BallReviews
General Category => Coverstock Preparation => Topic started by: trash heap on September 11, 2014, 08:45:01 AM
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Anyone willing to share sanding and polishing method do you use to get maximum length? Also what products you use?
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While I don't go to quite these lengths, this process should get you the most length:
Using Abralon, Siaair, wet/dry sandpaper or NEAT pads, use the full spectrum: 500 grit, 1000, 2000, 4000. Then use either a White Trizact pad or a newspaper to take the 4000 grit to the 6000 - 8000 grit range. Except for the newspaper, use as fresh a pad as you can get for each step. Use 45 seconds to a minute on a side, keep firm pressure. Make sure each grit level's lines are removed by the next grit level's application. Use water on each pad religiously.
Next take a polish with a slip agent. Valentino's UFO is the one I prefer, but Control-It or Delayed Reaction will work. Apply at least 2 heavy coats on 4 sides. Wait 1 - 2 hours between coats.
For the most part this process will make most balls get as much length as this ball, the lane and oil on which you're bowling, and you (your release, ball speed, etc.) are capable of getting.
The slip agent polish will also reduce the backend and the overall hook of this ball.
Keep in mind that, if you use too strong a ball, there are many weak balls which, with a light polish, may very well get you more length than a stronger ball, even when using the above process.
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Personally, I would skip the 500 step unless you have deep scratches/cuts that need to be removed.
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Thanks. I was actually thinking of using this on a weak ball. I have an old C300 Wild.
The local center has been putting out a lighter oil. I do okay with Urethane, but I got to thinking maybe there is a surface process that might work.
I am going to give it a try. Need to order UFO.
Now I hope you don't mind another question. Cleaning it after games. What would you use?
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Thanks. I was actually thinking of using this on a weak ball. I have an old C300 Wild.
The local center has been putting out a lighter oil. I do okay with Urethane, but I got to thinking maybe there is a surface process that might work.
I am going to give it a try. Need to order UFO.
Now I hope you don't mind another question. Cleaning it after games. What would you use?
If I recall correctly, the Wild got a lot of length but had a strong backend due to the high flaring offset piece at the bottom. It should still be a pretty mild piece without this treatment. But you know how it's reacting now and have an idea of where you want it to be.
Cleaning: personally I prefer and use LMB International's High Performance cleaner (the old Lane Masters cleaner) at the lanes before putting my balls away.
(http://www.buddiesproshop.com/p-779-lmb-international-high-performance-bowling-ball-cleaner-32oz.aspx (http://www.buddiesproshop.com/p-779-lmb-international-high-performance-bowling-ball-cleaner-32oz.aspx))
If you're ordering UFO, order a bottle of Remedy. It's a very good cleaner; not as strong as LMB's but excellent none the less. LMB and Remedy can be used during bowling, if necessary. Neo-Tac's Hook-It and DV8's Damn Good Hook (a Hook-it replica) are also great deep cleaners that can be used at the lanes, after bowling.
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Newspaper as a final finish especially for 6 sides at 30-45 secs a side will give the ball a polished look. On any bowling balls it can really reduce its reaction if not carefull. It is that strong. I would be affraid to add anything else like polish on top of that finish.
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just FYI..... with some of these cleaners, wash your hands after. when working with liquids like clean and dull or hook-it, I wear gloves.
For cleaners, I use remedy x for the last 4 or 5 years. It really cleans well and the sprayer on the bottles don't break or leak so easily like the other products I've used. I still have the same small once bottle in my bag for 3 years, and my bag takes a good beating. No leaks and it sparys like new :D
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Newspaper as a final finish especially for 6 sides at 30-45 secs a side will give the ball a polished look. On any bowling balls it can really reduce its reaction if not carefull. It is that strong. I would be afraid to add anything else like polish on top of that finish.
But he wanted the MOST length.
I did say I would not do this myself.
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How do you use newspaper as a pad to achieve higher grits?
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I have try it by using the ball spinner but make sure you have plenty of newspaper while doing it. It give a nice shine to it. Don't use water with newspaper.
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How do you use newspaper as a pad to achieve higher grits?
You use it as it were a pad or a piece of wet/dry sandpaper. I fold it in a piece suitable for my hand to hold, roughly 5"x6". I spray it with water just like I would any other abrasive, spray the ball a little, start the spinner and press.
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Newspaper as a final finish especially for 6 sides at 30-45 secs a side will give the ball a polished look. On any bowling balls it can really reduce its reaction if not carefull. It is that strong. I would be afraid to add anything else like polish on top of that finish.
But he wanted the MOST length.
I did say I would not do this myself.
I know. Just stating it can give damn near 60' of length if not careful lol.
For how to use newspaper my best results are taking a larger piece and folding it down into a 4-6" square. Wet the ball and the side of news paper touching the ball and a little on the side facing your hand for grip. Have the folded edge of the newspaper facing into the direction the ball spinner is spinning. So if it is going left to right, have the folded edge facing the left. It will damage the news paper some but these few things I have found cause minimum loss of paper and hold up a lot better.
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I going to try this. If I don't like it, just resurface the ball again. Let you know how it works. Might even do a before and after video (If anyone is interested).
I have admit. Never heard of the Newspaper process.
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Please do a video and tell how YOU see a difference in reaction. What you say can be as beneficial as what we, as viewers, see.