Bowler tools

[RealBowler]

What is the purpose of:

a) Workout tool

b) Bevel knife

c) Tape extraction knife (okay, I can figure that out)

d) Rasp

Who would need them, and how often would you use them?  

I know what the tools are used for (except for the workout tool), but really, for the average person would they be useful?  How many times have you had to bevel your holes?  I can understand the rasp (especially with thumb holes), but I would think a lot of people would screw up the hole more often then not.
--------------------
Haywood

**************************
I don't need a stupid
signature. This is enough.
**************************

[dizzyfugu]

I have no idea what a "workout tool" is...

A bevel knife is a triangular knife which is used to scratch inside of holes or to cut down the holes' rim, shaping the bevel of the hole. You do not necessarily need one, a round file and sandpaper will do the same.
But is is sensible to have it at hand - especially when you have a new ball or did some changes to the holes in general. I found that I can only figure out on the lanes, when I actually try the ball, how to change or design a hole, making many small adjustments until it fits.

The same goes for a tape extraction knife. But since tape IS sticky and hard to peel free, a metal or plastic spatulum is a handy thing. Personally, I always have fingernail scissors in the bag which do that job nicely, as well as being a tape insertion and cutting aid and to cut fingernails, if need be.

A rasp would do a similar job as a bevel knife (see above), shaping the holes and the bevel to your desires and needs. But I'd prefer a fine round file (e. g. for keys).
--------------------

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
Team X website & more about me
"Put some make-up on your face
 Make this world a better place!"
Kahimi Karie, 'Good morning world'

[volley_man]

A "workout tool" is basically a round blade attached to a handle, so that it cuts perpendicular to the handle. It will also help you "shape" the thumb hole by removing a crescent shaped cut vertically from the bottom to the top of the hole.

You would place the tool inside your thumbhole and then press against the side of the hole you want to remove material from and pull toward you. It "peels" the material away, kind of like peeling a potato.

It should be helpful to "ovalize" the hole, more than anything else.

A workout tool will remove material faster (and more controlled) than the bevel knife and rasp file, I believe.

Just my opinion, of course.

V_M
--------------------
The Widow's strike is deadly...
www.ebonite.com
www.hammerbowling.com

Edited on 11/24/2006 6:49 PM

[azguy]

A rasp will remove more material, BUT...faster than most want. I only use a rasp as a last resort. A workout tool is gold, takes a small amount at a time. no "over doing".


I can see most bowlers not needing a rasp, maybe a bevel knife ot wortout tool, but if they have a good driller/fitter, he/she should take care of that for them.

JMO
--------------------
az guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net
www.rlbowlerspro.com


Looking for treasures ? Take a look at my wife's ebay store http://www.ebaystores.com/Pitas-Place?refid=store

[bgh]

All the modern tools aside, give me a bevel knife, 2-3 grades of fine and very fine sandpaper, and will make the holes workable, playable ... if not perfect.
Takes a bit of time to master (craft and art) a bevel knife, can be quite a bowler's universal workout tool. Don't leave home without it.






Edited on 11/24/2006 7:52 PM

[qstick777]

quote: I can see most bowlers not needing a rasp, maybe a bevel knife ot wortout tool, but if they have a good driller/fitter, he/she should take care of that for them.

 

quote: All the modern tools aside, give me a bevel knife, 2-3 grades of fine and very fine sandpaper, and will make the holes workable, playable ... if not perfect.

I agree, I let my driller take care of any changes - sometimes he opens the thumb a little too much, but I guess that's why they make tape.

I've used sandpaper before, I don't really trust myself with making radical changes.  I figure I pay my driller to get the ball set up, I might as well let him fix the ball too.

On a side note, what grit sandpaper do you recommend for working on the holes?
--------------------
Best post ever:http://www.ballreviews.com/Forum/Replies.asp?TopicID=74110&ForumID=16&CategoryID=5

Search Ballreviews entire database here: http://www.bowling-info.com/Search.html

[dizzyfugu]

Personally, I use a white 3M pad for the thumb hole finish. I like it when the surface is a bit rough - too smooth, and it becomes slippery for me and I tend to hold on too tightly. For some rough work, I either use a round key file and/or a grey pad - both carefully, since anything you take away is hard to put back. I made this mistake once on my XXcel, and the thumb hole became unplayable because I shallowed out the bevel just that little too much... better take 2 small steps (or even 3) than 1 big.
--------------------

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
Team X website & more about me
"Put some make-up on your face
 Make this world a better place!"
Kahimi Karie, 'Good morning world'