Probably not, but I'll claim it until someone says something.
Been having trouble hanging up in the ball. Didn't matter how I ovaled the thumb or what size pilot hole I used or how much bevel I used. I was hanging right at the top of the thumbhole (base of the thumb).
So I have one ball in the arsenal that I got off a BallReviews member that, just by sheer luck, I didn't have to plug and redrill. His span was less than 1/16 longer than mine. The only issue was I had to re-pilot his thumbhole with something larger. Kind of hard to explain what affect this had but instead of having a smooth bevel, the new thumbhole had bevel from the edges, then turned directly downward into the ball. It created, not a sharp edge, but a definite edge around the top of the new pilot.
And my thumb liked it. Felt good, no more hangups. It's the only ball I can use if my hand has swollen for any reason.
I've been trying to recreate this, and I just found out how. I start with my usual pilot hole (15/16), then oval and shape the thumbhole by hand with an array of files. I then drill a vent hole. Last thing I do is put it back on the press, insert a 1 1/8-inch drill bit, and drill down into the thumbhole about 1/8 of an inch. This gives the thumbhole an inner lip.
Then I take the bevel sander and sand the top of the thumbhole for a couple of seconds using an Abranet cross. What happens is, the Abranet cross can't mistakenly ream out the pilot, because the lip causes it to ride around the rim of the inner lip somewhat. At the same time, the sander takes the hard edge off.
What you're left with is a pilot hole that is not cone-shaped, but the pilot now doesn't fit around the entire length of my thumb. The top 1/8 inch is now 1 1/8 inch diameter instead of 15/16 ovaled, creating a gap that breaks the friction, promotes an early release and no more hang at the top of the hole/base of the thumb.
Comfort is up, scores are up, confidence is up. Looks a little weird and can feel a bit strange on the bench, but it works great in practice. Is the name "Two-Stage Bevel" taken?
Jess
