy New Year mate

[@joepie221]

Happy new year!

[@davidberlanny3308]

Happy New Year Joe!! Great pair of videos. It seems amazing that you can generate enough pressure to clamp the ball for the second stage machining. After reading the comments looks like your going to be making a brass monkey!! If you ever get the chance to visit my old town in the UK, Portsmouth, you can see these things on HMS Victory. On the ships tour they will show that it wasn't just cannon balls that they fired, it was pieces in all odd shapes designed to do the maximum damage at close quarters!! Good luck from Spain!!

[@Dr_Xyzt]

That form tool leaves a really nice surface finish. Are you gonna darken them with a torch to get an as-cast appearance? -- Stefan's boring head finish looked really cool. I bet you could get a neat jewel appearance by doing another pass with a smaller setting on the boring head, and then clear-coat the knob. -- That actually gives me an idea for a clock. It would be neat to flycut a brass disk with a less-than-perfect tram on a rotary table so the tool marks intersect to display the time on a vernier scale of some sort.

[@joepie221]

I will research it and try.

[@Peter-od7op]

Ihave mini lathe and mill but try to use your tips ty

[@joepie221]

Good luck!

[@Peter-od7op]

@@joepie221 was that meant in a good way or not

[@1crazypj]

The base should be brass and called the monkey (at least in 17/18th Century British Navy) It's where the phrase 'cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey' came from as the brass contracted more than the cast iron when it got cold

[@waylandforge8704]

You beat me to it, however it's good to see someone knows their history. 👍

[@dennisleadbetter7721]

Hi Joe, I have seen where people pressure turn that they use something, like some leather or cork, as a from of clutch to prevent marking of the part. In the "jaws" you made was it just the edge of the hole that supported the piece or was it shaped to follow a small part of the sphere to get a greater contact area or a tangential surface rather than a potentially sharp edge? Great video as always, Regards Dennis.

[@lwilton]

It looked to me like he had machined hemispherical dents into the tips of those pressure plates. If the radius is the same that should give a lot of grip surface, and not much chance of marking the part, unless the part slips.

[@robertpearson8798]

I might try this technique so I can finally get a round tuit.

[@lisag2771]

Great video! I always learn something new. Thanks!

[@joepie221]

You bet!

[@transistor754]

Forgive me but... I did look at the comments all the way to the beginning, but couldn't see if you mentioned about annealing the tool steel first and then hardening it after? Or what grade of milling cutter did you use? Cobalt? Great stuff as usual. Your sticker adorns my shed door here in NZ.

[@lwilton]

I think he said he was going to use a carbide cutter. One of those should cut hard tool steel just fine.

[@joepie221]

HSS tool blank, carbide end mill. Thanks for the sticker update. :)

[@jocelynefilion9076]

Awesome I would not have believed you could that

[@joepie221]

You'll have to center the tool correctly first, but after that, off ya go.

[@BensWorkshop]

You have balls of brass! ;) Many thanks for the tips!

[@ron827]

GREAT job making brass balls and love the technique. Folklore tells us the cast iron cannon balls used on ships were held in a brass ring known as a monkey. Because the coefficient of thermal expansion and contraction for brass is about twice that of cast iron, supposedly in very cold weather the brass would contract much more than the cast iron balls, setting them free and thus "freeze the balls off a brass monkey". With today's technology, we now have Gorilla Glue which can be used to secure the brass monkey's balls.