Getting a Ball Spinner and Abralon Pads

[EL3MCNEIL]

I've decided to get a ball spinner in order to not have to rely on the ProShop for surface management of my equipment.

I have ordered the Innovative Bowling Personal Ball Spinner (1/2 HP). The questions are with the Abralon Pads.

Should I order from 500 Grit to 4000 Grit or are there specific ones that I would need more than others?

How long so they last and how many would be suggested to initially get?

Help with this is greatly appreciated.

[SVstar34]

It all depends on which ones you'll use or think you'll use more frequently. I've thought about getting a spinner myself but I have free access to my proshops spinner so I haven't yet.

If you're planning on doing a full resurfacing, you might want at least 1 360 pad. I think 2 of each 500,1000,2000,4000 is a good starting place. I like using 3000 so I'd suggest getting that too but that's more of my personal preference because I like going 1000/3000 for my nonpolished house shot equipment.

Keep a spray bottle handy as water helps preserve the pads

[charlest]

Which pads to get?
All of them; the proper question is how many of each?
Well, it depends. Normally I'd say, the finer the grit, the quicker you will use it up.
I'd suggest starting with 3-5 x 500 grit, 4 - 8 x 1000 grit, 5 x 1500 grit, 10 x 2000 grit and 10 - 20 x 4000 grit,
BUT, in truth, it depends on how rev/speed dominant you are and how much oil you usually face.

If you're speed dominant, you'll need more 1000, 1500 & 2000 grit than you will 4000. If you face more light oil and are rev dominant, you'll need more 4000 grit and more polish.

If you're unsure, start with 3 x 500, 5 x 1000, 5 x 1500, 5 x 2000 and 10 x 4000.

The finer the grit, the shorter (less uses) time you'll be able to use them.
For instance, I get 3 - 5 full uses from a 4000 grit pad  before it begins to polish balls (4000 grit should always leave balls dull looking.) 2000 grit pads last 4 - 7 uses, roughly for me. 1000 grit last 7 - 10 uses, roughly.

Save the used pads to apply compounds and polishes. They're great for that.

[Dave81644]

I've order from here many times over the past few years
always reliable and great prices
http://www.abralonpads.com/Products/47-abralon-pads.aspx

20 pack-mix/match for 44 bucks shipped

 i have been trying more underlying surface grit and then polish with good success.
so i have a few 500, more of the 1000/2000, some 3000 and 4000
i also keep 1 of each in my lane bag for adjustments

also you will need a good cleaner (for me its clean n dull) excellent cleaner on the spinner and you will need some polish, many brands to pick form

[luv2C10falll]

Don't waste your time on abralon pads. There's plenty of sellers on ebay that sell wet/dry sandpaper up to 5000grit at a MUCH cheaper price. And they last MUCH longer

[Antec]

     When I bought my spinner the things that were recommended to me, a CAB. Someone with an experienced hand can keep it even, but for us starting out its a nice cheap tool that gives me piece of mind. A foot pedal, I went back and forth on this but said to hell with it, and glad I did. You don't have to get the one from Innovative, I saw what I believe to be the same one on Amazon for around $15. And towels, I got a bundle of terry cloth and microfiber that are only for my equipment, go to Lowes or Home Depot (whatever you have in your area) you can find them in the cleaning isle for a modest price.

[EL3MCNEIL]

Thank you everyone for all of the advice.

Could you elaborate on the benefits of a foot pedal?

I was looking at ordering either a CAB or Mitts. Wasn't sure which would be better. Right now I'm also trying to find a wood box to put the spinner in unless I just build one myself. Not trying to get stuff everywhere.

Is there anything else that I'm missing?

[charlest]

Thank you everyone for all of the advice.

Could you elaborate on the benefits of a foot pedal?

I was looking at ordering either a CAB or Mitts. Wasn't sure which would be better. Right now I'm also trying to find a wood box to put the spinner in unless I just build one myself. Not trying to get stuff everywhere.

Is there anything else that I'm missing?

Siaair pads last about 25 - 50% longer than Abralon.
NEAT pads last 5x - 10x longer than either of the above.

Look for Rubbermaid (or other brand) flexible tall rubber/vinyl tubs in places like WalMart or K-Mart or similar store. (mine ran about $1215. Cut the front out and you have a shield to surround the spinner on 3 sides. I'd rather be in front of the spinner, not on top look down on one (as you would if you enclosed the spinner on 4 sides). You get better leverage and the whole ball is easier to see and manipulate.

CABs are expensive and not really necessary unless you have a tiny hand. They work ok though. Forget about the glove; I tried it and found id it difficult to use, to get in and out. Since most pads have a foam backing, they're very easy to learn how to use. If you decide to use NEAT pads (they are sooo good and such a great value, despite the slightly higher initial price), then a CAB could be helpful BECAUSE they have a much thinner backing than Siaair or Abralon.

[itsallaboutme]

Don't cut the front out until you have spent some time practicing or the mess will be on your shirt instead of the tub.  A utility sink is another option if you are looking for something with legs.

Go to your local auto paint supplier and buy some wet/dry sandpaper to practice with on an old ball before you start burning though $3 a piece Abralon pads just to learn.

[tuckinfenpin]

To start, get a good assortment of different grits. How long they will be effective is partially dependent on your techniques. I would recommend a good way to apply water to the surface of the ball/pads. Keeping the pads wet will lengthen their useability.

The more you use it, the more you will understand what you will need, and reorder accordingly. Do not forget a high quality ball polish.

[MTFD24]

Great advice above....I to use a large plastic tub to hold my spinner, and can put the lid on and store under my workbench. My footswitch came from Harbor Freight, was approx $12.00, and is much easier to use than the switch on the cord....keeps your hands free upon start up.
A water bottle sprayer for just a dollar or two is another wise investment, with some shop towels and micro fiber towels.
You will find out what polishes and cleaners you like best. Mostly used by me are Neo Tac and Storm products.
Good luck.

[psycaz]

What's the part number on that Harbor Freight foot switch?

I would like to add one to my setup.

[cheech]

i have mine in a rubbermade container that works great. i use mostly 2000 grit pads so i buy more of those than anything. and then use the used ones at "4000" grit surfaces. not the most scientific but usable if youre tight on cash. a spinner is one of the best investments ive made into my bowling game outside my physical skills. fortunately or unfortunately though its a bit of trial and error to dial in what surfaces you realy like on what balls.

[MTFD24]

Harbor Freight
Momentary Power Foot Switch
- item#96619  $12.99
This is what I have been using for the past 4-5 years. It really has made using the spinner much easier. (There is usually a 20% off coupon available as well)

[EL3MCNEIL]

With the assistance of the members of this forum I have successfully purchased a Ball Spinner and pads and have been changing the surfaces of my bowling balls. Now I am looking to resurface a couple of my older bowling balls and am inquiring what would be the best way to go about it.

Once again thanks in advance.