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RADIUS CUTTING TOOL This tool is used for making spherical forms -- such as balls for use as handle ends -- and it can be used to form a radius. As shown below the base has been made to attach to the cross-slide of my lathe. A round HHS bit is held in a slide that is used to set the radius, and a round handle is provided for pivoting the tool. |
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The raw material -- mild steel -- is assembled. |
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Machining the base with a fly cutter. See Article Number 36 for more information on the fly cutter. |
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Marking the base, followed by careful checking to avoid blunders. |
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Counter-boring using a step-drill bit and plenty of cutting oil. The heads of the screws used to secure the side posts to the base fit into the counter-bores. |
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All holes of the base are slightly chamfered. |
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One of the two side posts being milled. The workpiece was accurately positioned and clamped in the vise. |
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Tapping was done using my tapping stand. See Article Number 12. Although I am well equipped to do tapping, it is not one of my favorite activities. |
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The side posts are fastened to the base and the based is fastened to the t-slots of the lathe. At this point, alignment is verified to assure that the centers of the side posts lie on the lathe spindle axis. |
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A pivot shaft being threaded. The material is free-cutting steel. See Article Number 2 for information on the Die Holder design. |
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Rounding the swinging arms. Rounding is accomplished by manually rotating the arm while it is pivoted on a pin. |
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Slotting the swing arm with 6 mm end mill. See Article Number 24 for more information on Jack Screws. |
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A shallow channel is machined on one side of the tool-holder block, followed by machining an identical channel on the other end. |
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Making a pivot screw, one of two required. The screws were made from square bar, held in a fixture in the three-jaw chuck. The material is free-cutting steel. |
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All parts have been made, a very enjoyable moment. |
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Tool mounted on lathe, with cross-slide positioned to center the tool bit onto the lathe spindle axis. |
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The starting position is shown for making a ball. The tool bit is located on the lathe spindle axis, and the tool slide has been adjusted to set the depth of cut. |
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Testing has been successful. |
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