Topic: Help - How Make A 'Sphere'

[GillE]

I'm desperately trying to think of something I could make out of a piece of construction grade 2x4 pine which will leave as few exposed cut edges as possible.  One idea involves cutting the wood into panels rather like those of a football which can then be glued together to make a geometric construct which could be sanded into a sphere.  However, I can't get my head around the dimensions the panels would need to be.

Is there a kind soul who can do the maths for me, please, or at least point me to a website which would give me pointers as to how to make the calculations myself?

Thanks.

[Simon]

This requires a thinking man.  SAM!!!!   

[sam]

The mathematics isn't too bad - to determine the number of hexagons to cover the surface area shouldn't be too hard - I don't have time right now though. It also depends on the surface accuracy you wan't. You might be better to turning the wood sphere (http://woodensphere.robhoppe.com/)


Not sure if these links are of any use:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5065496_make-cardboard-sphere.html

http://www.quex.frih.net/diagrams/pentaball.pdf

http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/solid/other.htm

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1920110#ans9248592#ixzz0s9GBkM11

[GillE]

Those are great links, Sam - thanks .

Turning a solid sphere is, unfortunately, out of the question because I will need to incorporate some embellishments along the lines of my Love Is The Only Gold project.  Nevertheless, the wooden sphere link is very handy and has been bookmarked.  I'll have a look at the others in more detail later this evening, but right now the sun is shining and I've got a new puppy to play with in the garden.

[Simon]

Doggie smiley nicked and uploaded.