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Author Topic: Router vs plug cutter  (Read 12252 times)

RealBowler

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Router vs plug cutter
« on: May 14, 2007, 10:03:36 AM »
Which is better?  How difficult is it to get perfectly flush with either?

If you only get so close with either one, how do you make the area perfectly smooth?  Do you need to have one of those Haus resurfacing machines or can you do it with a spinner and some sandpaper?  

I tried to fill a fairly large gouge with some epoxy resin and am having a heck of time getting the spot down and smooth, so I was wondering how the pro shops get their plug work to look so good.
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azguy

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2007, 06:44:40 PM »
I have had both, sold the plug cutter, kept the router, I like that the best. It's a personal preference thing, for me anyway. After cutting the plug down it's on to the spinner and a lot of work from there. Don't have a Haus Machine, not yet, so it's by hand for a while.

I'm sure others like the cutter, can't say, but for me I'll stick with the router.
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Goof1073

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2007, 06:56:00 PM »
I've utilized both over the years and if you have a plug cutter that is balanced correctly and will zero up it's my preference over the router as I think it does a better job and it takes up a whole lot less room in a smaller shop.
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Greens Pro Shop

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2007, 07:04:22 PM »
I much prefer the plug cutter but I use a mill in my shop which is much more stable...using a plug cutter on a drill press can be a vibration nightmare and not really as effective.  The Router works well too...only thing with a router is you have to check the depth of the router bit every time you do a ball because if you happen to get a ball that is slightly smaller in diameter it will sit deeper in the cup allowing the router bit to "cut deeper"...quite easy to ruin a ball if one isn't paying attention.  Both can be great tools if used properly though.  In either case I always cut the plug a few thousandths above the surface of the ball and then let the Haus machine take it the rest of the way just so it is as good a job as possible.
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qstick777

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2007, 11:03:54 PM »
quote:
I much prefer the plug cutter but I use a mill in my shop which is much more stable...using a plug cutter on a drill press can be a vibration nightmare and not really as effective.  The Router works well too...only thing with a router is you have to check the depth of the router bit every time you do a ball because if you happen to get a ball that is slightly smaller in diameter it will sit deeper in the cup allowing the router bit to "cut deeper"...quite easy to ruin a ball if one isn't paying attention.  Both can be great tools if used properly though.  In either case I always cut the plug a few thousandths above the surface of the ball and then let the Haus machine take it the rest of the way just so it is as good a job as possible.


Amen to that!

I just started plugging and using my router.  I'm having a hard time finding just the right depth.  I seem to get just slightly below the surface.

I did try cutting it down slightly taller than the ball, but after 10 minutes on the spinner I hadn't really made any headway on the plug!

I only done 2 balls (all 3 holes) so I'm still learning, but thank goodness I have a couple of balls to practice on!
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UCFKnight03

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2007, 09:58:11 AM »
Whenever I cut plug down, I use a plug cutter, then I use a bevel knife to scrape over the plug, get any that might have been not flush with the ball surface.  I then put the ball on the spinner, and hit just where the plug is with 220 grit, then 400, then 800.  Then it is off to the haus machine for red pads, then grey pads, and then if need be 4000 grit abralon and polish.  Sometimes if the whole ball is kinda crappy looking I'll do the 220/400/800 on the whole ball.  Pretty much like a mini-resurface job.
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Androooo

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2007, 10:41:58 PM »
This is what I do in my shop...

Use a router to cut the plug back to approx 1/32-1/64" above the surface of the ball.

Using the edge of a bevel knife, carefully plane the excess down to the level of the ball, running hand over it frequently to check.

Take it to the spinner, and using a CAB, refinish to desired surface.

Bingo.... done, in no more than 5 mins
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Edited on 5/16/2007 10:40 PM
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Androooo

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2007, 10:44:17 PM »
Forgot to add... I use this system for Thumb Slugs, aside from the spinner part
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JohnP

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2007, 01:05:00 PM »
Deadbait -- I'm interested in that planing tool, can you describe it?  --  JohnP
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ccrider

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #9 on: May 21, 2007, 06:38:41 PM »
What is a "CAB".

quote:
This is what I do in my shop...

Use a router to cut the plug back to approx 1/32-1/64" above the surface of the ball.

Using the edge of a bevel knife, carefully plane the excess down to the level of the ball, running hand over it frequently to check.

Take it to the spinner, and using a CAB, refinish to desired surface.

Bingo.... done, in no more than 5 mins
--------------------
Andrew Phillips

The Tenpin Bowling Discount Store - Moonah Bowl

Team Bowling Balls Australia - Visionary Staff


Edited on 5/16/2007 10:40 PM
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azguy

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #10 on: May 21, 2007, 06:52:54 PM »
CAB = Contour Abrasion Block. Taxi Products makes them or at least the best ones, IMO.
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cmoore3wins

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #11 on: May 25, 2007, 08:57:03 PM »
Best plug cutter in the business is available at www.innovativebowling.com

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Bowler19

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Re: Router vs plug cutter
« Reply #12 on: May 26, 2007, 01:28:31 AM »
The shop i used to work at we would cut the plug down with a router first then use the plug cutter tool. zero it up on the ball and cut the remaining plug as flush as we could get it without marking the ball.

The on to the spinner for the finishing touch.
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