Turn A Perfect Wood Sphere Or Ball - No Expensive Jig

www.AsWoodTurns...
One project during a week long woodturning class a few years ago was a wood ball using a jamb chuck. I failed miserably to get the ball smooth. It ended up very rough and out of round. With this failure, I feared being able to make a good ball.
Since then, I've looked for a jig or a process to turn a perfect ball or sphere. I doubted I could do it myself. I looked at commercial jigs - expensive and plans for DIY jigs - difficult to make and potentially inaccurate.
More recently, I watch Dale Larson and Alan Lacer both turn perfect balls using only simple faceplates. Now I can do this.
Here's the process I used:
1. Make two faceplates with small cup centers. I'll make another video to describe these.
2. Turn a cylinder between centers a little longer than the target diameter of the ball.
3. Measure the cylinder diameter and transfer this to the side of the cylinder.
4. Mark the mid line of the cylinder.
5. Part down outside the end lines leaving only a small tenon on each side of the ball.
6. Round over the cylinder corners into an approximate ball shape.
7. Saw off the two end tenons.
8. Mount the two faceplates to the headstock and tailstock
9. Mount the ball between the two faceplates with the axis rotated 90 degrees. The mid line now runs across the ball from one faceplate to the other.
10. Carefully cut and/or scrape the ball to eliminate the ghost image on the back side of the ball as it rotates, making sure to leave the pencil line running from side to side.
11. Draw a new mid line.
12. Rotate the ball so that the new mid line runs from faceplate to faceplate.
13. Repeat step 10.
14. If I've cut too deeply, repeat steps 10 thru 12 until the ball is perfectly round.
15. Sand repeating steps 10 thru 12 using sandpaper instead of a cutting tool for each grit
16. Apply finish (I used beeswax and mineral oil) repeating steps 10 thru 12 using finish.
After a couple of balls, I could make another ball in very little time.
Success - my ball turning phobia is gone.
My next video will describe the faceplates for turning wood balls.
Another video will take the process to a new extreme.
Enter your email at www.AsWoodTurns... & I'll let you know when the next woodturning project video is ready.

[@samspade2612]

Hi Alan, I've watched quite a few sphere jig vids. Some of them damn near put me to sleep! Particularly the Carter Sphere Tool vid. As an old dog woodturner and I've always believed that one of the joys of turning over other woodshop disciplines is the speed that a project comes to fruition. That, and the fact that the tool is held in my hands, which puts the project in the realm of hand made. The simplicity and skill of your sphere turning technique is stellar and is in keeping with old school bodgering .... Bravo to you! Chris PS: The comment from one of your viewers that suggested that you put your wet balls in a microwave oven brought tears to my eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-)

[@AsWoodTurns]

Glad the video kept you awake. :) I demonstrated this technique but cannot take credit for its development. Still I too love the simplicity of the technique. Alan

[@youenn2180]

The previous freehand work with the gouge is already a great success , shows great ability , then the use of the skew is a good choice , it doesn't remove too much wood and allows a good sight , the result is stunning !

[@AsWoodTurns]

Yes, the process works great. Alan

[@icespeckledhens]

It's an excellent video, demonstrating a traditional way of turning a sphere. Thanks James

[@AsWoodTurns]

You're welcome James Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

I searched for Miguel's video but could not find it. I certainly don't have an exclusive as I got it from Dale Larson and Alan Lacer. Thank you. Alan Stratton

[@Josef_R]

You got balls! I think this is my favorite woodturning video of all time now.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Great - Glad to be of service. Alan

[@tommyschutz9008]

Very informative video. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I have attempted to figure out how to turn a sphere, and have followed various instructors to figure an easier way to come up with a finished product. I too, have had the problem of starting out with a 4" ball and ending up with a smaller ball. This idea looks great, and I can make some chucks for the ends to use. Thanks again for your help.

[@AsWoodTurns]

+Tommy Schutz Glad I could be of assistance. Alan

[@starchy97]

Best tutorial on turning a sphere I've seen. Many thanks

[@AsWoodTurns]

Even better -- it's not difficult. :) Now with the $150 you saved you can buy some other tool. :) alan

[@wdnick]

My woodturning club challenge this month is a sphere on a stand. I will be putting this to use. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Great - glad to be of service. alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

No - I didn't think that - I did check to see if I could find a video for his project. I always want to compare notes, critique, and improve if possible. Thanks for your videos. Alan Stratton

[@teamscottpro]

I watched this for my design and technology coursework and it really helped thanks

[@AsWoodTurns]

Glad to be of service. Alan

[@sewcrazylady]

Thanks for sharing. I am going to try and turn the perfect ball. Mine aren't round at all! You make it all look so easy:)

[@AsWoodTurns]

Just keep your cuts very light when using the cup centers. It is easy. Alan

[@RockCrushing777]

you have solved my problem of turning spheres. good video.

[@AsWoodTurns]

You are welcome. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Congratulations. My eye will not give me a perfect sphere. That's why I need the system. Thank you for going for it. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

I've seen those in catalogs and it would come in handy at times. So, like you if I had one, I'd use it. I'm more likely to buy it for segmented work. Thanks for the comment. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Just to clarify & check our terminology. The catalog name is "Reverse Chucking Alignment Adapter". With the threads that match the spindle. it will screw onto a scroll chuck. With a morse taper on the other end, it will fit into the tail stock. So, a project being held on a scroll chuck can be mounted onto the tail stock which by itself seems useless as there is not power. However, since this mounting centers the work to the turning axis, it can be used to center the work onto a jam chuck.

[@AsWoodTurns]

If you turn on captions, you could see their names. But few do that. They are Dale Larson and Alan Lacer - but neither of them post KZbin videos. Dale Larson is current president of AAW & member of Cascade Woodturners - one of the clubs I associate with. Alan Lacer is from Wisconson. I saw him at the Utah Woodturning Symposium this spring. He has very good video DVD's but I don't know whether they include turning spheres. Thanks for your question. Alan Stratton

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Alan I just did a video on turning a sphere. It is uploading now. I just watched yours and loved it. I must say you are an excellent turner. I also did scrape mine a lot but used a gouge. I need to remember to use the skew. I think it works better. You have nothing to fear....nice work. Sam Will I see you in Utah?

[@AsWoodTurns]

Sheer scraping with a gouge works for me. Probably in Utah come May. Thanks Sam Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

I also use one to temporarily mount a segmented ring onto a faceplate. Then with the faceplate on the tailstock it centers the ring for gluing it to a segmented vessel. Mine does not revolve. but would be handy if it did. Never even think about using one in the head stock. It could work loose - the project and the heavy chuck would go flying and could do some serious damage. The only good scenarios are in the tail stock. There the fixed one won't revolve.

[@AsWoodTurns]

If a jig facilitates the work or protects me or the only way to do the work, I'm fine with it. But, as you say, if it replaces my artistry, then thumbs down. Single purpose jigs are always a problem. Thanks for sharing Alan

[@icespeckledhens]

Excellent spheres, I agree commercial jigs are not worth the cost unless you turn spheres all the time and you also miss out on a skill of doing them the old way. Thanks James

[@AsWoodTurns]

That sums it up. You're welcome Alan

[@nevesvw]

Great video, made it look very easy, I'm starting in lathe art, wooden balls is a passion, I soon want to be doing like you. Have you ever used the technique using light shadow? Thank you from Brazil

[@AsWoodTurns]

Not sure what you mean by light shadow. As the ball turns there is a shadow or ghost image from any out of round. As I rotate the ball's axis, I'm trying to eliminate that shadow or ghost. Alan

[@TheTranq]

Looks good. Seems fairly straight forward? How do you thread the wood faceplate into the tail stock?

[@AsWoodTurns]

I use a tap from Beall tool. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you Wayne. Alan Stratton

[@dondavis769]

Thanks for the feedback Alan, I have been shopping for one for a while, they all seem overpriced to me. I've seen the one online from Woodcraft and I think it's about $59....I guess you have to pay to get good stuff :)

[@AsWoodTurns]

Or find a good seamstress. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

For #1. Balls can be functional for games, or decorative (ornaments), or a component to another turning. Maybe they used to be a rite of passage. but with easy faceplates and some good examples, it should not as big a deal as it was for me. 2. They could be threaded to the spindle, but then you have to have a definite set because the threading is different. I chose to make them interchangeable by threading them to the tailstock and a dovetail tenon for use in spindle. Mine go either way. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

I don't claim to have invented the process. It's actually probably been done this way for several centuries. But sometimes, we get distracted by technology, such as commercial jigs and have to return to our roots. Thanks for commenting. Alan

[@davidholliday5063]

Hi I watched your video for the first time yesterday and made my first ball today about 40mm across it came out ok but the only problem i had is that I could not see the line as the ball was going round maybe i had it going to fast. Thanks for the vid. dave

[@AsWoodTurns]

It's very difficult to see the line with the lathe on. I have to stop frequently so see it also. I've glad you dove right in to turn one. Alan

[@BlackCat_2]

You make it look so easy. Right now I am terrified to try making spheres. Maybe someday will get over that. :P - Heidi

[@AsWoodTurns]

I was terrified for years after attempting a sphere in a class using a jam chuck to turn. Then I saw this technique. Follow the steps and there is no terror required. Make your someday very soon. Alan

[@BlackCat_2]

I hope so. I was actually watching several videos on doing spheres on the lathe without a jig yesterday to try to get over the fear by facing it sort of. :P I figured maybe the more I watched others do it the less scary it would become. That is how I found this video. :)

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thanks for watching and commenting Alan Stratton

[@philipbrandes5121]

Great video, the best about turning a sphere!

[@AsWoodTurns]

It definitely works. Thank you Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

It was always a problem for me also. But with the faceplates and good examples, I got over it. I'll upload a video on the faceplates next week. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Yes, I'll save it for what I cannot make. Thanks for watching and commenting. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Sono contento che il video ha aperto nuove possibilità per voi. Alan Stratton

[@lukegiugliano6530]

Hi Alan, What a great tutorial! I've done metal work on a lathe but never turned wood....could you recommend a small inexpensive lathe and tool set to get started with? (I just want to get started, but also don't want something so cheap that it's low quality). I'd really like to try out your method but I don't own a lathe. Also, where do you get your stock for nice hardwoods?

[@AsWoodTurns]

+Luke Giugliano Ahh. the starting lathe question. It depends a lot on your budget. If you still have the metal lathe, you could start with that. Otherwise, I'd get with some local woodturners and ask to try out theirs. Then get one with a standard spindle size with as much power and capacity as your budget allows. Variable speed is very nice and a common feature now. Tools: plan on a chuck, bowl gouge, parting tool, spindle gouge, skew and work up from there. As for wood, I get a lot of wood from friends, neighbors, and the local club. I rarely purchase wood except for segmented work. Good turning Alan

[@lukegiugliano6530]

+As Wood Turns Thanks for the tips! I definitely would have forgotten to get a chuck. After checking in with some local machining guys, I think I'm going to go with a PSI midi lathe - a bit expensive to get started with, but nice enough that I won't feel the need to replace it in a year if I get more into turning. Will I need a faceplate in addition to a chuck? This is the lathe I'm looking at: www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLC12WB.html Thanks!

[@kmb1794]

Hi Alan, Great video. Thanks for posting. I am working on a project and I need to make 4.2" diameter balls that weigh 2lbs each. Any tips on selecting wood to achieve that weight? Thanks, Kevin

[@AsWoodTurns]

+Kevin Burns You have your work cut out for you. You have about 29 cubic inches. Time to look of the weight/cubic inch of available woods. Even then if you have to be precise, even dry wood varies a lot from the average. Are the balls solid or hollow? Can you add weight to bring them to a perfect weight? Lots of questions depending on the project requirements. Best wishes. Alan

[@kmb1794]

Thanks for the response. I'm not sure if I can put weight in the inside of the ball. Technically, I can, but since the ball is for bocce, I was thinking it best to have a consistent weight... I am experimenting with different wood types and have already discussed with the client the balls coming close to 2lbs and mentioned exact might be difficult.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thanks for commenting Alan

[@juliovera3826]

Hola;Muy bueno lo felicito y bien expricado Saludos desde chile

[@AsWoodTurns]

De nada Julio Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Now you know you don't need to put it off. :) Thanks for commenting. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

They're coming - Just need to produce them. Thanks for waiting. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Theoretically, it could be done with one shift. But, I think you've got it with "who's perfect". Remember that on the lathe, you cannot turn the entire curve -- the ends are blocked by the faceplates. The final rotation is the clean up as you said. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you for commenting. Alan Stratton

[@FirstIrishKing]

Very good video, Alan.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you. Alan

[@hawkwind23]

A great tutorial! Thanks for sharing

[@AsWoodTurns]

You are so welcome. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

I guess I'm somewhat like Alton Brown of "Good Eats". For him, a kitchen tool must do many tasks. For me, the same for woodturning tools. Thanks for your comment. Alan Stratton

[@dondavis769]

Hey Alan, where did you get the turning 'smock' or whatever it is that you are wearing? Great vid BTW, I really enjoyed it.

[@AsWoodTurns]

The smock came from Craft Supplies - the price was right since it zips up on the wrong side. :) Thank you. Alan

[@ProfessorDIY]

You are very talented, thank you.

[@AsWoodTurns]

You are welcome. Alan

[@royalmaster203]

very cool, what brand of lathe do you use?

[@AsWoodTurns]

I use a Powermatic 3420A Thank you Alan

[@doubledarefan]

Suggestion: When making a ball from wet wood, make it a bit oversize, and leave it unsanded and unfinished. When it's dry, turn it to the final diameter, and sand and finish to your liking. That way, no unspherical balls.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Excellent suggestion. The dry balls can be remounted just as they were before. Unless, you don't mind the unspherical balls. Thanks Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Part 3. A revolving "Reverse Chucking Alignment Adapter" could be used in the tailstock between centers to hold a ball faceplate. Either version is great to center work. Sorry for being long winded -- I wanted to highlight the RISK and put it in context.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Just don't spend years in the phobia cycle like I did. Thanks for watching. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

In my video "Simple Wood Faceplates For Perfect Balls Or Spheres", I describe the faceplates. If that's not enough, there is another video earlier on just faceplates for headstock and live centers. Enjoy. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

You are welcome. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

I'd like to come to Scotland sometime when I can enjoy it. The only times were to Grenock in February. :) Thanks for watching. Alan Stratton

[@royalmaster203]

thanks for showing how to this,

[@AsWoodTurns]

You are welcome Jack. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Wait for the next video. The faceplates make the job a lot easier. Alan

[@garyevans8116]

We'll your jig is skill & intelligence I would rather this jig than the other 1 good work mate this is we're I'm heading I will see you there

[@AsWoodTurns]

Great. I like simple jigs also. Alan

[@mitchellmanning7887]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@AsWoodTurns]

You are welcome Alan

[@wolflyrics6551]

Hiya! I’m just wondering well i found this ball it was okay but shiny and a few scrapes so i re varnished it and everything now I’m wondering how much i could sell it for...!

[@AsWoodTurns]

Many factors to consider. Alan

[@ldr2able]

Depending on size and type of wood l sell mine for $15-30, Extra large - more

[@AChap52]

Ow lala! I want that walnut ball! Do you sell them?

[@AsWoodTurns]

Sorry, not yet. However, I just showed you how to make one for yourself! Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Just take it easy & you'll do fine. Let me know how it goes. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Maybe we'll get you addicted to woodturning! :) Alan Stratton

[@hisgracegaltonkabulo6761]

Is it possible to make 13mm balls using this method?

[@AsWoodTurns]

Should be possible by scaling down to that size. The ratios are based on diameter. So the only need would be a small cup center. I would use some scrap cutoff. Good turning. Alan

[@hisgracegaltonkabulo6761]

@@AsWoodTurns thanks so much

[@SapoSolex]

Excellent merci pour la vidéo

[@AsWoodTurns]

de rien. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Don't feat the unround or you'll be as I was. Follow the process and they're be fine. With your skill -- no doubt. Alan Stratton

[@AsWoodTurns]

Just wait for the grand ball in 2 weeks. :) Fun. Thanks for watching. Alan Stratton

[@georgewhitfield2176]

totally excellent demo vid. wood balls would be perfect for my 18m old grandson to play with over xmas. whats a safe finish for babies sticking everything in their mouths?

[@AsWoodTurns]

Just make sure it is rated "Food Safe" Some that I use are: 1. Walnut oil 2. mineral oil 3. wax 4 Mixes - I like a blend of mineral oil and beeswax. Alan

[@georgewhitfield2176]

Many thanks,

[@warriorgaming8461]

Can you make a tutorial on how to make a kendama

[@AsWoodTurns]

christopher garcia Interesting idea. I've researched a kendama. They're actually quite particular to get them right and compliant with regulations. I'd like to do one but it will take a while to fine tune the dimensions. Thanks for the suggestion. Alan

[@michaelbaerga8932]

How do you round of the ends of dowels?

[@AsWoodTurns]

Rarely do I need precision in rounding a dowel. But, if you do, that is half of a sphere with the octagon method. Then finish by eye Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

alors vous devez tourner au moins un. Mais alors vous ne serez pas en mesure d'arrêter. Merci Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

My I suggest that you find your local Woodturners Club. Check American Association of Woodturners at .woodturner. org (eliminate spaces) to find a local club. And, keep watching. I have more videos coming. Alan

[@jeffreylamb5822]

like it a lot great video

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you Jeffrey. Now it is your turn. :) Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Probably a great job - but he's not using a lathe. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Yep. Spherdephobia is DONE! :) Alan Stratton

[@ugotit33x]

NICE

[@AsWoodTurns]

+ugotit33x Yes, nice and simple. :) Alan

[@xzaviercampos4728]

that's cool

[@AsWoodTurns]

+Xzavier Campos Cool and easy. Make a couple. Alan

[@varun009]

Warping isn't a problem as much as uneven shrinkage and eventual cracking is. Wax those babies up and throw them in a dark drawer and leave them there for a couple of years.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Often when I trow them in a dark drawer they stay there more than just a couple of years. :) Alan

[@mxs4193]

You have some big balls

[@AsWoodTurns]

Bigger than most. Alan

[@Uncle_Princess]

I think the headline is a bit misleading. What if you have only hand tools? That machine looks pretty expensive to me.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Sorry, I assume having a lathe. Yes, that was an expensive machine. But to then purchase a $150-200 jig that only does part of the job is insult to injury. There are lathes that cost less than the jig. Alan

[@Uncle_Princess]

As Wood Turns ok thx

[@joebazooks]

how can somebody do this without all of these fancy tools?

[@AsWoodTurns]

tonyfalca Well, if you do not want the simple cup centers in this video, you can spend $150-200 for a single purpose tool that will still leave the ball rough for which you will need simple cup centers to sand and finish. This is the alternative to fancy tools. :) Alan

[@joebazooks]

As Wood Turns is there no way to do this by hand with a single nonmechanical tool? i have no woodworking experience whatsoever. no tools. the reason i ask is because i want to build a backgammon board, but instead of checkers use half a spherical halves.

[@AsWoodTurns]

tonyfalca That is a very different question. May I suggest purchasing spheres at a craft supply place,then cutting them in half. That would be the easiest way. Mattias Wandel made a large hollow ball with cut triangles and a belt sander. But even that sounds beyond what you want. Good luck. Alan

[@joebazooks]

As Wood Turns do you know of any way to do this manually? i'd rather make it myself than buy it. i just really don't wanna spend a hundred or two on machinery that i might use only once or twice

[@AsWoodTurns]

tonyfalca Then bring out your favorite knife and carve them. Forget the sphere and have some fun. :) Alan

[@AlanNeedsFriends]

You remind me of a guy who cussed me out at a grocery store. You seem like a nice guy though

[@AsWoodTurns]

:} Alan

[@Idk56793]

thank you im trying to wittle a angry birds pig this should help

[@AsWoodTurns]

Glad to be of service to the birds. :) Alan

[@madhouse5213]

just make a ball out of wood at school out of rimu and looks damn sexy :) thanks for the video

[@AsWoodTurns]

You're so welcome. Glad it helped you thru one. Alan

[@greysc4leey]

I'm trying to make a wooden ball as a part of a gift

[@AsWoodTurns]

A perfect opportunity to perfect your skill. Alan

[@kennethkustren9381]

Or ... Buy a spare plane blade, mark out the desired radius,... grind it out... sharpen it to return you the exact replica of a cabinet scraper tool. Yes ? No ?

[@AsWoodTurns]

No for me. If I could cut and sharpen the perfect radius, then I'd have a single size tool. By the time I did the sharpening, I could have turned a dozen spheres of various sizes. But don't let me stop you from experimenting. Alan

[@duncanconnors3122]

thanks man I'm making a walking stick

[@AsWoodTurns]

? :) Alan

[@mnby82]

No expensive jig....use this lathe.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Some jigs cost more than an entry level lathe. Alan

[@Dingsrud]

Why that noise in the background, disturbing. Does it make it easier to understand what is beeing said? No!

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thanks for commenting. Alan

[@xathomir]

please try to make a GOOD KENDAMA, not one of the ones that lots of people make that have horrible proportions, or miss one of the lips, so on. A kendama is what my picture is....

[@AsWoodTurns]

I'd love to make a Kendama. I've attempted to find or derive dimensions but was not sure I had it right. Can you point me to a good dimensional drawing or spec? Thank you Alan

[@xathomir]

+As Wood Turns do you want me to just comment to you the dimensions, or contact you in some way

[@AsWoodTurns]

Please send me a simple note via this channel or my website www.AsWoodTurns.com Then I can give you an email address for a dialog. Alan

[@xathomir]

+As Wood Turns i will lsend it to you a lottle later in the day on your website. thank you.

[@mrksschnrl7069]

but expensive and highly artificial machines and materials you use. expensive jig. not createable or investable for natives like me.

[@AsWoodTurns]

I assume you already have a lathe. After that, this is inexpensive. Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

Just take it easy and you'll do fine. Let me know how it goes. Alan Stratton