How to Make a Homemade Bowling Ball Drill

The hole pattern, hole diameter and hole depth are all key elements in creating the right fit for the bowler and his style bowling. The holes can be drilled in professional bowling shops or can be drilled at home with a drill press and a few modifications.

Things You'll Need

  • Webb clamp or edge clamp
  • G-clamp (2 or 3)
  • Metal bowl with indentation and lip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the metal bowl on the table of the drill press. The bowl should be positioned so that the indentation is face up and the bowl is centered on the table.

    • 2

      Secure the bowl into place on the table by attaching a G-clamp on both the left and right side of the table. Tighten the clamps down until the bowl is held tightly in position. A third G-clamp can be attached to the front of the table if additional securing is necessary.

    • 3

      Turn the table elevation crank in a clockwise motion until the table is positioned on the column so you can reach directly out in front of you and place your hand above the table.

    • 4

      Place a drill chuck on the end of the spindle. The chuck should be the same size as the hole you wish to drill in the bowling ball.

    • 5

      Raise the position of the drill chuck until it is in the highest position. This can be done by turning the quill feed in a clockwise motion until movement stops.

    • 6

      Place the bowling ball inside the indentation of the bowl. Position the ball so the desired drilling area is directly beneath the drill chuck. Make sure the ball is positioned so the angle of the hole is correct. The drill press will drill vertically so the angle of the ball should be changed to create a slanted hole.

    • 7

      Secure the bowling ball into position using a Webb clamp that runs around the width of the ball and the column of the drill press. An additional Webb clamp can be run around the height of the ball, metal bowl and drill press table if additional securing is necessary.

    • 8

      Lower the drill chuck until it touches the surface of the bowling ball. This can be accomplished by turning the quill feed in a counterclockwise motion.

    • 9

      Note the measurement of the drill chuck along the column of the drill press.

    • 10

      Decide the depth of the hole that you want drilled. Subtract the measurement from the drill chuck position and note the corresponding measurement along the column of the drill press.

    • 11

      Plug the drill press in and turn the drill on. Place one hand on the bowling ball to help hold it in position. Slowly lower the drill chuck until the second measurement point is reached.

    • 12

      Turn off the drill and raise the drill chuck to the highest position. Remove the Webb clamps and the bowling ball.