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Author Topic: De-Oiling Bowling Ball  (Read 9366 times)

Mikemack42

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De-Oiling Bowling Ball
« on: February 23, 2014, 07:32:28 PM »
So my local proshop guy i dont trust to put inserts into my equipment, let alone rejuvenate it. I was looking for some DIY suggestions I can use that is inexpensive, and safe for my equipment.

Thanks

Mike

 

MI 2 AZ

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Re: De-Oiling Bowling Ball
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2014, 08:38:20 PM »
You can try the Hot Water Method.  This was taken from the old MoRich site:

The one method we really like is a simple "Hot Water Bath." This procedure helps to make sure that the ball is not subjected to any extreme temperature changes that could cause the cover to crack or separate from the core. Though the process is easy, don't rush the steps! So here we go...

1. Have the ball wet sanded to about 400-grit to open the cover's pores.
2. Fill a tub or bucket (5 gallon buckets work well) with hot tap water and about 2-3 teaspoons of Dawn dish detergent.
3. Wash the ball using a wash cloth or a scotch brite pad (burgundy or green) for a few minutes.
4. Remove the ball from the soapy water and rinse the tub (or bucket) clean and refill it with hot water (no soap).
5. Place the ball in the water and wash it clean with a clean cloth or new scotch brite pad. You will probably notice that a soapy film will appear in the water. This is residue that was trapped in the coverstock (much like the oil and dirt was).
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until no soapy residue remains, This make 2 or 3 times to achieve, depending upon the amount of soap that was used. You don't want to use too much soap, but you need enough to cut through the oil and dirt.
7. After the soap has been completely removed from the coverstock, allow the ball to air dry at room temperature.
8. Have the ball wet sanded with 400-grit paper and then follow the steps to bring it back to its factory finish as described in our resurfacing section.

Once this procedure has been completed, make every attempt to clean the ball after each session of use.

______________________

Another method that many on this site recommend or use themselves is the Dishwasher Method.  Put your ball in the dishwasher and DO NOT use the heating cycle.  You only want the hot water and soap to clean the ball.  The heat cycle may not be properly regulated.  Others with experience may chime in on this method.

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Six decades of league bowling and still learning.

ABC/USBC Lifetime Member since Aug 1995.

Gizmo823

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Re: De-Oiling Bowling Ball
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2014, 07:59:20 AM »
Refer to the manufacturer recommendations for maximum temperature of the bowling ball, some are at 125, others go up to 140.  Tap water can come out hotter than that.  Subjecting a ball to that kind of heat for an extended period of time isn't good for it.  It's probably the best option you have available to you, but you might also consider this:

http://www.jayhawkbowling.com/Detox.html

They keep records of who has one and who doesn't, you may get in contact with them and see if there's anyone in your area that has one of these.  It takes 20-30 minutes, it's the safest means of oil removal on the market, and instead of the oil just leaking out because of the heat, this method actually extracts the oil so it gets it cleaner. 
What would you be if you were attached to another object by an inclined plane, wrapped helically around an axis?