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Author Topic: Particle balls surface prep  (Read 3208 times)

ocbowler

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Particle balls surface prep
« on: January 13, 2008, 02:35:50 AM »
Never owned a particle ball and would like to try a LaneMasters.

My question is: after the particles are "exposed", will they wear with the rest of the surface? or will they have to be sanded down once in a while?

Thanks!
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J_Mac

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Re: Particle balls surface prep
« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2008, 10:53:04 AM »
The particles used by LaneMasters and Legends are VERY durable, as are the coverstocks that they are embedded in.  The best way to alter both the coverstock and the particle at the same time would be with Brunswick's old TriZact system.  

The particles are aggressive enough to take the aluminum oxide grit off of wet dry sandpaper and scotchbrite would only affect the coverstock, not the particles.

These coverstocks and particles hold up very well and I wouldn't think much maintenance needs to be done to keep them pretty much the same surface.


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"A word to the wise ain't necessary -- it's the stupid ones that need the advice."  Bill Cosby
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charlest

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Re: Particle balls surface prep
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2008, 10:55:40 AM »
Been thinking about this for a long time. Let me put it this way.
I've sanded Legends particles (industrial diamonds vs Lanemasters "Super Carbon" {not a huge difference between these, as far as I have learned}) down to 2000 grit Abralon, 3000 grit Trizact and 4000 grit Abralon. Near as I can tell, unless I use Trizact, Abralon and wet/dry sandpaper, which use the same abrasive, silicon carbide, do not affect the particles very much, if at all.

Once a ball is sanded, the resin will wear faster than the particles, but the particles will wear. Like the original Brunswick and Ebonite particles back in the late 90s, the Lanemasters particles are pretty hard.

I think if you sand a Lm/L particle to 2000 grit or higher, you have to refresh the surface more often (like any other ball) to keep the resin base at that grit level. I worry less about the particles than I do about the resin.

I'm not sure I gave you anything you needed or wanted. I just never thought about the care of the Lanemasters/Legends particles outside of the total care of the ball itself.
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Edited on 1/13/2008 4:19 PM
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J_Mac

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Re: Particle balls surface prep
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2008, 10:59:04 AM »
^^^^^ He knows his stuff, I was just regurgitating what I've  read here and heard/seen elsewhere...
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"A word to the wise ain't necessary -- it's the stupid ones that need the advice."  Bill Cosby
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ocbowler

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Re: Particle balls surface prep
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2008, 04:44:21 PM »
Quote


Once a ball is sanded, the resin will wear faster than the particles, but the particles will wear. Like the original Brunswick and Ebonite particles back in the late 90s, the Lanemasters particles are pretty hard.

I think if you sand a Lm/L particle to 2000 grit or higher, you have to refresh the surface more often (like any other ball) to keep the resin base at that grit level. I worry less about the particles than I do about the resin.

I'm not sure I gave you anything you needed or wanted. I just never thought about the care of the Lanemasters/Legends particles outside of the total care of the ball itself.  
Quote


Thank you very much guys! Of course Jeff is the most knowledgeable but on top of that he wants to help! Mac your info is also great!

The reason I ask this question is won't the ball get more aggressive when it wears? Is it the reason why particle balls require more maintenance? I hardly  have time to take my balls to the shop which is about 25 miles away.

If I get the Terminator will it become a monster after say 30 games? If I cannot take care of the exposed particles "myself" then it is not for me. The Black Pearl "may be" more suitable since it's a "light load".
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charlest

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Re: Particle balls surface prep
« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2008, 05:15:38 PM »
quote:
The reason I ask this question is won't the ball get more aggressive when it wears? Is it the reason why particle balls require more maintenance? I hardly  have time to take my balls to the shop which is about 25 miles away.


If I get the Terminator will it become a monster after say 30 games? If I cannot take care of the exposed particles "myself" then it is not for me. The Black Pearl "may be" more suitable since it's a "light load".


In general, resin tends towards a finish of 600 - 800 grit, solely by use on wood or synthetic lanes. This is gradual, with rougher, more worn surfaces causing earlier wear, as you would assume. These hard particles (Lm/L and other brands) will approach 800 grit more slowly. However as the resin changes, the ball's reaction will also change.

In the midst of all this is the factor of oil absorption, raising its nasty little head. Of course, as we all know that factor causes less hook. I hate to raise complications, but you have to take into account ALL factors.

No, the Terminator will not become a monsterin 30 games; least-wise, it shouldn't. As I said, the particles will wear much more slowly than the resin. whether it's a light load or a medium load, the particles will need much less "care" than the resin. Don't forget that both are polished balls and the polish wears faster than the grit level of the surface changes.

While a spinner is more helpful in the long run, balls can certainly be cared for by hand with abrasives (sandpaper, Abralon and Scot-Brite nylon pads) and with polishes, to a large degree.

Depending on your involvement with bowling, a spinner can be a MAJOR advantage. Cost run about 2 premium balls worth, with a good, detailed, basic set supplies running about 2 low to medium price balls.
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ocbowler

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Re: Particle balls surface prep
« Reply #6 on: January 13, 2008, 05:48:30 PM »
quote:
Take it from Jeff, the hardest working man NOT in the bowling business.
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Marlene Sixkiller
May this Angelic Bowler
rest in peace.....1/5/39-10/29/04

Track Hitman
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Hustle (Big_Daddy_357) and Flow (Me)

Tag Team Coaching Success Story


Indeed I will! The #1 source for free but "valuable" info! Thanks again Jeff!
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charlest

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Re: Particle balls surface prep
« Reply #7 on: January 13, 2008, 05:51:22 PM »
quote:
quote:
Take it from Jeff, the hardest working man NOT in the bowling business.
--------------------
Marlene Sixkiller
May this Angelic Bowler
rest in peace.....1/5/39-10/29/04

Track Hitman
Fighting terrorism since 1492

Hustle (Big_Daddy_357) and Flow (Me)

Tag Team Coaching Success Story


Indeed I will! The #1 source for free but "valuable" info! Thanks again Jeff!


You're welcome, but save thanks for when my advise proves that it works for you. Then I'll send the bill ...
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scotts33

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Re: Particle balls surface prep
« Reply #8 on: January 13, 2008, 05:59:54 PM »
quote:
Take it from Jeff, the hardest working man NOT in the bowling business.


Six got it right.  Jeff has no axe to grind as he has nothing to gain. Just the facts Ma'am.  
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Scott

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Scott

charlest

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Re: Particle balls surface prep
« Reply #9 on: January 13, 2008, 06:06:01 PM »
quote:
quote:
Take it from Jeff, the hardest working man NOT in the bowling business.


Six got it right.  Jeff has no axe to grind as he has nothing to gain. Just the facts Ma'am.  
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Scott



Wrong, Scott. I have but one axe to grind: I wish I could bowl ...
I keep practicing with Mark Curran and he beats me 5 of 6 games every freaking time, even when he's bowling bad (Of course he averages 20 pins more than I do). I may have to get another Roto-Grip ball other than my Venus. Oh, wait a sec, Roger Noordhoek is sending me a Cell! Hot damn! I have an outside chance.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Unofficial Ballreviews.com FAQ
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