How to Woodturn a Sphere

I have wood turned my first sphere from a piece of sequoia wood. I started by turning a sphere from a spindle. Then I remounted the sphere at a 90ﾟ angle to the first axis and turned in the new direction. Then I rotated the sphere again another 90ﾟ and repeated this process several times moving to each of the three axes getting closer and closer to a perfect sphere.

Some of the tools used in this project

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[Nighthawkinlight]

I've got an old video saved in my favorites of a guy making wood spheres by hand for puppet eyeballs. He got it done with something like a homemade hole saw which he held in hand and used to take the high spots off a cube similar to what you've done here. What I found most interesting is that you could make spheres of a much larger diameter than the hole saw tool you were working with.

[SeanHodgins]

It would be cool to see you do this with a hardwood, but just keep upping the sand paper grits to a polish, repeating the turning of the ball. You would end up with an extremely round polished wood ball.

[WoodFrontier]

They are really satisfying to make. We had a club demo of this process this summer and I've been making them since.

[stephenbezanson]

Amazing as always. Your Christmas projects are always great. The one thing I enjoy even more than your obvious joy of working with wood is your chuckle. It’s contagious. Merry Christmas to you and to your family!

[drmarcosmancini]

I could image turning with our Brazilian Muiracatiara wood. Is on of the most beautiful wood in my opinion. Great job! Amazing!

[stephent]

I don't know what it is about Frank's videos I love watching them but every time i do i wake up 2-4 videos later and have to go back and re watch it from where i fell asleep.

[millray]

That tree was growing amazingly fast with growth rings that thick. Interesting technique.

[PeopleAlreadyDidThis]

Frank, you’ve invented the cantaloupe. I’m certain that yours tastes better than any we had in the stores this year!

[Lazywatchsmith]

So cool. I made a large hollow plywood ball(subwoofer box) and it had the same problem with the oil.

[travwilson]

Great video! As always. Please consider doing a video on the basics of using a three phase power converter in your shop. I'm finding good deals on used three phase equipment but can't buy because I have no experience with three phase power converters. Thanks! Keep going! Your are a blessing to us all.

[JeremyMcMahan]

That looks amazing Frank. Almost like a big marble at the end. Nice.

[oidede]

Máximo, Frank. Perfeição do natural. Essa é a recriação da Natureza! Parabéns sempre em seus trabalhos. Amor é Arte!

[FredMcIntyre]

Nice work Frank, looks like you had a ball! 👍

[loujoszai]

Couldn't wait for your next video Frank. Good job!

[I_M_Nonno]

Your lathe tool handling is much improved!

[MikeWaldt]

Great method and demo Frank
Cheers Mike

[MonacoMike]

I can already see some new Christmas tree decorations on the horizon. :-)

[Kreith]

I think I have seen all of your videos .. like anytime a good one. Love it.

Greetings from Germany Munich, Arne

[naybobdenod]

Once again Frank, you are certainly on the ball :)

[sventistvan]

Practice makes perfect....even your first attempt frank you make it look easy..Thanks you expert Mate!