trailer hitches to dish?

Engenulf · Post by **Engenulf** » Thu Mar 28, 2002 3:29 am

Could a trailer hitch (ball) be used as a devise to dish and bowl metal?
or am I just wishing?
Thanks
Engenulf

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Kyle Wiegers · Post by **Kyle Wiegers** » Thu Mar 28, 2002 5:23 am

Yes, they can. That is what my brother uses.

However, you do have to make them round. Grind down the edge, as all the trailer hitches we've found have a flat top.

Also, he turns his on it's side in a vice and supports it with a jack under it.

Hans.

Erik Schmidt · Post by **Erik Schmidt** » Thu Mar 28, 2002 6:23 am

I use a ball of similar size welded to the front of a claw hammer to dish. It works fine.

Ideval · Post by **Ideval** » Thu Mar 28, 2002 2:01 pm

I use a hitch-ball, as well.

I bought the largest I could find locally, which was 2 7/8" in diameter. As was suggested, I ground and polished the flat spot off of the top. I use a 3/4" galvanized coupling and a length of 3/4" galvanized pipe for a handle - I use the hammer like a piston, using the "recoil" or up-bounce to keep my arm and shoulder from tiring.

When I need a planishing form, I thread the whole affair into a 3/4" flange that has been lag-screwed to a tall stump. My goal is to have proper tools for each process, but as a student money is limited. And where there's a will, there is always a way.

IdÃ«val

Mad Matt · Post by **Mad Matt** » Thu Mar 28, 2002 2:22 pm

Why the heck didn't I think of that.

I've got a welder now too. Time to find some ball hitches.

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The budding mid 14th century German Transitional guy.
Mad Matt's Armory

Arland · Post by **Arland** » Thu Mar 28, 2002 4:26 pm

If you have the time and the gear to do it. I've seen some pretty good trailer hitch covers that were made on a grinder. You just a find a pipe converter. From the grinder size to the trailer ball threads.

Failing that Home Depot will thread one for you.

Then take a grinder to it, and shape it.

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Baron Arland the Bastard
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sedric · Post by **sedric** » Sat Mar 30, 2002 7:01 pm

I cut the threaded shaft off of a 2 15/16 trailer hitch, rounded the edges a bit, turned it sidways and welded it to a claw hammer on a fiberglass handle( absorbs some of the shock ) then cut the 'claw' off.
If you turn the thing sidways you'll get a MUCH smoother dishing surface with way less work.