Author Topic: Round Holes (Read 3707 times)

Jay · « **on:** June 08, 2009, 11:00:44 AM »

Just wondering if anyone uses round thumb holes and creates their own oval by using tape and/or magic carpet. I believe Ron Clifton prefers it this way. Can anyone who's had a lesson with him confirm this?

Edited on 6/8/2009 7:01 PM

Strider · « **Reply #1 on:** June 08, 2009, 07:03:26 PM »

Use whatever works best for you or whatever shape your thumb is. I work with Ron and have an oval thumb hole and the Magic Carpet. You have to be careful using a lot of tape to create an oval. You can easily change your span and pitches as well as create inconsistencies from ball to ball.
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Penn State Proud

Ron Clifton's Bowling Tip Archive

JessN16 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 08, 2009, 07:08:31 PM »

I used oval holes for about five years and have just now started going with round ones. Oval holes are great when they really fit, but if they're off in any way it's a real problem. I have a very rudimentary jig here at home and can't drill ovals, so I have to manually work out the ovals that I do drill. It's not impossible, but it's time consuming, hard to correct a mistake and no matter how good you are at it, it's still difficult to repeat the same feel from ball to ball due to the differences in the actual materials in different balls.

Since moving back to round holes, I find my release is a lot more predictable.

Jess

Steven · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2009, 07:22:16 PM »

I've traditionally gone with a round thumb with the sides manually worked out. My driller just got the equipment necessary to mill ovals, so I'm trying that out now. I use switch grips, so it's not that big of an issue to experiment.

The jury is still out for me. In many ways I like the feel of the milled oval, but it is different. In some ways the feel is more restrictive. With the round, I have more options for adjusting with a few pieces of tape.

There is no right or wrong here. Try both and go with what gives you the most consistent release.
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Lane#1 Buzzsaw -- A JustRico certified 300/800 Powertool

RSalas · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2009, 07:25:10 PM »

I use round Vise pre-cut thumb inserts. Oddly enough, I get a better feel and a more consistent release using just the round insert, without tape.
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Ray Salas
Brunswick Amateur Staff
http://www.brunswickbowling.com

Jay · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:11:45 PM »

Jess, I didn't know an oval hole can be messed up at bascically no fault of the driller. If that's what you are saying anyways. My driller can mill ovals. My thumb holes which are oval typically have spot that rubs a spot of the side and towards the front of my thumb and I'm not sure if that has anything to do with the oval or if it's a result of using the bevel sander to finish the hole.

Ray, are those vinyl? Are you able to adjust the bevel on them?

JessN16 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:16:03 PM »

quote:
Jess, I didn't know an oval hole can be messed up at bascically no fault of the driller. If that's what you are saying anyways. My driller can mill ovals. My thumb holes which are oval typically have spot that rubs a spot of the side and towards the front of my thumb and I'm not sure if that has anything to do with the oval or if it's a result of using the bevel sander to finish the hole.

Ray, are those vinyl? Are you able to adjust the bevel on them?

I've had pro drillers mess up ovals and I've messed up some of my own with workout tools. "Mess up" being anything from not drilling the proper oval angle to taking more out of the top of the hole than at the bottom (a common mistake when using a rasp), thus creating a hole that is cone shaped if viewed at 90 degrees.

If you're getting a rub spot, it says to me that the size of the hole itself is wrong or the oval isn't at the proper angle. Ask one of the more seasoned drillers here if they concur (might want to try the Drilling & Layouts forum).

Jess

Jay · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:34:04 PM »

I was thinking a round hole might take some of those factors out of play, regarding rub spots and inconsistencies altogether. When I have a rub or hang spot I think I might as well scrap that thumb hole because the bevel sander never fixes it. A rasp doesn't seem to do much either.

Edited on 6/8/2009 8:37 PM

Smash49 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 08, 2009, 08:45:28 PM »

Drill bits are round thumbs are not. Just about every thumb has some kind of ridge or high spot that has to be worked out. There are also other shapes of thumbs research is finding. Triangle thumbs are now being addressed. If anyone just hands you a round thumb hole with out helping you work things out that is bad. When I am finished with a newly drilled ball you can not feel pressure anywhere on the hand. All you feel is the weight of the ball. If you feel the ball grab you anywhere it's not right.

Smash49
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Smash49

Slick, tacky, wood or synthetic it does not matter your slide is correct with SLSM Designs Bowlers Slide Sock. The Finest Slide Sock on the Planet!!!
www.bowlersslidesock.com
Striking Cat Bowling Pro Shop, Duncan Oklahoma! IBPSIA Certified Technician
www.strikingcatbowling.com

bigbadbrad215 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2009, 10:51:44 PM »

quote:
I was thinking a round hole might take some of those factors out of play, regarding rub spots and inconsistencies altogether. When I have a rub or hang spot I think I might as well scrap that thumb hole because the bevel sander never fixes it. A rasp doesn't seem to do much either.

Edited on 6/8/2009 8:37 PM

Why don't you try using a bevel knife? They are magnificent in working out just a little bit of a hang spot...

The bevel sander, I find, usually takes a little too much out that I have to resort to using tape... it's something I don't really mind dealing with, since I prefer the feel of tape to the slug itself, since my thumb constantly changes.

Bevel knives ftw.

Jay · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2009, 02:06:00 AM »

Good point Smash. I agree.

brad, I didn't really think of the bevel knife. That can be used to work out a spot as long as the spot is high enough right? Other than that, the tricky part is to pin point the exact place to use it on.

bigbadbrad215 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 09, 2009, 08:29:38 PM »

quote:
Good point Smash. I agree.

brad, I didn't really think of the bevel knife. That can be used to work out a spot as long as the spot is high enough right? Other than that, the tricky part is to pin point the exact place to use it on.

Pretty much. If it's hanging a little bit, say down by the knuckle, the bevel knife is pointed, so it can easily reach it. My thumb is ovaled, so getting the exact feel from ball to ball is tricky. I have yet to do it, and I own quite a few balls. Most of them are close, though, so I'm not complaining. Bevel knives are so sweet... they can do anything. From rounding off an edge to working out a hang spot, to removal of tape, to ridding yourself of the little nuisance who won't leave you alone... *poke*

Buckwild · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2009, 03:15:38 PM »

quote:
Drill bits are round thumbs are not. Just about every thumb has some kind of ridge or high spot that has to be worked out. There are also other shapes of thumbs research is finding. Triangle thumbs are now being addressed. If anyone just hands you a round thumb hole with out helping you work things out that is bad. When I am finished with a newly drilled ball you can not feel pressure anywhere on the hand. All you feel is the weight of the ball. If you feel the ball grab you anywhere it's not right.

Smash49
--------------------
Smash49

Slick, tacky, wood or synthetic it does not matter your slide is correct with SLSM Designs Bowlers Slide Sock. The Finest Slide Sock on the Planet!!!
www.bowlersslidesock.com
Striking Cat Bowling Pro Shop, Duncan Oklahoma! IBPSIA Certified Technician
www.strikingcatbowling.com

Smash,

How would you address a thumb thats trangular shaped?

dicnic · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2009, 03:42:58 PM »

I use round Vise inserts and carve out the backside with my Dremel tool, then put the Magic Carpet in the back side. Using the Dremel makes it easy, and then I smooth things out with sandpaper etc. If I am careful, I can make all my balls feel exactly the same.
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Never take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Randy76 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 24, 2009, 03:43:06 PM »

I use round and build an oval with tape. I do this because it is easier "for me" to create the oval. My thumb is very flat. If I have my ball driller create an oval or use an oval insert, it has to be perfect or else I will hang in it. I find it easier to put the pressure on me to create the oval with tape than another person.

Author Topic: Round Holes (Read 3707 times)

Jay

Round Holes

Strider

Re: Round Holes

JessN16

Re: Round Holes

Steven

Re: Round Holes

RSalas

Re: Round Holes

Jay

Re: Round Holes

JessN16

Re: Round Holes

Jay

Re: Round Holes

Smash49

Re: Round Holes

bigbadbrad215

Re: Round Holes

Jay

Re: Round Holes

bigbadbrad215

Re: Round Holes

Buckwild

Re: Round Holes

dicnic

Re: Round Holes

Never take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Randy76

Re: Round Holes