Best Ball Turning Attachments for Lathe: Precision Sphere Tools for Metalworking
For hobbyists and small shops, a ball turning attachment can expand what a lathe can produce—from precise spheres to convex and concave radii. The following five products are among the most relevant options for turning spherical workpieces on Myford and similar lathes, as well as on compact mini lathes. Each attachment offers dual-bit or dual-insert designs, scale references, and straightforward installation to help improve surface finish and turning efficiency. Use this guide to compare features, compatibility, and adjustability across popular models.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| ASSORTS Lathe Ball Turning Attachment – Round Base with Size Scale – Double Bit | ASSORTS | Dual-bit, Myford-compatible, precision radius turning |
| Ball Turning Attachment For Lathe-Turns Round Convex Metal-Sphere Radius ball turning | ASSORTS | Indexable carbide insert, quick setup, precise ball radii |
| Assorts Ball Turning Attachment (Exclusive Feature of Bearing Base) with Reference Size Scale | ASSORTS | Double-bit, bearing base, up to ~42 mm ball |
| Lathe’s Ball Turning Attachment with Size Scale Machine Tools (Oval Base-Double Bit) | AD INTERNATIONAL | Imperial/metric scale, adjustable head |
| Mini Lathe Ball Turning Attachment For 7 x 14 / 7×16 Mini Lathes | AD INTERNATIONAL | Direct-fit for mini lathes, two carbide inserts |
Note: The selected products cover a range of lathes—from full-size Myford-compatible machines to compact 7×14 / 7×16 mini lathes—offering dual cutting edges, ball size scales, and ease of installation. The table above provides a quick snapshot to help you compare core capabilities at a glance.
ASSORTS Lathe Ball Turning Attachment – Round Base
The ASSORTS Lathe Ball Turning Attachment combines a round base with a size scale and a dual-bit configuration. It supports turning spherical, convex, and concave radii on metal lathes with precise control and smooth transitions. The dual-bit design allows quick switching between roughing and finishing cuts without re-aligning the setup, improving efficiency and surface quality. It is designed to fit Myford and similar-lathe cross slides, ensuring stable operation and minimal vibration during turning operations. The tool’s precision geometry supports consistent ball sizes within the expected range, making it suitable for knobs, handles, and other rounded components.
Ball Turning Attachment For Lathe-Turns Round Convex Metal-Sphere Radius ball turning
This attachment is engineered for turning accurate spherical, convex, and concave shapes on metal lathes, making it suitable for knobs, handles, and custom radii. It is designed to mount on Myford and similar lathes for fast setup and stable performance. Included is an indexable carbide insert that provides multiple cutting edges, enabling extended tool life and improved surface finishes. The combination of a precise geometry and a carbide insert helps achieve consistent ball dimensions, even with varying workpiece materials and cutting depths. This option is well-suited for workshops prioritizing versatility and repeatable results.
Assorts Ball Turning Attachment (Bearing Base) With Reference Size Scale
This model emphasizes a bearing base feature and a reference graduation scale, enabling improved stability during ball-turning tasks. It employs a double-bit configuration with two indexable carbide inserts, enabling smooth external ball (convex) turning and internal socket (concave) turning. The tool is designed to handle ball sizes up to about 42 mm, accommodating common sphere dimensions used in custom hardware and decorative pieces. The double inserts help maintain consistent cutting geometry and surface finish with reduced re-adjustment time between operations.
Lathe’s Ball Turning Attachment with Size Scale Machine Tools (Oval Base)
This lathe attachment features an oval base and a double-bit design, with a size scale for quick reference. It is intended for quick turning of concave balls and convex curvature, though the product note suggests the ball aspect is not always exact—users should understand the geometry may vary with setup and image references. The adjustable head supports different ball sizes, and the imperial/metric scale offers a practical reference during planning. Users should be mindful of clearance and workpiece diameter limits described in the listing, especially for larger sizes or less rigid setups.
Mini Lathe Ball Turning Attachment For 7 x 14 / 7×16 Mini Lathes
Designed as the world’s first direct-fit ball turning attachment for 7 x 14 and 7 x 16 mini lathes, this model emphasizes ease of installation with direct cross-slide mounting. It includes two indexable carbide inserts (TCMT110204), each offering multiple cutting edges for continued use before replacement. The kit is geared toward turning both convex and concave ball shapes on small machines, making it a practical choice for hobbyists working on compact projects where space and quick setup matter most.
Assorts Ball Turning Attachment for 7×14 & 7×16 Mini Lathes
This model is described as the revolutionary direct-fitting ball turning attachment for twin mini lathes, with easy cross-slide installation for immediate use. It features two indexable TCMT110204 inserts that provide three cutting edges per insert segment, optimizing material removal and surface finish for ball turning tasks. The design is tailored to mini-lathe work, particularly where quick setup and reliable performance are essential. It’s a good option for hobbyists focused on compact sphere turning and decorative ball shapes.
Lathe’s Ball Turning Attachment with Size Scale (Round Base)
This attachment features a round base, dual-bit configuration, and size scale designed for Myford and similar-sized lathes. The head is adjustable to target different ball sizes, with a concave/convex turning capability. The installer should note the maximum stated ball diameter and the potential for variance depending on operator skill and setup geometry. The imperial and metric graduations provide a helpful reference for planning ball diameters and tuning cutting depth during operation.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Lathe compatibility: Confirm whether the attachment is designed for Myford, mini lathes, or both. Check cross-slide dimensions, mounting patterns, and clamp availability to ensure a proper fit without modifications.
- Base and stability: A round or oval base should provide stable support. Bearing bases and double-bit configurations generally improve rigidity and allow quicker tool changes without losing alignment.
- Cutting inserts and tooling: Carbide inserts (e.g., TCMT110204) with multiple edges extend tool life and reduce downtime. Carbide inserts offer consistent performance across different materials and materials with varying hardness.
- Ball size range: Review the maximum ball diameter each attachment can produce and whether the scale provides adequate reference for your target sizes. Some tools provide imperial/metric scales for quick calculations.
- Ease of installation: Direct-fit or quick-connect designs save setup time, especially on mini lathes. Consider models advertised as “no modification required” for speed and simplicity.
- Surface finish and precision: Dual-bit and dual-insert tools can deliver smoother finishes when paired with appropriate feeds and depths of cut. Look for tools that emphasize stable alignment and vibration resistance.
- Materials and durability: Steel bases and high-quality carbide inserts improve tool life and reliability for repeated ball turning tasks.
- Use cases: Ball turning attachments are well-suited for knobs, handles, decorative spheres, and parts with convex or concave radii. Ensure the chosen model supports your intended radii and tolerances.