How to Use
Vertex Spinner
Cleaning, Sanding and Polishing Procedures
BEFORE SANDING OR RESURFACING ALL BOWLING BALLS CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
PRO SHOP FOR MANUFACTURES RECOMMENDATIONS
CLEANING
Cleaners are used to remove dirt and oil from your bowling balls.
You can tell when it is time to clean your ball when it loses its
tackiness or when there are black marks from the pit area. Dirt is
deposited on the ball as oil is absorbed, plugging pores and
reducing friction. It is recommended to clean a bowling ball with a
cleaner every three game sets to remove dirt and oil to allow the
oil absorption process to continue. There are several combination
cleaners available on the market, such as abrasive, polish, reaction
and pro-action cleaners. There are also several cleaners that will
only remove the dirt and oil from your ball leaving the surface
finish in the same condition. To clean your ball you will need a
spinner, cleaning solution or compound, and clean towels. Follow
steps 1 through 9 in the Vertex Spinner -
Instructions.
SANDING
There are two reasons for sanding a bowling ball. One is if the
track becomes so scratched and imbedded with dirt, it will result in
inconsistent reaction. The ball will skid further down the lane.
Sanding or resurfacing will allow you to keep the ball at peak
hooking power. Second is to change the ball finish. It is not
necessary to sand every scratch out of the track area because some
are just too deep. Keep in mind that bowling balls are manufactured
with a maximum of .095 inch coverstock over the legal minimum
diameter of 8.500 inches. Resurfacing more often, removing less
coverstock is recommended. Never sand just the track area for this
is prohibited by abc/wibc rules. Sand the entire ball evenly.
Bowling balls are either sanded, sanded then polished, or just
polished. Often you will be able to get recommendations from bowling
magazines, bowling ball manufactures, or your local pro shop on the
procedure that works best for you. The lower the grit (150, 220,
320) the more the friction, the higher the grit (1000, 1200, 1500)
the less the friction. To sand your ball you will need a spinner,
sandpaper, water supply and clean towels. Follow procedures 1
through 9 in the Vertex Spinner - Instructions
SANDING OR RESURFACING DIRECTIONS
Take an 8 x 10 inch sheet of sandpaper and fold the 10 inch length
into thirds and cut them into 3 pieces. Use one piece of sandpaper
folded in half. Sand one side of the ball. Use a new side of
sandpaper for each rotation of the ball. See the
Vertex Spinner - Instructions.
Water must be used when sanding a ball at all times. A spray bottle,
running faucet, or dipping the sandpaper in a bucket of water works
well. This allows flushing of resin and used grit from the
sandpaper, ensures a good even cut and prevents overheating the ball
surface.
When resurfacing a ball, start with a low grit sandpaper. We suggest
180 or 220 grit. After you sand all six sides using the ball spinner
procedures, you may advance to the next higher grit paper and
continue on till you reach a desired finish. You will be able to
tell when to switch to a higher grit by wiping down the ball and
inspecting it, there should not be any rings from the previous
sanding (no cross pattern) leaving all rings in the same direction.
Wash the ball down with water removing all grit and wipe dry. You
are now ready for polishing, if you desire.
POLISHING
Polishing, in general, is used to make a ball skid on dryer lane
conditions. Polishes range in grit between 600 and 5,000 grit. Each
grit graduation changes the ball surface to a higher finish. Some
polishes have no grit at all allowing you to put a finish on
directly after sanding a ball. For all surfaces above 320 grit a
basic shine can be obtained by either using a rubbing compound or
certain polishes by simply buffing and shining with a clean cloth.
If more skid and less hook is desired, a higher finish is needed.
There are such a large number of choices for polishes that it would
be hard to suggest exactly what is needed for a specific ball and
type of reaction. Polish with grits are used in the same methods as
in sanding. Start with a lower grit (600, 800, 1000) and finish with
a higher grit (1200, 1500, 2500 and above). When using a polish with
grit, keep in mind to get a new towel when changing to another grit.
To polish your ball, you will need a spinner, damp sponges or
towels, clean dry towels and polishes. Follow steps 1 through 9 in
the Vertex Spinner - Instructions.
BEFORE SANDING OR RESURFACING ALL BOWLING BALLS CONTACT YOUR LOCAL
PRO SHOP FOR MANUFACTURE RECOMMENDATIONS.
BALL SPINNER INSTRUCTIONS
Whether you are cleaning, sanding, or polishing your bowling
ball, placement of the ball should be done in six different
positions with reference to the label of the ball and position of
the spinner bowl (like a cube). See steps 1 through 6.
Step 1
Mark a reference line on the outside of the spinner bowls (a paint
marker works great for this).
Step 2
With the reference mark always towards you, first place the ball in
the bowl with the label of the bowling ball facing up.
Step 3
Complete the operation whether cleaning, sanding, or polishing. Stop
spinner and wipe bowling ball with a towel. Use a clean side of the
towel when changing to other grits of paper or compounds.
Step 4
With the reference line on the bowl facing you rotate the ball 180
degrees away from you (label down) keep in mind to rotate the ball
in the same direction for steps 4, 5, and 6. Proceed with step 3.
Step 5
Again with the reference mark on the bowl facing you, rotate the
ball 90 degrees away from you (label will be facing you) and proceed
with step 3.
Step 6
With reference mark facing you, rotate the ball 180 degrees away
from you (label away from you) and proceed with step 3.
Step 7
With reference mark facing you and label away from you, rotate the
ball 90 degrees to the left or right (label away from you) and
proceed with step 3.
Step 8
With reference mark facing you and label away from you rotate the
all 180 degrees to the left or right (label away from you) and
proceed with step 3.
Step 9
With ball cleaned thoroughly, you are ready to start with finer grit
of sandpaper or polish. Start the process again beginning with step
2.