I agree that working with a round-over bit is asking for trouble. In a hardware store, I saw a drill grinder attachment which had a concave hole, and was thinking that this might do the trick. I was thinking of installing this on a lathe if that's what it takes.
BTW, how did they use to get a nice head > On Sun, 25 Sep 2011 11:54:10 -0700 (PDT),Deodiaus wro=
te:
>What I really want is a "concave router" bit? =A0Is that the name?
> >Basically, something that looks like an cave with teeth. I am sure
> >that some Dutch craftman must have a dozen of them if I know where to > >look. >
> A "round-over bit" bit will cut a quarter-round profile (two passes gets = a
> half-cylinder).
>
> >Basically, something to attach to the end of my drill so that I can
> >round off the ends of the banister.
>
> There are bits intended for this, but you're nuts if you think you're goi= ng to
> do this with a drill.
>
> >My banister cross section is an ellipse, about 1 inch high and 2 > >inches long. >
> There are all sorts of router and shaper bits around to do this sort of t= hing,
> but again, forget the drill. =A0It's not going to work and you're likely = to hurt
> yourself.