Vise refurbishment...

[mdlbldrmatt135]

OK,  as the title states, Vise Refurbishment. I have a OOOLD Chas. Parker that could use new jaws, but that itself is about 12 projects.  The handle is pretty rough and I'm thinking about replacing it with piece of 1144 stress proof bar.  The ends are the issue - do I just thread on some nuts or look for steel "balls" for the ends.

I have another "new to me" just picked up Saturday - Chicago Morgan 40 that is in great shape except for the handle... same issue, only the ends appear to be turned down, and nuts threaded on and they're too small IMO.

the 1144 bar is easy to find, but for some reason the steel "balls" are almost more than the rod for 2 vises....  Decisions

[mdlbldrmatt135]

Well, Maybe a new lathe attachment is Justified for the project??? 

Sherline Radius Cutting attachment

[Piggiron]

...or maybe make one.
Terry, didn't you have a set of plans for a ball turner posted on the old MG site ?

[TerryWerm]

I believe I did. Would've had the plans on the computer at home. I am on the road all week this week, so will try to remember to do a search when I get home.

[mdlbldrmatt135]

...or maybe make one.
Terry, didn't you have a set of plans for a ball turner posted on the old MG site ?

Yeah, as if I need another project....LOL   as it is, I'll have to make spacer blocks if I buy that one, or remove the spacer under the motor, to use it as is.  I really like the modularity of the Sherline design.

[chips and more]

OnLine Metals has 1018 carbon steel balls.

https://www.onlinemetals.com/en/buy/carbon-steel-ball

So does FleaBay! search "soft steel balls"

[chips and more]

Or, make your own steel balls using a milling machine and a rotary dividing head. I have been using the mill not the lathe for making steel balls since high school. The results are superior.

[4GSR]

That's unusal to find steel balls that are soft and not harden to cut on.  Not a bad price either.

[mdlbldrmatt135]

That's unusal to find steel balls that are soft and not harden to cut on.  Not a bad price either.

After a wee bit of googling... Iron works suppliers have a nice selection of them too... with some larger sizes, both solid and hollow.
Steel balls