On Wed, 4 Apr 2012 22:09:13 -0700 (PDT), Bob La Londe
wrote:

If you needed to put a hemisperical end on a bunch of 1/4" stainless
dowels how would you tackle it? Say 400, give or take.

With what I have available for machines, and assuming the finish and
accuracy of the sphere is not very fussy: a combined form/cutoff tool
in a lathe with a lever collet closer. Angle the cutoff edge to leave
a tit on the square end of the pin if you need to minimize the tit on
the spherical end.

Set a stop for length, pull the stock to the stop (no need to stop the
spindle), cross feed to cut, repeat. Hopefully you can use 303 SS or
one of the free machining 400 series alloys.

--
Ned Simmons