Stanchions!

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

I'm going barmy failing to turn simple stanchions (just 3/8" long and 1/8" diameter) I need about 20 (eight are actually part of hinges).

The form tool I'm using is one I succesfully used on steel a few years ago, but it's failing spectacularly on brass

Any tips before I resort to doing it witha file?

Neil

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Assume its been sharpened since? and has no top rake?

J

[Terry LaneParticipant @terrylane]

Form tool for the ball ends? Try swizzling them with a wad punch instead. Works a treat.

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Ha! Jason – I've just had another go, after sharpening it… a bit scrappy even at 1/4" not including the spigot:

But I've now mangled all my 1/8" steel and got about eioght little scrappers. At this rate 20 is several days work

I'll try adding top rake though, and if that doesn't work I'll try Tel's suggestion.

Neil

[Terry LaneParticipant @terrylane]

Here are some swizzled balls, using a selection of punches

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/laneranger/ball2.jpg[/IMG]

[Terry LaneParticipant @terrylane]

grrrrrrr…..

[Gray62Participant @gray62]

Posted by Tel on 06/04/2012 21:56:46:

Here are some swizzled balls, using a selection of punches

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/laneranger/ball2.jpg[/IMG]

Tel, I am intrigued by your terminology!.

What the H$^^ are swizzled balls ????

I use a ball turning tool to the 'Hemingway ' kits design, and have succesfully produced many ball handles etc.

So… what is 'swizzling' ???

CB

[mike adkins 3Participant @mikeadkins3]

i would like to see the description of how this system works

[Terry LaneParticipant @terrylane]

I simple terms – you rought out the cylinder you want to beacome a ball, apply the appropriate sized wad punch and 'swizzle' it about. ie swing it from left to right and up and down a bit – just like using a swizzle stick.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swizzle_stick

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

Same as the method used for making balls on a wood lathe, there you just get a bit of pipewith the end cut square, and the inside edge sharp, and to get all the balls the same you keep going until the ball fits the bore of the tube. Brass and aluminium would be easy, and if you harden and temper, or as Tel says use a punch steel would not be impossible. Ian S C

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Stubby, looks like your drill needs sharpening as well judging by the exit wound on that hole

J

[Stewart HartParticipant @stewarthart90345]

Hi

As Jason said a good sharp tool, (and drill) you get a lot of side thrust when forming so i guess they are breaking off before you get the job done, try putting a lost centre in to give it a bit of support and cut it off when you've got the ball formed, also try drilling the cross hole before you form that way you're not taking as much material off.

Stew

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Crikey, these balls are only 5/32" diameter – not sure I can put a centre in one of those… but jason was right enough my form tooll needed sharpening and a bit more care in setting the centre height. Too much overhang too.

It's an horrendous £2.87 for 10 to buy ready made ones, so I did much thinking last night and in the bath this morning I came up with a cunning scheme…

I made a jig for centre-drilling the brass rod (which was a force fit in the jig to ensure it didn't move), and drilled both ends of a small pile of short bits of rod (as stew suggests). I then turned the balls using the form tool (sharp and set properly), filing the pip at the end fair with a diamond file. Next I worked through them all with a 1/16" parting tool to complete the necks and create a suitable stub for the thread. I cut them off with side cutters, as when I parted the first one off it disappeared into the distance.

Still a few more scrappers, from over-enthusiatic feed but I ended up with these:

Which I'm not ashamed of at all!

Neil

Edited By Stub Mandrel on 07/04/2012 20:54:30

[Jim NolanParticipant @jimnolan76764]

All that work to save 28p I think i would opt for one less pint and buy a bag full

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