How Do I Carve A Sphere?!

[Xtreme57]

Ok guys I need your pro (or amateur) advice. I bought a big block of carving wood. Now the next step is that I need to sand it down to something that looks like a ball. Given the size it would look similar to a bowling ball.

I've been using a power sander for the initial bulk, but now I'm getting down to about where I need it but it looks more like a block with just curved corners.

I can't seem to figure out the right method for getting it to be round all the way around if that makes sense.

Any advice?!

Thanks

[Xtreme57]

Ps. Is there a specific tool I need to be using??

[Hugh-P]

My suggetion would be to make a template, (cut a half circle from a think piece of plywood, the size 1/2 your sphere or ball is to be, (throw away the piece you cut out and use the hole, grin,) and keep fitting it over the carving until it fits, keep going around the ball until it is symetrical. Try it you'll like it, grin.

[Keoma]

ok, heres my amatuer advice...lol...buy one at a craft store It saves on the cuts and scratches! Of course I am kidding... There is absolutely no fun in THAT!

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Not sure myself, but I would try a Dremell with a course burr. I am sure you will get alot more answers. Hope that helps some.

Dave

[Xtreme57]

Originally Posted by Hugh P.

My suggetion would be to make a template, (cut a half circle from a thin piece of plywood, the size 1/2 your sphere or ball is to be, (throw away the piece you cut out and use the hole, grin,) and keep fitting it over the carving until it fits, keep going around the ball until it is symetrical. Try it you'll like it, grin.

Interesting thought right there!

[tucker1931]

This is definitely amatuer advise. Get a square block and make it round.
Cliff

[artolver]

If you can find a friend who might have a Dupli- Carver, it will work with bowling ball the right size....... or a lathe could do also, a big one...or a good few sharp carving tools and make cuts like on soccer balls. I think I would do a lot of bandsawing to start.

[TreeWizard]

Get a piece that is a little longer than it is wide. Mount it on a wood lathe and using a gouge round it as much as you can, then take it off, cut off the ends and carve the stubs.

[JJireh]

LATHE
Otherwise you are going to be carving for a while with limited success on a good looking sphere. It is possible, but it will be a LOT of work.