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

2 ай бұрын

Yes, the process works great. Alan

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

9 жыл бұрын

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

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

10 жыл бұрын

Great - Glad to be of service. Alan

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

@AsWoodTurns

5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome James Alan

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

@AsWoodTurns

9 жыл бұрын

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

5 жыл бұрын

Great - glad to be of service. alan

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

Very good video, Alan.

@AsWoodTurns

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Alan

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

@AsWoodTurns

5 жыл бұрын

Glad to be of service. Alan

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

8 жыл бұрын

+Tommy Schutz Glad I could be of assistance. Alan

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

A great tutorial! Thanks for sharing

@AsWoodTurns

9 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome. Alan Stratton

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.

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

@AsWoodTurns

10 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. Alan Stratton

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

You are very talented, thank you.

@AsWoodTurns

6 жыл бұрын

You are welcome. Alan

Great video, the best about turning a sphere!

@AsWoodTurns

4 жыл бұрын

It definitely works. Thank you Alan

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

7 жыл бұрын

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

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

4 жыл бұрын

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

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 KZread 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

Thank you Wayne. Alan Stratton

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

4 жыл бұрын

That sums it up. You're welcome Alan

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

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

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

10 жыл бұрын

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

2 жыл бұрын

I use a tap from Beall tool. Alan

Thanks for watching and commenting Alan Stratton

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

Thank you for commenting. Alan Stratton

very cool, what brand of lathe do you use?

@AsWoodTurns

4 жыл бұрын

I use a Powermatic 3420A Thank you Alan

Thanks for sharing 👍

@AsWoodTurns

4 жыл бұрын

You are welcome Alan

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

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

7 жыл бұрын

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

7 жыл бұрын

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. :)

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.

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

8 жыл бұрын

+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

8 жыл бұрын

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.

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

@AsWoodTurns

4 жыл бұрын

De nada Julio Alan

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

8 жыл бұрын

+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

8 жыл бұрын

+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!

Thanks for commenting Alan

Excellent merci pour la vidéo

@AsWoodTurns

6 жыл бұрын

de rien. Alan

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

9 жыл бұрын

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 жыл бұрын

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

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.

thanks for showing how to this,

@AsWoodTurns

5 жыл бұрын

You are welcome Jack. Alan

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

10 жыл бұрын

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

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

9 жыл бұрын

Or find a good seamstress. Alan

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

like it a lot great video

@AsWoodTurns

5 жыл бұрын

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

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

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

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

9 жыл бұрын

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

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

5 жыл бұрын

Many factors to consider. Alan

@ldr2able

5 жыл бұрын

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

How do you round of the ends of dowels?

@AsWoodTurns

5 жыл бұрын

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

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

4 жыл бұрын

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

4 жыл бұрын

@@AsWoodTurns thanks so much

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

9 жыл бұрын

Great. I like simple jigs also. Alan

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

You are welcome. Alan Stratton

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

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

NICE

@AsWoodTurns

8 жыл бұрын

+ugotit33x Yes, nice and simple. :) Alan

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

that's cool

@AsWoodTurns

8 жыл бұрын

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

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

Can you make a tutorial on how to make a kendama

@AsWoodTurns

8 жыл бұрын

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

You have some big balls

@AsWoodTurns

7 жыл бұрын

Bigger than most. Alan

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

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

6 жыл бұрын

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

6 жыл бұрын

Many thanks,

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

8 жыл бұрын

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

8 жыл бұрын

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

8 жыл бұрын

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

8 жыл бұрын

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

8 жыл бұрын

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

6 жыл бұрын

:} Alan

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

7 жыл бұрын

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

Yep. Spherdephobia is DONE! :) Alan Stratton

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

5 жыл бұрын

A perfect opportunity to perfect your skill. Alan

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

@AsWoodTurns

9 жыл бұрын

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

6 жыл бұрын

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

6 жыл бұрын

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

6 жыл бұрын

As Wood Turns ok thx

thanks man I'm making a walking stick

@AsWoodTurns

6 жыл бұрын

? :) Alan

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

5 жыл бұрын

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

No expensive jig....use this lathe.

@AsWoodTurns

6 жыл бұрын

Some jigs cost more than an entry level lathe. Alan

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

@AsWoodTurns

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting. Alan

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

7 жыл бұрын

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

7 жыл бұрын

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

@AsWoodTurns

7 жыл бұрын

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

7 жыл бұрын

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

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

@AsWoodTurns

7 жыл бұрын

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