I’m looking to make marble sized wooden balls efficiently for components to some Christmas ornaments. Lathing them doesn’t seem efficient or repeatable enough. I’ve found a video showing how to use a horizontal sander to make a tumbler for them; I worry about burning out the motor if it needs to run for hours. Bead making bits are one option but seem finicky and I’d rather not have a bore hole through middle. Anyone have any tips or experience?
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Replies
FWW issue number 253 (April 2016) provides a method for making wooden balls by tumbling cubes on a belt sander. See "Methods of Work" on page 14.
That is the kind of thing I would buy instead of making. https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/hardware/project-supplies/wood-parts/43240-wooden-balls?item=41K2605&utm_source=free_google_shopping&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_campaign=CAN-EN%7CPLA%7CPMax%7CTools%7CPowerTools&gclid=CjwKCAiA6byqBhAWEiwAnGCA4BJQpF_ahxo8JMwf9VaKPSdfM9yFXRLTlLrTMjvQyc8bOPHHLcVJ4BoC0RUQAvD_BwE
I agree there is a time to know when a commercially produced component is just a better option. Unless these balls need to be out of some exotic hardwood there are many places to purchase small wood balls. Craft stores, Amazon, wood working supply stores, etc.