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A ball carving vise - tablesawtom - 02-06-2020

It remember seeing a vise or work holder made from a car's ball joint or from a ball for a car hitch in a woodworking  magazine.  I think it was either WoodSmith or Shop Notes.  I checked back issues of WoodSmith. and didn't come up with anything. What I have of Shop Notes are buried in my shop accressed town. And I do not have a lot of issues.

Computers are not my generation so I am asking for help in something like that. I'm sure someone has made one.

Thanks,

Tom

RE: A ball carving vise - DCarr10760 - 02-06-2020

(02-06-2020, 02:26 PM)tablesawtom Wrote: It remember seeing a vise or work holder made from a car's ball joint or from a ball for a car hitch in a woodworking  magazine.  I think it was either WoodSmith or Shop Notes.  I checked back issues of WoodSmith. and didn't come up with anything. What I have of Shop Notes are buried in my shop accressed town. And I do not have a lot of issues.

Computers are not my generation so I am asking for help in something like that. I'm sure someone has made one.

Thanks,

Tom

I haven't made one, but I've had my eye on this one:

https://treelineusa.com/eli-woodcarvers-vise/  (I hope it's okay to post links- if not remove it with my apologies)

It's pricey, and I do have access to a machine shop, so I won't buy one, but it doesn't look difficult to make.  Someday I'll get to it!

DC

RE: A ball carving vise - Arlin Eastman - 02-06-2020

I do not think that is the one in the link and you are right Tom I am pretty sure it was posted here and now that you said it I would like to make one as well since I have taken up carving.

Here are two of them but not the ones I seen before.


https://www.pinterest.com/pin/319896379765530908/


https://www.pinterest.com/pin/309129961912896581/


I like the last one since it seems easier to make.

RE: A ball carving vise - enjuneer - 02-06-2020

Oliver Sparks made a ball pivot base for a Versa Vise. Adjustments are nearly infinite and very quick to make.

Here is a video of it on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/p/B5nF4X2hOeb/?utm_source=ig_embed

RE: A ball carving vise - Timberwolf - 02-06-2020

(02-06-2020, 02:26 PM)tablesawtom Wrote: It remember seeing a vise or work holder made from a car's ball joint or from a ball for a car hitch in a woodworking  magazine.  I think it was either WoodSmith or Shop Notes.  I checked back issues of WoodSmith. and didn't come up with anything. What I have of Shop Notes are buried in my shop accressed town. And I do not have a lot of issues.

Computers are not my generation so I am asking for help in something like that. I'm sure someone has made one.

Thanks,

Tom

.....................
Here's a Youtube that may be of some use.........If I were to make it I would machine the flange off the trailer ball stud.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqeoP73o9d4

RE: A ball carving vise - tablesawtom - 02-07-2020

(02-06-2020, 08:32 PM)Timberwolf Wrote: .....................
Here's a Youtube that may be of some use.........If I were to make it I would machine the flange off the trailer ball stud.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqeoP73o9d4

Good idea about machining the flange off.  I just bought a new ball for my truck and then got another ball the same size as mine in a box with a bunch of junk at an auction.I was kind of bummed because I didn't need another one the same size but know I am pleased to have a second one.

Thanks,

Tom.

RE: A ball carving vise - Stwood_ - 02-07-2020

We had a class on making those on the Zone. Roland was instrumental on us getting them made and done.
I used a 2" trailer ball and had the bottom side of the ball reduced next to the shank, and used some tubing flanges top and bottom.
I've used it but have never finished the 3/16" thick plate. I still have the ply (my template) on it.



Trying to locate the build pics. May be on the other computer.

RE: A ball carving vise - TheCabinetmaker - 02-08-2020

This might be what you are referring to (Wilton Pow-R-Arm) https://www.wiltontools.com/us/en/c/bench-vises-pow-r-arms/W160

RE: A ball carving vise - Bill_Houghton - 02-08-2020

and then there are the vises made from a repurposed bowling ball:
[Image: f650693ca35ad9b1658199709b1665ed.jpg]
This one's black, but, if I were making one, I'd look for one of those swirly "oh wow, look at the colors, man!" balls.

RE: A ball carving vise - tablesawtom - 02-09-2020

Thank you all for answering my post. 

I have a small sanding job on several different parts and the Youtube video from Timberwolf is just what I needed. I even have an extra 1 7/8 inch ball I can use to make it with. So When it warms up enough to me to get back in my shop I will build it. All I have at home is a bench top drill press and a small lathe. And lathe work is my least favorite thing to do so talk about Cabin Fever.

Tom