Hey Ambi,

Imagine when you dip your paint roller in paint and start painting.  That's the equivalent of a machine applying oil physically to a roller which then rolls or buffs it into the lane.  Now after 10 strokes or so, all you have is paint residue on the roller and you continue to paint, this is the equivalent of what is called buffing.  You are applying only the residue of what was left on the roller to the wall which should be thinner and lighter, same goes for an oil machine.  

Hypothetical situation for what you heard, oil was applied for 38 ft, so 2 more ft of buff is useless but 10 more feet will make the ball peter out. This means it ends up being too long, therefore not having enough dry in the backend for a strong ball reaction.  Hope this helps you understand a little better...
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Rick Leong
Ten Pins Pro Shop
Track Pro Shop Staff
Vise Grip Staff

Another question came to mind... what would happen if there is no buff area (hypothetically speaking...) would the ball be breaking more sharply?
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DARK BEER IT IS THEN!

Hi Ambi,

Jeffrevs is 100% correct.  In regards to a bowling ball reaction on a no buff condition, it would slide that hypothetical 38ft and then grab and make a change of direction(hook) real hard as soon as you hit the dry.  Somewhat like your car tires spinning in snow around a turn, then grabbing the dry road and immediately jumping left causing the car to fish tail. This would be a typical reaction so long as the ball used can create enough friction(resin,particle).  The goal behind buffing is so that the transition from oil to dry becomes less violent allowing for a more gradual and predictable(yet strong) reaction toward the pins.  

Keep in mind, the wet/dry condition doesn't only exist from front to back, it can also exist from the oil line to the right part of the lane.  This is when you notice the ball making an extremely hard turn from the right side of the lane(say a 5 to 5 over/under condition) where there is literally no oil on the outside 5 boards.  Sorry for all the analogies but I've found them to be very useful in helping people understand.  Hope this helps...
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Rick Leong
Ten Pins Pro Shop
Track Pro Shop Staff
Vise Grip Staff