Ball Knobs for Quick Change Toolholders

[rherrell]

I was watching a Tom Lipton video (oxtoolco on YT) and I noticed he had these neat little ball knobs on his quick change toolholders. If any of you have ever used a metal lathe you know how awkward it can be grabbing a new toolholder from the rack, this little hack works great and prevents getting your fingers hurt.

I started with making the Delrin blanks...

Then I made a threaded mandrel...

Next I drilled and tapped them all...

Then it was time to turn them using my shop made ball turner...

Finally I trimmed the bottoms...

Here is a view of the bottom after trimming...

Finally, a before and after view of my tool rack...

Here's a close up before and after...

I appreciate you looking.

 

[Mortalis]

Great QOL idea.

 

[duncsuss]

There's always something worth learning in videos by experienced craftsmen - it might not be the main purpose of the video they created, but in some throw-away comment or on the shelf behind the lathe there's a great idea.

I've always wondered what I might use an adjustable boring head for, now I know - I reckon your ball-making jig could be adapted to fit a wood lathe tool post

 

[egnald]

Very Cool! - Dave

 

[anthonyd]

Neat!

 

[Aurelius]

Brilliant!
Added those to the list for my next order.

 

[d_bondi]

Great Idea! Thanks for sharing it and your process.