Fred Lindsay
Sphere Turning Jig

Specifications

Turning Jig Details

The entire jig is made out of hardened steel to provide the strongest tool.

The jig is held to your lathe by a clamp that is made to fit between the ways of your lathe. This clamp is a critical component of the jig as it self centers the jig under the work piece.

The jig is constructed with an substantial outer post which mounts to the above clamp. Then there is an inner post which moves up and down in the outer post. This movement allows you to set the jig to the center height of your lathe. Once it is at the right height, you tighten a set screw on the outer post thereby locking the post in place.

The cutter holder is mounted on a horizontal swing arm. The swing arm attaches the the inner post with a oil impegnated bronze sleeve bearing. The cutter holder supports a 3/8" square shaft. There is a knob at the top of this holder which locks the cutter into place.

The jig is custom made to fit any lathe from a 10” Mini Lathe to a 24” swing and all sizes in between.

The jig is engineered to turn a sphere with a maximum diameter of 5".

Cutter Details

The Lindsay/Hunter tool assembly, pictured below, is a 3/8" square shaft tool has a 1/2" round, razor-sharp, replaceable carbide cutter head. This cutter head has a significantly longer life than standard HSS tools.

Lindsay/Hunter Tool Assembly
(Click picture for larger image)

Alternative Cutters

Over time, you may choose to try some alternative cutters. Any of these would work:

• 3/8" square, 8" long HSS tool bit which can be ordered from MSC Industrial supply - item number 02610244. Quantity 1 pricing is ~$10. Their phone # is 800-645-7270 or the can be found on the web at: http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/nnsrhm
  
• 3/8 inch bedan
  
• 3/8 inch spindle gouge with a finger nail grind
  
• Or any other cutter that has a shank that is 3/8 inch in diameter.