Wood Turning Segmented Sphere or Soccer Ball
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- This is a glassy smooth ball turned from 12 pentagons.
After it is glued up it becomes a Dodechahedron. Then I turn it into a sphere.
The 6 inch diameter ball ends up looking like a soccer ball.
I wanted it to have it's own look so I used 180 pieces for the design.
Involves a lot of angle cuts and a fun but complex glue up.
Link to the Baltic Birch Ball:
• Wood Turning Beautiful...
Finishes used:
Minwax water based sanding sealer
Minwax Polycrylic
Acks Abrasive Paste and Polishing/Restoring Paste
ackswoodpaste....
Hi Sir Gary,
If you read only wonderful in the comments, that's me.
Because I lack words in the Portuguese Language to describe your gift.
Congratulations!!!!! God continue to bless you and his family too!!!! 🙏
Thank you very much Marcelo. I appreciate your comments and understand the language difference.
All the best to you,
Gary
Thanks for that, I love this one. At some point I would like to make one of my own. You make turning look easy and teach a lot along the way. Thanks again
Thank you Mitchell!
Be sure to watch my new video tomorrow morning. I will show the secrets to making the stair step Illusion.
Gary
Sometimes hearing your voice takes me back when I was little listening and watching my dad (mill right) do projects in our detached garage. I really enjoy my time with you.
Well thank you Gary. That is one of the nicest things I have heard. I am happy it brings to back to those days.
Take care,
Gary(also)
Gary you always get the cobwebs cleaned out don't think I can copy that one. you truly have the craft well in hand
Well thank you so much Garry. If the cobwebs are cleared out maybe you can give it a try. This was the second one I made. Not sure if you saw the Baltic Birch plywood version but that was my first. I definitely want to do more of them.
Take care,
Gary
Gary, this was enjoyable to watch. The outcome is spectacular. I wish I had the chance to spend a weekend in the shop with you. You have a very good eye and your ideas are wonderful. I’ll be 75 in April and I have been working in the shop since I was about 7. I’ve learned more in your last few episodes than I have in years. I look forward to your future videos. Thank you, Warren
Thank you very much Warren! I will be 75 this month and I am still looking for things to learn.
I remember when I finished my apprentice in wood pattern making. A common thing that was said was:
"Now you can really start learning."
I think that was very true and I enjoy sharing what I have learned.
Thanks for watching,
Gary
Well Gary, you must really like those complicated glue-jobs. Not really my thing but again very well done.
Pieces like these are looked at and then people (turners) start wondering how it was made.
I hope you will have a lot of admirers.
Yes Leo I do love complex work. But I also enjoy turning chunks of trees. Although with them I like the odd pieces as well.
Take care,
Gary
Really like your works ! I'm a math major/art minor and I like working wood. When I taught in Jasper, MO,, I had my vocational math class build a dodecahedron frame about 4' across from 2" x 4"'s. We also built a yurt (Mongolian hut). I built a wood strip canoe. I also built a hammered dulcimer. I only had a vague description, so I drafted a full size plan on butcher block paper. Now I'm 71. I go in the woods with my cordless sawsall looking for interesting "diamonds in the rough" pieces of wood. Then home to bandsaw, belt sander, Dremel,... to organic forms...
Sounds like you enjoy wood working Allan. I am a little older than you and have always worked with wood.
I am a retired wood pattern maker so I used math in my job. Never made a dodecahedron but made a lot of things using angles.
Best of luck hunting those diamonds...sounds like a lot of fun.
Gary
Hi Gary, I am speechless. The only word I can use for this is EXCEPTIONAL. The finish is glass like. Absolutely superb Gary. Take care my friend. Cheers, Huw
Many thanks Huw I appreciate the comment.
You should try the Polycrylic...it is really easy to use.
Take care buddy,
Gary
By coincidence I went into the wrong classroom where the masters of large work....
Even though personally I'm far away from masters degree I enjoyed this stunning lesson 😀
Thanks for sharing Gary 👍
Thank you very much Uwe. Thanks for watching and best of luck with what you do.
Gary
Great vision and design. I've been a woodworker for over 45 years and have seen most methods. This process really impressed me and it makes me want to reproduce the project. Very well done.
Thank you very much I appreciate your comments. I guess I have been wood working for around 58 years not counting the wood shop in grade school. I made my living as a wood pattern maker which to me was the best job a wood worker could have. I still look for new things to do and this is something I first did earlier this year.
Let me know if you make one of these. I have already heard from a couple of guys that have made them after seeing my video. I shared dimensions and my sketches which I think helped a lot.
Thanks gain and take care,
Gary
just saw this video randomly.. i dont know why it was on my youtube.. once started i just lost in it.. really great job... support from india .
Thank you very much I am happy you found it and watched!
I'm from Wales and just taken an interest in segmented wood turning. I have a very basic knowledge of woodturnig nevertheless based on your very easy to follow instructions a similar item but with a five pointed star in a pentagon. So many thanks to you I admire your skills. If you wish I would be very happy to share a photograph of my efforts. It's my first attempt although little errors are there so will improve on next attempt. Once again many many thanks. Fred
Thank you very much Fred and I would love to see your photo. You can send it to mgdpapa@gmail.com
Thanks again for watching and your comments.
Take care,
Gary
Spectacular! You have a lot of patience, but mostly skill!
Thanks so much Lorraine I appreciate your comments and thanks for watching.
Gary
This sphere looks amazingly good.
Thank you very much!
Gary
Superior craftsmanship. Awesome finish.
Thank you very much Shaun and thanks for watching,
Garu
Excellent and interesting video. We should name
you the "ANGLE MASTER". I always enjoy learning tips from you and your
videos. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Kent.. I like the new name. Sort of adds a twist to things..lol
Take care...
Gary
That is so cool! We are a soccer family and that would make a statement in my house!! Absolutely stunning piece of work.
Thank you very much Mary. Years ago I remember playing soccer in high school before it became popular.
Then years after that when our daughter got old enough she joined a team. I was asked to take over the team after a few years and enjoyed doing that.
The soccer ball was really fun to make.
Thanks for watching,
Gary
Your sphere looks much better than one from plywood. Well done.
Thank you Julian and I agree with you. Thanks for watching,
Gary
Absolutely fascinating. Loved it 😍 😍
Thank you very much Sandy and thanks for watching,
Gary
WOW. Am new to turning. This is surely on my bucket list of projects.
Welcome aboard! Happy you liked it Phil,
Take care,
Gary
A great piece I can appreciate the months of work involved before it got turned your always setting yourself a bigger chalenge on each new piece you are a skilled jouner 👍👍👍👍
Thank you very much! Glad you liked it Ian. It was lots of fun to do and I had the plywood version to do first. That was lots of fun as well.
Take care,
Gary
Well done Gary. The jig to glue-up the pentagons is the cat’s ‘meow’. Really nice. Love that precision. And
that finish is just awesome. Great job!
Thank you very much Mike....I appreciate your comments.
Take care.....
Gary
You are amazing! So talented to make this! Absolutely fantastic! You have now created a masterpiece! Bravo!
Thank you Mary. They are a bit of a challenge for sure. I do enjoy working with things like this that need to be cut as close as possible.
Thanks for watching,
Gary
The many devices & features you make to help the process. 0:26 & 1:28 just to start- Craftsmanship is problem solving. Great lessons in these videos, thank you sir!
Thank you very much Mike. I appreciate your comments and am pleased that you liked the fixtures I made to make the job easier. I enjoy making anything that makes the job easier and repeatable.
Take care,
Gary
Thank You Gary...That is a neat turning indeed !!!!....It is always fun to see what your next challenging invention will be. I was watching and thinking that without your home shop to explore your imagination life would not be such an adventure....Look forward to your next turning Gary....TM
Thank you very much tuffy...yes right now all my other hobbies are on hold. As well as any traveling we like to do.
But that does mean more time out in the shop...oh darn...lol
Take care,
Gary
That is brilliant! All of your turnings are beautiful but your knowledge of angles, jigs, and the segmented turning is absolutely incredible! You are a joy to watch and I have learned a lot from you. Keep up the great work!
Thank you very much! I appreciate your kind words James.
Take care,
Gary
That is so magnificent that you could make a sample for soccer clubs in Europe with some thermal prints of the club name and so on. I believe that would be interesting if you would print Manchester United or any other club so that they would have it in their vitrine with other achievements. That is just one idea because it is too good to be done as one single example of your craftsmanship. Best of luck.
Thank you for watching and I am pleased that you liked it.
I admire the thinking that went into this ball. This is amazing. Thanks once more for giving me something to watch and learn every Friday.
Thank you very Jabulani!
Happy Friday my friend...
Gary
There you go again! Turning another exquisite project with perfection and style. Well done!
Thank you Valerie glad you liked it. Nothing new like this planned at the moment but there will be. I do have some very nice pieces of wood for natural turnings that I am looking forward to.
Take care,
Gary
Great work gary, lots of work and patience paid dividends. Stay safe, John
Thank you John glad you liked it.
Take care,
Gary
Excellent again, Gary! 👍🏼 Good Ideas and a Good Teacher.
Many thanks I am happy you liked it Sajjad!
Take care,
Gary
Hi Gary... well...what a beautiful sphere... the precision in the segmented work was spot on...amazing finish...very well done... take care...All the best.....Andy
Thank you Andy..I appreciate your comments. It was a fun project and will do more similar but not for awhile.
Cheers, Gary
Such a skillful Man it's hard enough to just turn the Sphere but to work out all those angels is truly amazing well done sir
Thank you very much Robert I appreciate your comment.
Gary
@ThePapa1947 ~It is absolutely stunning! I truly appreciate you taking the time to explain what you are doing during each step of the process and why. I learn so much from your videos! Thank you! ~Christy~
Thank you so much Christy...I appreciate your comments and thanks for watching.
Take care,
Gary
I love when you post your latest project because I know it’s going to be good. This sphere is better than good. It’s awesome! Your explanations are always so detailed that I’m sure they help other wood turners. I’m not a wood turner but I love watching these videos. You’re definitely one of my favorites!💕
Thank you so much Dianna! I appreciate your comments and fir watching.
Take care...
Gary
Just stumbled upon this channel as I am a big fan of wood turning, you're doing a great job!
Welcome aboard! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
Take care,
Gary
Very nice piece. It looks like a soccer ball. Its great. Thanks.
Thank you very much!
Hola GARY. Mil veces gracias por inspirarme a seguir su pasos en el arte de la madera , Usted es un GENIO. No entiendo como allá dos personas que no les gusten lo que hace . Si no les gusten que no vean el vídeo .Abrazo.
Muchas gracias Luis.
Estoy feliz de que te haya gustado y eso es suficiente para mí.
Cuida de mi amigo,
Gary
Wow Gary beautiful and amazing construction. Great instructional video. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it Gerald! It was fun to do even after letting the 12 pieces sit on the shelf for over a month. I just did not want to get it done and post it right after the plywood ball. I actually started this one first.
Take care,
Gary
Amazing! You’re one of those turners that make me (a 59 years “young” woman mechanical engineer) start turning as soon as possible. Thanks❣️
Ps. Your getting better at holding your work more still when showing it. Ds. 😍
Thank you very much. Never to late to start!
I worked with a lot of mechanical engineers in my job. A number of them were women. It is a great job. Our son is an ME as well.
I think I am getting less nervous and pay more attention to the moving object in my hands...lol
Take care,
Gary
beautiful job Gary , this is the sort of work I like to watch you doing it spurs me on to do better work. Keep safe and well.
Thank you Ron. I do love doing this type of work. There will be plenty more.
Gary
Nice little project! Terrific explanation as you proceed. Clearly you have lots of experience! The only thing that surprised me is something I learned years ago in 8th grade shop class: remove all you jewelry such as rings when working around machine tools. One little slip and you can lose a finger!
Thank you Mitch I am happy you liked it. Thanks for watching and your comments.
Gary
I LOVE this! I enjoy finding truly, imaginative and technically sound craftsmen on TH-cam. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you very much! I am happy you found my channel and thanks for watching.
Take care,
Gary
Very nice Gary. I always enjoy watching your videos. Well done.
Thank you very much Nathan...I appreciate you watching and commenting.
Take care,
Gary
That is what I was trying for.. I will try again in the fall, I have to enjoy this short western New York summer.
Thanks Larry...yes we are having some nice weather as well. Spent all day in it yesterday.
Take care,
Gary
great job on the finish I think it looks amazing. I thought this was so good I recommended it to my woods working teacher for our next assignment.
Awesome! Thank you! Is this a wood working class at school?
I still remember getting hooked on wood turning in shop class at grade school. That was many moons ago.
Take care,
Gary
I always know I'll love your projects. This was no exception.
Thank you very much. Happy you liked it.
Gary
Amazing! You've probably heard that so many times. A genius is what you are, sir! Bless you for sharing your gift of wood working! ♥️
Thank you so much for your kind words Rose. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
Take care,
Gary
This is just such perfection, Gary. From the math to the tight fitting joints, the perfect 360° to the elegant finish, it's just stunning! Man, are you gonna be a hit down at the bowling alley! Really well done, my friend! I'm in awe.
Phil
Thank you Phil I appreciate your comments. At least with this ball I would not have to worry about sliding down the bowling alley because I could not let go..lol
Working on a very natural turning and wait till you see the grain...
Take care my freind,
Gary
Gary this is just an awesome piece, the grain in the wood is so beautiful.
Thank you very much Kobie I am happy you liked it.
Take care,
Gary
What a lovely orb and fantastic finished piece carry on making more unusual things really enjoy watching your skills
Thank you very much Martin I appreciate your comment. I have a few more unusual things in the works.
Take care,
Gary
Amazing and beautiful. I love all the sawing and clamping fixtures you make for your projects. Looks like a lot of work goes into building those fixtures
Thank you very much. I do enjoy making the fixtures and jigs as well.
Thanks for watching,
Gary
Really cool, Gary! I love it!
Billy
Thank you Billy I am glad you liked it. May do something like this again but different. But not for awhile
Take care,
Gary
Very fun to watch and hear your voice
You were always a very good pattern-maker
You are a total natural
Very very impressed👍
Thank you Dave and it was sure nice hearing from you yesterday. It made my day that much brighter.
Happy you enjoyed the video.
Take care my friend and thanks for watching.
Gary
Everyone of your videos has made me say Wow... That's amazing. You are exceptionally talented!
Wow, thank you! Now you have made me say wow...I appreciate you watching and commenting.
Take care,
Gary
Awesome Piece, well done. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Ricky, happy you liked it and thanks or watching.
Gary
WOW Gary!! That came out excellent and that finish is off the hook!! Thats my favorite piece of yours....I think I say that after every piece!! Amazing work Gary, thanks! for sharing that with us!
Thank you Bruce! I am very happy with how it turned out. Sometimes not till the finish is on do you know for sure. The more I put on the more I liked it. Happy you liked it my friend.
Gary
Hats off to you Sir. Geometrical Art. Beautifully done.
Thank you so much Khan I am happy you liked it and appreciate you watching.
Gary
Wow! Beautiful product! Thank you for sharing your talent in this video.
Thank you very much for your kind comments.
Gary
Outstanding project and work! Thanks for the creative ideas you share.
Thank you Greg I appreciate your comments.
This Friday should be something you like as well.
Take care,
Gary
Merci beaucoup Denis. J'apprécie votre commentaire et merci d'avoir regardé.
Gary
A super amazing piece Gary. I delight in the precision with which you can work & build up these segmented pieces & the obvious JOY that you get in doing them. Your preparation & attention to detail is astounding. Your delight becomes our delight as we watch & listen to your great presentation. The finish applied looks absolutely amazing. It's a superb piece you have produce through your superb skills in design etc, etc, etc. Amazing piece from an amazingly multiskilled craftsman. Don
Thank you so much Don. These types of turnings are fun for me because I like how they look but I love the challenge of making them. Thanks for all your kind comments.
Gary
Your method is truly clever and your hand/eye skills produce genuine art. Congratulations on your artistry!
Thank you very much Dave I appreciate the comment. Thanks for watching and subscribing..much appreciated.
Take care,
Gary
Wow, Gary! Extraordinary! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thank you very much Marcia! I am happy you liked it. It was lots of fun to do.
Take care,
Gary
Very very nice made of this ball,and
Very intelligent job,it is critical ,you made this easily
Thank you so much Busi for your kind words. I am happy you liked it.
Gary
Wow 🤩. See you work is an absolutely pleasure. Amazing piece you’ve created. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thank you very much Roger fpr your kind words.
Thanks for watching..
Gary
Very cool Gary!👍🇺🇸
Thank you very much...glad you liked it.
Take care....
Gary
Outstanding turning, Gary. That's one great soccer ball. I'm thinking of trying one myself, but will likely include decal logos of my favorite team(s).
Thank you John...you should give it a try.
I used to enjoy sports but have no interest in it anymore.
Take care,
Gary
You truly have outdone yourself. Awesome!
Thanks so much Pat. Was a lot of fun to make. I just may have to do another one similar.
Thanks for watching,
Gary
Дай Бог Вам силы в руки. Вы делаете прекрасные изделия. Это сложная работа. Любить дерево--- это призвание. Лайк от друга. Супер. Я очень рад, что я с Вами.
Спасибо, мой друг, вы очень добры!
Just AMAZING Papa!!!
Thank you very much I appreciate your comment and thanks for watching.
Take care,
Gary
Awesome concept execution and finish brilliant.
Thank you very much Ray!
Take care,
Gary
A lovely piece there, I love the design and colours.
Thank you Les and thanks for watching,
Gary
Absolutely marvelous! A pleasure to be able to watch the how to the finish. Beautiful work.
Thank you very much! I appreciate you watching and commenting.
Take care,
Gary
Honestly, i never suscribe, but you just turn out such awesome pieces.
Thank you very much. I am happy that you watch and enjoy my videos.
Wow that really looks nice. You are really a good turner and I see some fantastic things from you. Still learning myself and progress is slow. Thanks
Thank you Charles I appreciate your comments. Progress is a good word so as long as you are making it your are doing good.
Take care,
Gary
Excellent! You continue to amaze me with your “seemingly effortless” precision. I look forward to each new post from you!
Thank you very much! I appreciate your comment James.
Take care,
Gary
The marble finish is beautiful 👍
Thank you very much and thanks for watching.
Gary
That is Beautiful! I LOVE it! That is on my list to make! Thanks!
Thank you very much Mike. Have fun when you do turn one.
Take care,
Gary
Right now I am designing a sphere cutter loosely based on the Carter version. I cant pay $450 for one (because I have my eyes on a Chinese ball cutter) but I am a CAD designer and I build al lot of custom parts for custom cars. It will be precision laser cut and powder coated. If it works and you are interested I can send finished pictures and I would not mind making more if anyone is interested. Right now it is in the design stage. I think I can build it for under $200 but we shall see! @@ThePapa1947
Such a beautiful piece! i liked the dodecahedron look too, but I am so glad you decided to turn it!
Thank you very much! I will probably make another and not turn it.
Thanks for watching!
Gary
Поздравляю Гари .Это было великолепное зрелище как вы превратили часть дерева в мяч футбола !!! работа не из легких но вы справились на отлично .Очень было интересно смотреть как вы это сделали мой Друг ! Удачи
Большое спасибо, мой друг. Я рад, что тебе понравилось.
Береги себя,
Gary
Gary, you are just amazing...I love watching you turn!
Thank you Carol I am happy you liked it and I really appreciate you watching and commenting.
Take care,
Gary
So high skills. Nice design. Cheers Gary
Many thanks Sony!
Cheers,
Gary
Simply amazing Gary! You workmanship in bringing all those angles together so perfectly is just plain awe inspiring! It will be a treasured family heirloom 200 years from now.
Thanks so much Jerry for your very kind comments.
Take care..
Gary
Masterful as usual, Gary!
Thank you very much Bob I am glad you liked it
Take care,
Gary
BRILLIANT!! BEAUTIFUL!! AMAZING!! I've never seen anything like it.
Thank you very much John, I appreciate your comments and thanks for watching.
Gary
At about 5:50, you said, "I thought about not turning it...". Ha, ha, I was thinking exactly the same thing! That glued-up dodecahedron (?) was incredible on its own, and would be a very impressive item if sanded and finished.
For sure Walter I want to make on and not turn it.
I made one out of some old Cedar and left one section loose to be used as a lid. Not as pretty as this one though.
I might have to make 2 with the same nice wood and turn one and leave the other as a dodecahedron.
Thanks for watching,
Gary
Love your work, that's one great looking FOOTBALL. Cheers
Much appreciated Darryl and thanks for watching.
Gary
I love it. The design and the finish. Awesome.
Thank you very much! Happy you liked it.
Take care,
Gary
Wow, that is amazing and beautiful at the same time. I admire your patience and passion, you are an inspiration.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you Jon I appreciate your comments.
Take care....
Gary
You make us dizzy with your difficult segments. At least you make me dizzy. This ball has become beautiful. The pentagons are very beautiful, but I especially like the finish.
Frank
Thank you Frank and sorry about the dizzy spells..lol
Glad you liked it...
Take care,
Gary
Great job! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Steven I appreciate you watching and commenting,
Gary
Another awesome piece.
Thank you very much Stan, happy you like it.
Gary
Incredible piece Gary, that came out beautifully. I like the sled you made with the hold down clamp and the pivoting handle. I hate wasting that last little bit of wood that can’t safely be held on the sled by hand but that you could still get a segment out of. I think I’ll have to made a similar sled, maybe a couple little modifications but we shall see.
Thank you Scott happy you liked it.
If you make some improvements be sure to pass them on to me...lol
Seriously I am always looking for something better.
Take care..
Gary
Awesome project. Your precision is tremendous
Thank you very much! I appreciate your comment and thanks for watching.
Gary
Looks great, Gary!
Thank you so much Rick!
Take care,
Gary
Brilliant Gary!
Thank you Tom!
Take care,
Gary
That was Awesome Gary! I really like the jigs ya made to cut the pieces to size and the angles to. Thanks for sharing that, i enjoyed it 🤝 Nicely done!
Thank you Kimsey I am happy you enjoyed it. I enjoy making jigs for getting the job done. They really help when it comes to fitting things like this together.
Take care my friend,
Gary
It looks beautiful and has taken a shine really well. Take care and stay safe.
Thank you Deborah I am happy you liked it.
Take care,
Gary
A beautiful piece. A masterpiece to display in the best of places. Excellent detailed processes. What more can I say? I Love it. Rob
Thank you very much Rob...I appreciate the comment.
Take care,
Gary
Beautiful ball. Well explained video. Love the shine on it. 👍
Thanks 👍 Happy you liked it Simon..
Take care,
Gary