Hey guys, I need some knowledge. I have been seriously considering doing all my own ball work going forward. Just curious what I'm looking at for start up cost on all the stuff that I'll need. Even down to the fine adjustment beveling tools and such. Just really get tired of having to drive an hour to the nearest pro shop to have anything done. Also can't stand color mismatch on plug work. I want to get what I need to be able to do it right. So if anyone could give me a best and worst case scenario on what I can expect to spend, it would be much appreciated. Our pro shop here in town is virtually non-existent. It took the guy, who's also the manager of the center, over a week to drill a plastic ball for my mother-in-law. Unacceptable. Also, if I need something plugged, he always says, "leave it with me for a few days", which turns into a week. He does great work and is very reasonable on his rates but the wait is rediculous. Just figured I could save myself some time, money and aggravation if I could start doing it myself. Thanks in advance for any and all assistance.

Before you spend all that money, why not get a part time job in a proshop and learn about ball work - it's not about just putting holes in a ball! You might not like it - you might not be good at it - you might realize planning out your trips to a good proshop are well worth it. Myself I drive past 4 proshops - 1hr each way to go to a shop I worked at 15 years ago and have no 2nd thoughts. 4-5 thousand is low - ask your self how much ball work do you do and how long will it take to pay off? Good luck!

Wow - Then I guess you almost have no choice! If you do go that direction, then maybe you can get a ball driller to walk you through everything for a day - help at a proshop for a day for free and soak up as much as you can. Hope all works out.

Thanks again guys. Hadn't thought about wiring issues. I wonder if I could get the Guy here to show me the basics on his machine. If nothing else maybe I could just drill my own balls when I buy them. As for plugging I don't know that I will do much if any since I'm done buying used balls.  Looks like I've got some options and plenty to consider. Thx again.

I went the Jayhawk mini ,mill package route when I got started and I am still using the bulk of the equipment now, 14 years later.

I would suggest that you check with John at Innovative Supply. His products are at least as good if not better than Jayhawk's and he will customize a package for you.

How many bowling balls do you drill or plan on drilling a season? New or used bowling balls or a combination of both?

If you read this you will see a post with the drill press me and my brother have been using for approx 12 years.

http://www.ballreviews.com/drilling-layouts/drill-press-specs-for-home-proshop-t287557.0.html

Jig was $220 off ebay, the newer drill you see was $300 at Lowes. Used set of drill bits goes for about $100-$200 on ebay depending on whats there. Getting them sharpened is about $8 a bit if needed. A quarter scale is about $50, span gauge varies but can run $60-$150, a used scale is $400 usually on ebay. A bevel sander is $80, or you can use a drimmel tool $30, bevel knife is $15-20. If you start with the jig then the press, then the bits you can really piece the other stuff later. I'd get the scale last.

Having your own drill press is nice, but it is a big investment.  Even then you have to learn how to layout balls and drill them.  It's not as easy as just putting 3 holes in a ball.  Kidlost2000 made a great suggestion.  Send your best fitting ball to one of the online guys before the season starts.  Then ever time you want something new, they have your measurements on file.  They ship stuff pretty quick so it might be faster than your current proshop.

Thanks everyone. That's what I love about this site. Whenever I need help, you guys always step up. I don't buy very many bowling balls new. In fact, in the last 8 years, I have only bought 4 new balls. I usually look for the ball I want used with the pin where I want it and have it adjusted accordingly. But after the aggravation of color mismatches on balls, I'm done buying used unless it's just a super deal. Plus, the extra gas of driving an hour to the nearest pro shop to drop it off and then go back a few days later to get it. It's about 100 miles round trip to the pro shop where my driller is. make that trip twice and I've burned about a half of a tank of gas. If I buy new it may cost more, but the money I save on gas not making the second trip will make it worth it. One reason I don't buy new balls that much is b/c I just don't see much change out there that is worth dropping the cash on a new ball. I have an Anarchy in my bag and as long as it's working, I see no reason to drill my Nano Pearl. Until my Spit Fire fizzles out, there's no need to drill up the 2Fast. I really like alot of the older stuff for the old wood lanes I bowl on. Seems to be more predictable. My Anarchy, at times, seems too strong for the THS on those wood lanes. The place is so hot, especially in the summer. After the first game, it goes back in the bag and out comes something weaker or more control friendly. Anyway, thanks again for all the help. You guys are the best. Now if someone could just hook me up with something from the Tropical line, be it via trade or sale that would be awesome. 16 lb. please. lol.