How to tell if ball is still round?

[JoshWithrow]

I recently had a ball resurfaced. After I got the ball back I noticed that half of a logo had been worn/sanded completely off, while the other half is just about as thick as it used to be. That didn't bother me, but the ball seems to expend ALL of it's roll by the time it reaches the arrows and then flattens right out.

Im curious as to whether an unround ball will behave like this, and how do I tell if the ball is still "round"?

[BubbaRay]

Josh, I know exactly what you are talking about. One night in league play, the return chewd up 5 balls on our pair. The pro shop at the lanes fixed the balls and one ball was sanded so much all the emblems and serial number are gone. All five balls never reacted the same since before being sanded. There is a tool to check the diamiter and circumferance of the ball, but it skips my mind right now. I'll get back to you once I get all this stuff done at work.

[JoshWithrow]

No hurries, Bubba. I was eating lunch and was thinking about how quirky this ball has been since having it resurfaced and figured I'd see who knows what about checking spherical integrity ;)

[bluerrpilot]

Since the total runout can only be .010" if a logo has been sanded to the point where some of it is completly worn down, then the probability of it being out of round is very high.

You can use a cloth tape measure to check the diameter and circumference, but roundness is a different story. I dont know if there is a tool that can do it, but the best way is to use a Dial or Test Indicator and spin the ball to determine the runout.

[JoshWithrow]

Well I did measure the balls and they're all measuring 27", but I measured the one in a few different directions and I think I got a different measurement across the area of the logo that had been sanded off.

=(

[Rowdy]

No problem. What you're looking for is a runout gauge. Use them all the time building engines. If you've got a ball spinner,you're in luck. Put the gauge against the ball and zero it out. Spin the ball by hand and watch the gauge. The needle will move in relation to every bump or dip in the surface of the ball. You'll need to check the ball in about 6 different axies,just to make sure it's still round. A pain,but worth it.

[Stampy79]

Also called a top dead center guage. I can tell you guys this, all the balls you buy from the factory are NOT round. And another thing is to let them sit for a while and they will also get a flat spot. The logo being half missing after resurface may have gotten it back to round and thus making good contact all the way down the lane and walah ! Rollout ! We have a cooksphere machine and I can guarantee you that most balls are NOT round !

[JoshWithrow]

It's just wierd. This ball rolls out in no time unless theres a metric asston of oil on the lane. It's an old purple syntactive sledge, and it outlooks my no mercy when it's not polished! I have to stand all the way on th eleft, hurl the ball over the center arrow, and it makes a u turn before it ever reaches the channel. It's remarkable and annoying all at the same time.

[idlehourlegend]

It's just wierd. This ball rolls out in no time unless theres a metric asston of oil on the lane. It's an old purple syntactive sledge, and it outlooks my no mercy when it's not polished! I have to stand all the way on th eleft, hurl the ball over the center arrow, and it makes a u turn before it ever reaches the channel. It's remarkable and annoying all at the same time.

I have the same ball and I have the pin above the fingers so I get some good length with that ball and usually can play straighter with it but man it turns and hits really hard too.

[BubbaRay]

I was talking to one of our temates tonight and he said he had his TNV resurfaced and after the resurface the ball doens't move any more. He said he uses it for his spares now. This isn't the first time I have heard this. One night 5 balls got chewed up and all were sanded down pretty good. And not one of those balls now react any more. There is something to this . I don't know whay this happens but I will find out what I could.

[JoshWithrow]

I have the same ball and I have the pin above the fingers so I get some good length with that ball and usually can play straighter with it but man it turns and hits really hard too.

This sucker hooks like it's cool.

http://www.myserverguy.com/bowling/syntactivesledge.jpg

[BubbaRay]

Josh, I think innovative bowling makes a Sizing Ring for balls and the Minimum Diameter of the Ring is (8.500 Inch )

[bluerrpilot]

We have a cooksphere machine and I can guarantee you that most balls are NOT round !

How does a resurfacing machine determine roundness?

[TenPinSniper]

Josh, I think innovative bowling makes a Sizing Ring for balls and the Minimum Diameter of the Ring is (8.500 Inch )

Think there called go gauges or no-go gauges.

[Stampy79]

Because I can put a brand new ball on the machine and see where it does not touch at first. Some have high and low spots. As far as some balls not reacting after rsurfacing, I agree that some do not. I hated trying to do some of them like the TNV. That was the hardest ball I ever tried to get back to box ! They have machines that get them to that finish, I had to try it by hand and it took forever and it still wasnt exact !

[TRIO1STL]

You would be surprised at the balls that are small to begin with.

As far as labels being taken off, all companies except Brunswick will be worn off in one or two resurfaces. Doesn't necessarily mean the ball is out of round. The labels are not engraved deep enough to keep them from be removed very quickly.

[mongoliantreesloth]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to use calipers?

[Rowdy]

It would drive you crazy to use calipers to determine roundness. Heck,just shove the ball in a spinner and hold a pencil against something and have it barely touch the ball. That'll do it.