Balls of Steel, Stainless Steel That Is

I made this when I was working in a sheet metal shop in a shipyard. Why? I do not know, but it probably had something to do with “the man” getting on my nerves and me reacting by doing a little “goverment job.” This ball is made of 16 gauge stainless steel. Two discs were cut on a circle shear. Then they were taken to a spinning lathe where the disks were shaped against a hemispherical steel mold. Before the two shells were TIG welded together I decided to put a large steel ball, maybe 1.5 inches in diameter, inside. Then they were welded along the seam and the center holes were carefully filled. Finally, the ball was ground smooth(ish) on a belt sander.

In hindsight I wish I had tried to partially fill it with water instead of a steel ball. Although that would have made the welding difficult I think it would be more interesting. Still, when you hold it there is a compelling urge to whip it in a circle to feel, and hear, the internal ball whirring around. But it’s like playing the drums — fun for you and irritating for everyone else.