Affordable Bowling Ball Jig for Drill Press

[@gtbinh]

This jig definitely more stable than your previous one, nice work!

[@jefferyboring4410]

He went from a aluminum 35$ X y table to a killer heavy one the jig itself didn’t have much to do with it. The old one flexing and shaking didn’t matter much that is mostly from run out from the spindle and bent bits etc so the flex possibly helped it be a straighter more accurate hole. So ppl don’t need be so concerned about it.

[@TheAdobokid]

Awesome job Kenny. Was debating If I was going to do this myself but it looks like you did all the hard work for me. You just made life easier for me as well as saved me some money. I'll hit you up on FB and order one.

[@Dukeofearl11]

I just got my jig from Kenny. It is fantastic. Great work! Very stable. I used this to replace a very old jig I had.

[@th-wt5pn]

That did it i just drilled my ball with no vibration then i drilled my 1 1/8 for my thumb slug and no vibration i am so excited I almost went and bought another drill press thank you I am referring your page to a few of my buddies thats interested in drilling their own equipment thank you 🙏🏽 290 rpm drills/cuts through like butter 🙂

[@KennyGrinols]

Glad it worked. Make sure to subscribe!

[@SleepModeActivated]

Is there any alternative to using the plug cutter to make sure the ball is centered properly? It would be great if someone had a 3d printer plug cutter just for centering purposes if they didn't want to invest in one since they are quite expensive

[@KennyGrinols]

That's actually a great idea for a 3D printer item. As far as existing tools, there are "center finders" on Amazon for like $10 that I think would do the trick.

[@ftgphantom621]

How deep do you drill the finger holes and what rpm do you typically run at?

[@KennyGrinols]

Personally, I do 1" deep with 1 ³¹/³² and then down to 2⅛" with ³¹/³² for VacuGrips. I drill fingers at 250rpm.

[@majormeteor]

Was there a reason for adding the back 2 clamp down posts? I am thinking of bolting 4 all thread posts with holes instead of slots for the top plate. As long as the all thread doesn't stick up past the drill bit, I should be able to slide the top plate over the top of the ball onto the posts. Also, instead of a 4 inch hole in the bottom plate, I think I'll get a ball display cup and glue it to the base board. Looks like an awesome design and I really enjoyed your video and this is the best jig I have seen for the DIY'er.

[@KennyGrinols]

Hey Mike, I was just trying to make it as secure as possible to eliminate as much vibration as I could, because I am drinking interchangeable thumb systems now, which are 4.5" deep and 1.5" wide, so I didn't want to have any concerns about stability. Sliding the top plate like you have in mind, might work, it was an idea I played with, but was tedious to get all 4 lined up, and didn't want to unscrew the top 4 completely, every single time. (But holes will be much cheaper and easier for DIY, routing the slots is by far the hardest part of fabricating these for me) I also tried a ball cup, but it was just 1 more piece in the system that can move or suffer from vibration, fine unglued, or slip during drilling and result in a catastrophic failure and then you're re-centering etc. I've read a few discussions about a dog bowl, but it raises the entire assembly and you're back in the same issue of potential movement, centering blah blah blah. I'd love to find a way to make the bottom get more surface area on the ball, but any bigger hole in the bottom, the ball starts interfering with the xy table. I assure you, I've tried a LOT of things getting to this point and failed multiple times on the way to this "nearly" end product. I have a few other experiments in mind for the future, and each time I sell one I've been reinvesting back into the system, so maybe one day I'll have a perfect product everyone can enjoy.

[@majormeteor]

@@KennyGrinols Ok, since you tried the ball cup and like a hole better I will build mine that way. I am thinking the slotted top is better now that I see it would be a pain to completely unscrew it all the time. I have the milling table on order. So I have run into bad luck getting balls drilled properly. One guy didn't even know what PAP was and drilled the thumb hole right through the logo which is not necessary with a symmetrical ball. I want to buy used bowling balls, try extreme layouts for fun and experiment with different hole pitches to see what works. It would be expensive at $75 per drilling doing that. Thanks for the information.

[@KennyGrinols]

@@majormeteor yep, that's what I did. A lot of used balls, finger pitch experiments, layout experiments, and sell them used to recoup whatever I could, then have some fun.

[@majormeteor]

@@KennyGrinols I am thinking a lot of thumb pitch would be more comfortable and be easier to get your thumb out of the ball. What thumb side pitch worked for you?

[@christerdelrosario5787]

Have you tried this using a plugged cutter with it? If so, does it chatter.

[@KennyGrinols]

I haven't gotten into plugging balls yet. I have drilled a full interchangeable thumb though. It was the JoPo system, which is 1½" drill bit. As long as you use the proper pressure and speeds, I had no issues.

[@jomo279]

Kenny, can you please measure the distance between the top of the drill press table to the end of the chuck? I have a tabletop drill press and would like to understand if there's enough room to stack everything here. Thanks.

[@KennyGrinols]

From the drill press table to the chuck is 19". The XY Table + the Jig bottom plate is 4¾" on top of the press table.

[@jomo279]

@@KennyGrinols Thanks, Kenny

[@440bowler]

Why don’t you use 4 instead of 6 hold downs? Just curious

[@KennyGrinols]

I do think it would work with 4, I have done it a few times, and might eliminate the excess in future iterations, once I'm comfortable it works long term.

[@thomasatkins1204]

You selling this kit somewhere?

[@KennyGrinols]

@@thomasatkins1204 Yes sir. I handle all purchases through PayPal. Each kit is built-to-order and takes about 5-7 days to fabricate and ship. You can find me on Facebook or reach out via email at [e-mail]

[@FishingMadeEasywithCharles]

How much is the kit

[@KennyGrinols]

$300

[@Charles13033]

Hey Kenny! I’m a little late to this video but this was awesome. I’ve always wanted to drill balls and just recently have started slowly buying stuff to get all set up cause it’s so expensive. Two things I don’t have that are the most important though are a drill press and jig. I really couldent stomach spending over 1,000 on a jayhawk jig when all it does is clamp a ball down so I’m thrilled to see your selling one. If it’s still available I’m for sure going to buy one in the next month or so (would buy it immediately but this stuff ads up 😂) one question I have though is if your jig is compatible to put on any of the jet presses or any of the nova Viking drill presses. Cause I saw in another comment you use the nova Viking. And I’ve decided I’m going to go with either them or the jet ones cause I need to drill interchangeable jopo thumbs. I just don’t know the exact model to get yet cause they both have multiple options. Thank you so much for coming up with a much more affordable jig kit though!!!

[@KennyGrinols]

Hey Charles, the Jig is designed to mount to the XY table. You mount the XY table to the press, and that should be relatively universal, based on the base plate of your drill.

[@Charles13033]

@@KennyGrinols ok thank you so much. I’ll message you on Facebook to get the jig when I’m ready!

[@ryamaz8084]

What would be even more affordable is that u only need the bottom wood to be mounted on the XY slider and secure a dog bowl big enough to stabilize the bowling ball with a rubber rim. Than u don’t need the other top mounting bracket or accessories due to the dog bowl being stabilized for drilling. They make jigs that look like that with any support on the top of ball and almost like a diy ball spinner.

[@KennyGrinols]

Hey Ryamaz, those are "vacuum" jigs and they use suction to secure the ball, by pulling a vacuum from beneath the ball surface.

[@ryamaz8084]

@@KennyGrinols true but I’m talking about using something bigger that would place half the ball inside that way u don’t need the suction…those jigs are like only displacing an 1/8 or if u lucky a 1/4 of the ball

[@vlstyles]

Where did you get the arrows?

[@billypatterson-y7x]

How can I buy this can you send me the link to your product or how I can get up with you

[@KennyGrinols]

You can contact me via Facebook, Kenny Grinols, or email, [e-mail].

[@billypatterson-y7x]

Well I would like to purchase the new model can you send me a link

[@KennyGrinols]

@@billypatterson-y7x hello Billy, as stated above, please contact me via email or Facebook. All purchases are handled through PayPal, I don't have a website or link for you. These are custom built, made by hand, and only fabricated on a 'by order' basis. They take me between 7-10 to make from when an order is placed. If you have any other questions, please reach out.

[@th-wt5pn]

What size drill press do you have Does it vibrate/shake while drilling holes as if the drill bit Wants to wonder off??

[@KennyGrinols]

Mine is 16", the run out isn't perfect but I haven't had any detrimental issues. Sometimes at certain pitches the bit will slightly deflect. It's only been an issue when trying to perfectly center vacu-grips at multiple depths. In hindsight a JET press may have been better, but I wanted digital and direct drive motor not belt driven, so I'm happy overall. The ability to see digital depth, speed control, etc outweighs everything else.

[@th-wt5pn]

Ok great thanks when i first started this i bought a 13” drill press. I am going to buy a 17” drill press that has more torque and horse power … great video and what an improvement from the first jig you made!! 👍🏽

[@KennyGrinols]

@@th-wt5pn the quill depth is the most important, and keep drilling speeds low! I drill at 250rpm.

[@th-wt5pn]

250 rpm omg im drilling at like 1500rpm Im about to lower my rpm and try to drill again to see if it stops all the vibration and shaking. Wow i thought the more speed the better🤦🏽‍♂️

[@KennyGrinols]

@@th-wt5pn that was one of the first mistakes I made as well.

[@bretthall6243]

Hi Ken. Are these still available?

[@KennyGrinols]

Yes sir, still producing them.

[@bretthall6243]

@@KennyGrinols I would like to buy one. Lets talk when you have the time please.

[@KennyGrinols]

@@bretthall6243 I'm available, you can reach out to me on Facebook (Kenny Grinols) or email ([e-mail])

[@luissantacruz6178]

Hey one question at how many rpm is the drilling better

[@KennyGrinols]

I drill at 200-250rpms. But 400 or less is usually fine.

[@justdatdude103]

Mind sharing a few recommended drill press for people like me that doesnt understand how to buy one? Would love to purchase this asap.

[@KennyGrinols]

Are you looking at just fingers or you want to be able to drill thumbs as well? The key difference in deciding on your drill press, is how deeply you need it to go into the ball. Most standard size drills will fit the ball, but the drills are only designed to go about 3 inches deep. Since the bit has to start far enough away from the ball when you set it up, you usually only get about 2 inches of drilling ability into the ball. Enough for finger grips, but won't work for thumbs, slugs, and especially any interchangeable system. Let me know what you're planning and I'll get you some answers.

[@justdatdude103]

I would prefer to be able to drill thumb hole also.

[@gtbinh]

​@Kenny Grinols I am also interested on what drill press specs are needed to drill balls with thumb slugs as well, if you don't mind sharing. Thanks in advance! Any upcoming videos on drilling the balls with thumb holes? Also what is your current drill press name and model?

[@KennyGrinols]

@@gtbinh I use a Nova Viking floor press. It's direct drive, rather than belt driven, is completely digital, and is pretty awesome. I think the Jets are more purpose built for Bowling balls though, as pitching angles into spheres, is more niche than most drill manufacturers are designing for, in my opinion.

[@galash5]

@@KennyGrinolswould you mind sharing the spindle travel range of your press?

[@vlstyles]

How do I go about getting your kit?

[@KennyGrinols]

You can find me on Facebook or email me directly, whatever you prefer. [e-mail]

[@PaysteeDook]

do you think the other milling table (the little green one) is not stable enough? Why did you switch? I have the little green one, building my own jig.

[@KennyGrinols]

I think if you just want to do fingers only, you can get away with the green one. I wanted to be able to do interchangeable thumbs, so I decided to upgrade. The main thing is ensuring everything is as tight as possible on the mill table adjustments.

[@PaysteeDook]

Currious why you opted not to chamfer the top and bottom plate holes the same as you did on the first jig?

[@KennyGrinols]

@@PaysteeDook the first one was actually done with a bevel bit, and because of the black coating was much more noticeable. The new one is chamfered, where it made sense at angles and depths that took a lot of trial and error. I'm still searching for alternatives for the bottom plate. Top Plate feels perfect though.

[@erniefaulkner9935]

How much does the kit cost?

[@KennyGrinols]

Hello Ernie, the kit is $300.

[@jvmiller1995]

Wow kenny I do like the updated version much better and you did a way better job slotting and rounding the edges off with a router all of those things that really make it look and function more professional like. That is also the exact slide table I was looking at online when I was looking at the stuff to build a jig a few months back. The cast iron just looks way more secure and those tables come in handy too for more than bowling balls so getting a higher grade one than you used in the first one was very wise. I really do like this one a lot better than those hyme joints too. I had 10 balls drilled in the last 2 years so I can see this saving some money for sure plus I am just the hands on kind of guy that likes to do things for myself and take pride in what I do. Just out of curiosity have you ever tried to drill a ball with a forstner bit? I have a few old balls I was thinking about practicing on anyway, so I figured I would try before going out and buying Jayhawk drill bits. . I would rather put some of that bit money towards a vise-it install kit for my thumb slugs if possible. Thank you for the video.

[@KennyGrinols]

I use the carbide drill bits from Innovative. They are machined to be accurate to the 64th, allegedly. Personally, bowling balls are soft, and can be drilled with any bit, in my opinion. Spade, Forstner, or otherwise. I actually bought a cheap drill bit from the hardware store, to use as a pilot hole for the JoPo interchangeable thumb system (1.5"). Pretty sure it was just an Irwin spiral bit, at 1⅜. The hole seemed perfectly fine to me, but I used the carbide bit for all of the finished outer diameters. The only potential issue with a Forstner is the debris, but with a shop vac, and clean out every so often, I don't see running into any issues.

[@jvmiller1995]

@@KennyGrinols Thanks for the reply. I was thinking to myself that resin has to be relatively easy to drill and even easier than some of the exotic hardwoods I have messed with. I did see someone use a spade bit once but it was in a hand drill and the guy was adding 2 more finger holes because WHY I don't know? 😂

[@corbinesterak7837]

What's a good drill to buy?

[@KennyGrinols]

Hey Corbin, "Jet" are the most popular bowling drill presses. But you can even get the job done with something from Harbor Freight. The real key is understanding how deep the drill can go, and whether you have intent to do just fingers, or thumb inserts and interchangeable systems, as they require significantly more depth.

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

Is an 8-in drill press big enough or do I need to go with the 10-in or bigger drill press to make this work?

[@KennyGrinols]

I can't say for sure without seeing the drill. I can tell you the top plate is 12" x 12". Usually an 8" drill, is 8" from center to the column, which is a 16" swing, and should be enough. But I can't make any guarantees.

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

@@KennyGrinols I haven't bought a yes yet but don't have disagree for a huge one. So i plan to get the smallest usable size

[@KennyGrinols]

@@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS the biggest question is the depth needed to drill holes. If you're just drilling fingers, for a no thumb bowler, then there are plenty of cheap options, even a Harbor Freight model that can do what you need. But if you want to go 3.5"+ into the ball, for thumbs, and interchangeables, then things get a lot more expensive, because you need 4.5" or more of 'quill travel'.

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

@@KennyGrinols I've heard a lot of videos and you should drill three and a half or 4 inches into the fingers if you're doing finger only?

[@KennyGrinols]

@@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS that's up to you. I only drill my fingers the exact depth of my finger grips. Mine is digital so I set the zero on the ball surface and then drill 2⅛ down. Drilling deeper can alter core dynamics if you desire to do so, but I don't like hitting the core anymore than I have to. The Storm 2LS video shows exactly how finger depth alters post drilling numbers, to me, it didn't seem worth it on paper, and even in practice the effects were minimal. If you want stronger dynamics, you don't have to drill deep, just use longer pin to CoG, but that's just my opinion.

[@th-wt5pn]

Yes its belt driven i just set it to 290 im about to punch some holes and see what happens

[@WillJensen-w4j]

Where would u buy the drill bits at

[@KennyGrinols]

Depends on the purpose (pilot vs precision) but many of the major bowling sites sell bits. I use InnovativeBowling.com, but I'm pretty sure BowlersMart has them, maybe bowlerX?

[@cameronlaplant5541]

What drill press do you use?

[@KennyGrinols]

@@cameronlaplant5541 I use a Viking Nova.

[@cameronlaplant5541]

@ floor model or bench top?

[@KennyGrinols]

@@cameronlaplant5541 I did the floor model, because I didn't know if the benchtop could fit everything. The benchtop would probably be more stable in retrospect.

[@cameronlaplant5541]

@ will the benchtop fit everything?

[@KennyGrinols]

@cameronlaplant5541 I don't know. I can get you a measurement and I'd have to pull up the specs of the press. It was hard to calculate when I was buying because I wasn't positive how far the drill bit would hang and all that. If you're spending that much on a press though, while the direct drive motor and digitals have all been great, and suit my needs, (wood working) if your drill is dedicated for drilling off center holes into a sphere (bowling balls) you may be better off with a JET press. That's what all of the high end systems use, like innovative etc. Just for your consideration.

[@10InThePit]

Cool concept but I’d like to see it made of a different material. I understand it’s probably made for price point and functionality but I’m worried about durability.

[@lorenzoaquiningocii80]

How can I order one set?

[@josephbryant455]

Where did you get the arrows from that are on the xy table?

[@KennyGrinols]

They come included in the kit.

[@dramces07]

hello how do I go about order one of this from you?'

[@KennyGrinols]

Hello Dave, you can contact me through Facebook, Kenny Grinols, or email [e-mail].

[@joshuakazfields4374]

Cool kit. But still don’t know how to drill a ball haha.