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Author Topic: Learning to drill balls  (Read 3004 times)

intergalactic

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Learning to drill balls
« on: July 22, 2004, 08:48:03 AM »
How do you get into drilling? Where do you start? Does it take a long time to learn how to drill a ball? I'm really interested in ball drilling but don't know how to get into it.
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A man who asks a question is a fool for 5 minutes a man that doesn't is a fool for a lifetime.

 

Constantine

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Re: Learning to drill balls
« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2004, 10:54:26 AM »
Find a friendly driller who you respect and become an apprentice.  Volunteer to sweep up, dust, whatever in exchange for a little knowledge.

He'll teach you the basics.  Then practice with an old junk ball.  Measure all of your friends; compare your measurements to their file; and, then punch holes for them in your junk ball.

If you like what you are doing, then you can take classes.
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Good luck & good bowling
Good luck & good bowling

JohnP

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Re: Learning to drill balls
« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2004, 12:09:01 PM »
intergalactic -- Great advice from Constantine.  Let me offer a caution, DON'T get into ball drilling expecting to make a bunch of money.  If you want to do it as a hobby or a small second income, great.  But unless you are in an extremely large market area, you'll starve to death if you depend on pro shop income for your livelihood.  --  JohnP

intergalactic

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Re: Learning to drill balls
« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2004, 12:15:49 PM »
Really I just wanto know the basics maybe drill a ball or or two not for money or anything like that I have all the tournaments I'm gonna win for money hehe
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A man who asks a question is a fool for 5 minutes a man that doesn't is a fool for a lifetime.

thirtyclean

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Re: Learning to drill balls
« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2004, 12:18:50 PM »
I started at a sporting goods store, where I volunteered
to Drill there balls, in which they sent me to an
Ebonite clinic (basics). I the purchased Bill Taylor's
book, which is one of the best. With my Ebonite manual and
Bill's book, I combined that knowledge. After drilling
conventionals at that store, I started drilling my
own fingertip layouts, back when there was only static
weights, no pins ! Later down the line, I was hired by a pro shop
in my area. I subscribed to Bowling This Month, which has great articles on layouts and drillings, my pro shop operator taught me the basics on
layouts, reactions, etc. I also have the Rwevolutions books which
are great reads. Just try to aquire as much knowledge as
possible and try to get into local pro shop, or try to
purchase a press and jig of your own.

Good Luck,
Thirtyclean
Thirtyclean

drillbit

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Re: Learning to drill balls
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2004, 12:24:34 PM »
I'll second JohnP on this, don't expect to make a living running a pro shop unless you have a large population to draw from. I live in a very small area, and I drill for fun(and a little money, too).

 As to how to get into the business, Constantine covered it pretty well, I think.

 Personally, I was less than satisfied with the local drillers, and the nearest one I trusted was about 4 hours away. Eventually, I and a pair of like-minded friends decided to get our own equipment and teach ourselves to drill. It was quite an investment, but I think it was worth it. Eventually, my friends decided they wanted out of the partnership, so I bought them out, and drilled from home for a while. Then I got an offer to move into a local center that had no shop, and I've been there ever since.

drillbit

Goof1073

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Re: Learning to drill balls
« Reply #6 on: July 23, 2004, 12:54:23 PM »
Constantine's suggestion is the exact way that I started my pro-shop experiences.  I paid my dues cleaning up the shop, doing plug work and spinning balls.  Great experience though...good luck!
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-Chris: DJ's Pro Shop : Auburn, MA

Ernie McCracken

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Re: Learning to drill balls
« Reply #7 on: July 23, 2004, 12:58:42 PM »
Jayhawk offers a class for drilling.  It's expensive, but would be really fun and informative.  They teach you EVERYTHING you need to know in a classroom setting and you also get plenty of hands on learning too.
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JohnP

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Re: Learning to drill balls
« Reply #8 on: July 23, 2004, 06:22:28 PM »
Classic Products also offers classes in Indiana and Florida.  And IBPSIA offers some, but I'm not sure where.  --  JohnP

Edited on 7/23/2004 6:18 PM

intergalactic

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Re: Learning to drill balls
« Reply #9 on: July 24, 2004, 10:30:07 PM »
Thanks for the suggestions everyone the guy that usually drills my balls is supposed to be gone till atleast the end of the summer What's the cheapest way to drill your own balls?
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A man who asks a question is a fool for 5 minutes a man that doesn't is a fool for a lifetime.

LuckyLefty

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Re: Learning to drill balls
« Reply #10 on: July 25, 2004, 01:51:35 AM »
I have found that all this high tech stuff is overated.

I just bought a strong hand drill.  That a pair of good eyes and a ball spinner and some very strong feet have allowed me to drill real good just standing on the  ball in the ball cup of my spinner and eyeballing for pitch.  I mean 1/8 off center is just that, 1/8 off center.  Dramatically different once you get your eyes trained than 1/16 off center.

Of course occassionally I miss but what is 1/4 inch in pitch anyway if one throws it good!

Luckylefty
It takes Courage to have Faith, and Faith to have Courage.

James M. McCurley, New Orleans, Louisiana