Method of machining a metal workpiece

In combination with a metalworking machine in which a metal workpiece is rotated about a horizontal axis which extends from a machine headstock to a machine tailstock, a method of machining the metal workpiece comprising the following steps:

• forming in a first end of the metal workpiece a cavity having predetermined dimensions;
• positioning a spherical member in a predetermined position within the cavity such that a portion of the spherical member extends out from the cavity past the first end of the metal workpiece;
• fixedly locating the spherical member in the predetermined position;
• mounting a second end of the metal workpiece in driving relation with the machine headstock;
• providing a means for rotatably supporting the first end of the metal workpiece;
• forming in a first end of the rotatable support means a cavity suitably dimensioned to conformably receive a predetermined portion of the spherical member;
• mounting a second end of the rotatable support means in the tailstock;
• mounting the first end of the metal workpiece in rotatable supporting relation with respect to the first end of the rotatable support means such that the cavity of the first end of the rotatable support means supportingly receives a predetermined portion of the spherical member which extends from the first end of the metal workpiece;
• rotating the metal workpiece about the horizontal axis such that the predetermined portion of the spherical member spins freely within the cavity of the rotatable support means;
• and
• machining the metal workpiece to a predetermined shape.