"Bowling Ball" Vises

[Too_Many_Tools]

One of the projects that I am finally getting around to is to make a "bowling ball" vise using a bowling ball for the universal joint.

I would like to see examples of what others have done.

What vises and attachments have you mounted on the balls?

Any special mounts for the ball base?

Any balls work better than others?

Thanks for any info.

TMT

[RPease]

I think one of those little 8" rubber tires from HF works pretty good for a base. Easy to rotate the ball to new position.

BTW.........when you asked about what balls work best.......are you concerned about color, weight, composition, manufacturer or trademark???

Personnally..........I like black, 12 pound, rubber, Brunswick, Black Beauty.......But that's just me.........LOL

[quasi]

there was an article in H.S.M. long ago on making an engravers ball and vise, try the index?

[Too_Many_Tools]

I think one of those little 8" rubber tires from HF works pretty good for a base. Easy to rotate the ball to new position.

BTW.........when you asked about what balls work best.......are you concerned about color, weight, composition, manufacturer or trademark???

Personnally..........I like black, 12 pound, rubber, Brunswick, Black Beauty.......But that's just me.........LOL

LOL...well I have a black ball sitting here as a candidate.

I also have seen a number of other balls of different finishes.

I have read about the tire base..and that is why I am asking for options before committing.

TMT

[Too_Many_Tools]

there was an article in H.S.M. long ago on making an engravers ball and vise, try the index?

Thanks for the lead.

Did anyone build it?

TMT

[Frank Ford]

eBay seller "bowling_blowouts" has NOS vintage hard rubber balls on Buy It Now, for $34.95 and free shipping.

I bought one last year with the intention of making a ball vise, but have not yet started the project.

You might want to check the Monster Ball Vise web site for some ideas:

http://www.monsterballvise.com/

[quasi]

I think the author of the article is Birk Pederson.

[old-biker-uk]

Try a search on the Engraver's Cafe site here.
Mark

[PTSideshow]

Harbor fright vise and tire with out the tube, It works better with the tube with inflation to control the tire against the ball.

It is the swivel hobby vise, has a post out the bottom of the vise works well for a 5 minute project. It is a slip fit
2-3/4" Articulated Vacuum Vise
Jaw width: 2-3/4''; Throat depth: 1-5/16''; Max. jaw opening: 2-1/2''
ITEM 3311-6VGA
$14.99
2 3/4" Articulated Vacuum vise

[andy_b]

i keep saying i want to build one of these, so a very timely post!

i'd definitely like to see more photos of any that people here have built. POST 'EM IF YOU GOT 'EM!!!!!

andy b.