Homemade ice-ball maker in action

Similar to the ice-ball makers you can buy from Japan Trend Shop or other online stores. Spheres are 70 mm diameter. Machined from two 75x125x125 mm aluminum blocks, with stainless steel vertical rods and teflon sliders. Used the Tormach machine at Techshop (San Jose) for most of the machining. Central hemispheres made via 1" ball end mill for smooth surface.

Find out how to make clear ice here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CboJJ5pu910

Note: Removed reference to a well known manufacturer of ice ball makers due to legal threats.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• ice
• ball
• maker
• making
• techshop
• machining
• tormach

[JamesStickel]

This is awesome... but why make spheres of ice? just out of curiosity..

[spcutler]

@JamesStickel The short answer is that ice balls are awesome.

I recently hosted a cocktail party and the ice ball maker was a big hit. Everyone wanted their own ice ball, and to watch the process of it being made. The ice balls are gorgeous sitting in a glass, and observing how they melt is a surprisingly engaging conversation topic.

Incidentally, stemless wine glasses are perfect for the ice balls. They are just the right size, and have a nice inside curve to roll the ice ball in.

[cimjoeino]

next add food coloring to the water before you freeze it!

[spcutler]

@cimjoeino Good idea... I'll give it a whirl!

[bvicarious]

Can't you just turn one of those on a lathe?

[spcutler]

@bvicarious It can be done but I'm not skilled enough with a lathe to do so. The CNC mill is easier!

[crazyladyroyalty]

love it!

[iirmantass3]

@spcutler I think i will use your idea to make it automatic, i let you know the result how it ended :)

[bmartinesq]

@spcutler it looked to big to fit in a glass... but i like your style

[spcutler]

@sfallier Nope, it starts at room temperature. However, the metal is a little frosty afterward, so if I need to make more than one ball I run water over it.

[spcutler]

@bmartinesq Drop it in a nice glass of Johnnie Walker Black!

[Klaudiuszm]

@OzzytheDjman XD