Post by: Gene J Kanak on April 09, 2010, 02:22:56 AM
From what I've seen, plugging holes doesn't seem like a very difficult task unless you run into something unforeseen - plug draining out or something like that. The only issue I'm wondering about is how to go about cutting the plug down afterward. Obviously, I could just take the ball into a shop at that point since I'll have to have the ball drilled anyhow. But I was wondering, short of having your own press, which I'm not even considering, is there a way to cut plug down on your own, or is it best to just leave that to the pros?
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Post by: DanH78 on April 09, 2010, 10:29:54 AM
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Post by: Cobalt Bomb on April 09, 2010, 10:32:02 AM
Post by: qstick777 on April 09, 2010, 11:01:27 AM
Plug has a shelf life, usually 1 year, although I guess you could go longer depending on your storage habits. Quality may suffer. Also, it tends to be sold it large quantities - relatively speaking.
I don't keep records of amounts used when I plug, but generally speaking you can do a full plug with 4 oz of plug - 2 of thumb and 1 for each finger.
1 gallon is 128 oz. Most plug is a 2 gallon kit (1 to 1 mix is 1 gallon of each side), so that is enough to plug 64 balls. That number sounds really high to me, so I'm sure my numbers are off.....just using that as an example.
I bought this kit 2 years ago, and have just opened the last bottle of resin: http://www.bowlingindex.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BI&Category_Code=PST&Product_Code=PL-EPSKit
I haven't noticed any quality issues yet.
Occasionally you can find it sold in smaller amounts like 2 quarts.
A while back somebody was selling personal "routers" on ebay. There were basically a tool similiar to this with a special shield:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42831
Actually, I found it: http://www.webspawner.com/users/bowling1/
I will say this - plugging may look easy, but it one of the hardest things to do correctly - meaning having a good color match, and a good, clean, smooth finish.
FWIW, at my local pro shops it's usually cheaper to have them plug and redrill a hole then it is to have them drill a hole.......not sure why that is? Haven't checked in a while, but it used to be $40 for a full plug (up to 4 holes) and redrill, and $60 to drill a blank. They also had a single price, something like $10 for x-hole, $10 per finger, and $20 for thumb.
Not sure how a shop would feel about cutting down and redrilling a ball that a customer plugged themselves. That introduces a whole lot variables and risks if there is a problem.
Post by: charlest on April 09, 2010, 11:09:27 AM
Routing the plug off can be tricky, besides being loud enough to permanently cause hearing loss. I've seen people rout into the ball's surface. If you don't rout close enough to make it level, you have a lot of sanding to do. There's a special attachment to buy, but my driller uses the cheapest router that does the job, usually Sears.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Post by: jwcorn01 on April 09, 2010, 11:11:17 AM
Post by: Gene J Kanak on April 09, 2010, 11:17:18 AM
GK
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Bowling bad since 1979 with no end in sight
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Post by: charlest on April 09, 2010, 01:18:47 PM
A spinner is a different thing. It's not really taking work away from a shop as, if you have any number of balls, they need regular maintenance and surface maintenance quite often these days, especially for all the fairly sensitive surfaces like 4000 grit.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Post by: azguy on April 09, 2010, 03:28:33 PM
I have used Black & Decker routers with the adjustable height gauge and love them. I have also used the drill plug cutter and don't care for it, but that's just me. There is some sanding to be done after the router, you bet but if you really want to go "hands on" then I say go for it.
Plug material is an individual thing. Personally, I use Tech Line HD. It's best where temps are a concern, shelf life is good and it's not an "arm and a leg" cost wise. I do not like the "quick plug" stuff, I let it set 12-18 hours anyway so it's no biggie. Color match is fun to "learn" you'll make mistakes but hey, life is to short to always be right.
I bet you'll find others that either plug at home and will share the cost of a 2 gal set or are willing to help out on the cost if you'll plug something for them.
If you don't want to spend the time to learn, take pride in your work and love to see what you have accomplished, then plug work is not for you. My heart races when I see a 'multi-colored' pearl ball come in and they want to plug and re=drill, that's the best thing is to see that you can match the factory when you're done with the colors.
JMO, Good Luck either way you decide.
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Post by: raiderh20boy on April 09, 2010, 03:54:13 PM
Having a pro shop, I automatically put a ball to be plugged in my Revivor first! Of course, my charge for plug work is higher but in the long run saves xtra plug work and time.
Another problem you might run into if you plug yourself is keeping a fairly constant room temp and good mix precentages so the plug dosen't quick set and crack below the surface.
Matching colors will be the most fun you have and might find yourself replugging because you know you can do better!
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Post by: mogators on April 11, 2010, 10:58:07 AM
Post by: stroked298 on April 14, 2010, 10:24:00 PM
Also someone said how their pro shop is cheaper to plug and redrill compared to drilling a fresh ball. The reason for this is local pro shops are there to make money and the internet kills us so we need to show that you really dont save alot buying online compared to our shop prices. When you plug a ball its usually an old ball so its not such a big deal to compare to the internet.
Yes there are pro shops who will drill for less but remember your getting what you pay for and what you are paying for is an expert to drill your ball. Someone with a better rep and more experience may be higher but prob. worth it. Your paying for knowledge and a trade that only few are good at.
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Rotogrip staff member
Post by: Skip H on April 18, 2010, 09:43:42 PM
I wouldn't mess around with doing your own plugging unless you also plan to do your own drilling too. Plugging can be a real pain in the butt and definitely won't be cost effective if you're taking the ball to a pro shop to drill anyway. I think I am agreeing with Charlest on this one.
Post by: BBU on April 20, 2010, 10:26:53 PM
My driller and I are currently looking into a mobile drilling center...message me for details...LMAO!
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