BallReviews

General Category => Drilling & Layouts => Topic started by: Flip_Bowler_07 on September 27, 2009, 03:50:22 PM

Title: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: Flip_Bowler_07 on September 27, 2009, 03:50:22 PM
Hi there I had a really quick question about plug cutting.  I just got into it and I don't have the necassry equipment to cut it properly (i.e. Plug Cutter/Router w/Shield).  Instead I use just a dremel with a shield and it works great, it does take some time but when it's done there is only a hair of plug left and this is where my question begins.  When I cannot cut down anymore with the dremel I put the ball on a spinner with the plug directly on top.  I then turn it on and use a 180 grit abralon pad to sand down the plug till I can begin to see the original hole.  Then I switch to 360 grit till it is clearly visible and finish off with 500 grit to smoothen it out.  My question is that the sanding process takes a lot of time and I am wondering and I hurting the coverstock that gets into the crossfire a lot to make a difference with the 180/360 abralon pads?  When the sanding is done the plug is perfect, flush against the original coverstock but if it's destroying the coverstock beyond measure I want to find another way to where I don't have to sand the ball down so much.  Thanks for any advise in advance, it is greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: the pooh on September 28, 2009, 12:25:31 AM
You are doing fine! The only difference between the way you do it and I do, is I use a router. Also, I might not start with 180, maybe 360 or burgundy scotchbrite. Then I switch to gray scotchbrite before switching to abralon. I find the scotchbrite works just as well and lasts a lot longer. it is much cheaper, also.
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the pooh
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: ginro on September 28, 2009, 01:02:33 AM
i use the bevel knife with a lot of precaution of not touching the ball .... when the plug seems to be smaller... i start using scotch brite and then i do the 180 360 and 500 abralons on ...

Edited on 9/28/2009 1:03 AM
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: Moon57 on September 28, 2009, 07:33:33 AM
Same thing I do. Trick is don't try and get it flush until you put it on the spinner which is what you're already doing.
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Moon
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So many questions, so little time but I'm having fun.
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: Gunny on September 28, 2009, 07:41:42 AM
I use a plug cutter and router.  I usually cut it with a 'hair' left too, than i use a file and file it down, than i use the sandpaper/abralon.
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: azguy on September 28, 2009, 07:45:52 AM
I use a router much the same as you do with the sandpaper. I start out with 500 work up to the final grit I desire on the ball. It's not a fast system but I get the grit I desire, it takes very little of the original cover off. Just be careful of your pressure.

If you're looking for something fast, easy, IMO it's not there. It does take some time but the final work is worth the time spent. Anything worth doing is worth doing right, IMO.

Depending on the final grit desired, depends on when and what grit I start finishing the whole ball. Don't just do the plug area to final grit then finish the rest of the ball, you won't be consistent, that way.
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az guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
  rlbowlerspro@cox.net



Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: Flip_Bowler_07 on September 28, 2009, 10:43:47 AM
Haha wow I just posted this went to sleep and when I woke up all my problems were answered, it's magic.  Thank you all for all the help.  I'm really new at this and any advise helps a lot, thanks a lot.
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: FrontTwelv on September 28, 2009, 12:05:34 PM
the bevel knife with the plug at top dead center is a great method.  try and get it as flush as possible.  then move the plug a little away from TDC and turn spinner on, you will be able to feel the differnce b/w ball and plug, keep working until you can barely feel the plug lump.  it works best if you scrape over a LARGE surface to prevent flat spots.  i recommend knifing the plug down by hand b4 using the spinner and try to get it as flush as possble...this seems to create the best results.
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Drew Jordan
Columbus, OH
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: Guined on September 28, 2009, 04:44:14 PM
I don't use a bevel knife at all, my feeling is if your cutting in the ball surface you have gone to far

I do use a plug cutter and take it down just barley above the surface of the ball. I then use 180 grit sanding screen on a spinner. "I use it dry that way it won't load up to bad"

I then use Abralon 360, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 to what ever finish is required. It only takes about 30 seconds for each grit level. It's very fast and produces an excellent finish.

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Rick Guined

Owner/Operator: New Millennium Proshop: http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/Guined/
Vise PBA Regional Staff Player
IBPSIA Certified Technician
USBC Bronze Certified Instructor
www.viseinserts.com

Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: JohnP on September 29, 2009, 04:29:18 PM
Guined -- Do you sand the entire ball at any point in the process or just the area around the plug?  I start doing the entire ball in one direction a grit below my final then finish off in three directions with the final grit.  --  JohnP

Edited on 9/29/2009 4:34 PM
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: bluerrpilot on September 29, 2009, 11:39:07 PM
I prefer to use cab blocks and paper over abralon when working down plug. The paper tends to "Cut" better and the cab blocks maintain a better shape
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"USBC is concerned that technology has overtaken player skill in determining success in the sport of bowling"

http://www.phxbowling.com/acba
http://www.viseinserts.com/
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: Androooo on September 30, 2009, 12:00:01 AM
I use the router to get it as close as possible, then put it in the spinner with the plug top dead center and use the bevel knife to finish it off... constantly checking by running my hand over it.

I also use the CAB with paper over abralon for refinishing the ball, even while doing complete resurfaces. The cab with papers keeps the shape of the ball better, with no rounding off around the holes. I use the abralon to put the final finish on the ball. It's also a lot cheaper!
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Andrew Phillips

The Tenpin Bowling Discount Store - Moonah Bowl

Team Bowling Balls Australia - Visionary Staff
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: No Revs00300 on September 30, 2009, 12:29:36 AM
I use a router to get close, then I use a pocket knife to shave off till flush then just sand it smooth. Finish it up on the diamond cutter for like 30 seconds works perfect. Over the years the pocket knife kinda form fitted to the bowling balls. Hard to believe, but it works awsome.
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: Pinhammer on September 30, 2009, 08:52:13 AM
I like the Hacksaw blade idea.  Any trouble with them breaking?
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Roger Carroll
Pinnacle Pro Shop
Clarksville, TN
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: Guined on October 01, 2009, 05:24:56 PM
JohnP

I actually do the plug area only then resurface the entire ball 6 sides. Seems to take better care of any stray sanding marks. I know it may be extra work but I try to put out the absolute best quality work you can everytime.

I use Abralon in the CAB Blocks as well
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Rick Guined

Owner/Operator: New Millennium Proshop: http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/Guined/
Vise PBA Regional Staff Player
IBPSIA Certified Technician
USBC Bronze Certified Instructor
www.viseinserts.com



Edited on 10/1/2009 5:26 PM
Title: Re: Plug Cutting / Sanding Down
Post by: Androooo on October 02, 2009, 06:26:12 PM
quote:
quote:
Breaking? LOL.

I have been using the same hacksaw blade now for over 3 years, and im a 20 balls the plug a week shop.

Its a much thinner version of its original self due to regular sharpening, but the last thing you need to ever worry about is it breaking.
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Get on the G train.... GLOBAL BABY!

www.900global.com




Have you tried 'brick strap,' or the stainless steel strips that are installed in a windshield wiper blade?  Both of these items are very useful to hobby lock pickers that make their own tools.  They also use hacksaw blades, but prefer the above mentioned items.  Might be worth a try.
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________________________________________________
There is more to bowling than just knocking down pins.



I will keep this in mind when I need to break into someones house
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Andrew Phillips

The Tenpin Bowling Discount Store - Moonah Bowl

Team Bowling Balls Australia - Visionary Staff