Spherical Slide
Overview
Image courtesy Carter Products
A Spherical Slide is used to make a controlled, curved surface. It is a modified Cross Slide, and is very different from a Curvilinear Slide / Apparatus.
With a spherical slide, the cutting frame (or Drill Spindle) is rotated around a vertical "line" which is parallel to the Y axis.
Lathe Axes
Fundamentally, a spherical slide works the same way a sphere-cutting jig does. (The picture to the right shows the Perfect Sphere from Carter Products.)
Conversely, on a curvilinear slide, the cutting frame (or Drill Spindle) is moved in an out (in the direction of the X axis) whilst moving along the Z axis.
Additional pictures of this device
The spherical slide rest shown in the pictures below was designed by Al Collins (the "A" in the MADE Ornamental Rose Engine), and it shows a very fine example of one for a rose engine lathe.
Comments from Al are:
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Pictures courtesy Al Collins
Examples of this device in use
- This YouTube video was given by Peter Gerstel at the 2018 Ornamental Turners International Symposium. It shows his approach which was used to make a dome shape to the end of an object.
- This YouTube video was given by Jon Magill at the 2018 Ornamental Turners International Symposium. It shows his approach to making organic curves with ornamental turning. But, what is most intriguing about his approach is the overlay used to allow the ornamental turner to see what the cut will be.
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Disclaimer: eMail comments to me at OTBookOfKnowledge @ Gmail.com. The process of woodturning involves the use of tools, machinery and materials which could cause injury or be a health hazard unless proper precautions are taken, including the wearing of appropriate protective equipment. |