How to Layout and Drill a Bowling Ball - Pro Shop

Today we walkthrough the entire process of laying out and drilling a bowling ball.
We will talk about how to bevel the holes and install finger grips in a future video.

[@JAW_73]

Pretty great video on drilling.. Might not be of interest to everyone, but I know I would like to see a fitting from start to finish, with explanation of the lateral and linear pitches that are chosen for the fingers and thumb.

[@TheFrelon06]

This is the best layout teaching video I have seen online! Thank you so much!

[@rickseneris]

You're a genius, man...Your knowledge, along with precision machine, could justify the fee you charge any bowler who appreciates accuracy.

[@codybuehrer4018]

I know very little about bowling but the amount of accuracy that goes into making a bowling ball for somebody is incredible

[@nicknichols1725]

Good video but HOW did you get those numbers for the ball? 60 x 4 3/4 x 30? I would like to see a video actually from start to finish. New guy walking in off the street type of video.

[@jvmiller1995]

It looks like the very fist line at 1:39 was off centered through the pin as much as a 1/16th. I doubt it matters a lot but you was worried about a fat pencil line throwing you off is the only reason I commented. I could be a camera angle too. But the ex machinist in me makes me a perfectionist some times. Not trying to be a smart ass or act like I know more because I am clearly new to this. I always pay someone to drill mine but it is nice to know and understand the layouts as they can totally change the way a ball rolls. I am just getting back into it this sport after a 15 year break but I am far more serious than ever before. Now with all the great you tube videos and advise from a few of you guys my average is really climbing. Thank you for the upload.

[@AV8R_1]

He had many more inaccuracies in his markings and measurements. Watch every measurement very closely and you'll see what I'm talking about.

[@K1DTC]

Didn’t realize how involved it was. Great educational video. Thanks for sharing

[@TraumaER]

One of the best drilling videos ever! 💯

[@willisyounger5083]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching and learning the mechanics of it all. Thank you for sharing. Now to test my ball driller person to see how much of this they really know. 🤔

[@byronfranek2706]

It would be interesting to see how you calculated the 60 x 4 3/4 x 30 layout from his release metrics.

[@XenoGuru]

They either used the PAP or the customer specifically asked for that layout.

[@dartagnanv8der613]

Excellent demo Ron! I’m still learning more about layouts, especially pitches. The tools to drill the balls to precise measurements is very impressive!

[@davidchamberlain5146]

Great video. Never would of thought a razor blade would have been used.

[@TheCkindley]

theres several videos on how to layout a bowling ball, but none of them explain the WHY. why is it you chose that layout? if i tell you what i want the ball to do, how is it you know that a particular layout will make the ball react like that? will a 60x4.75x30 have the same reaction on every ball or is it particular to this core? what determines the numbers in the layout? is there a different layout that would yield the same results? yes im aware experience has something to do with it but i havent ever seen someone explain where those number come from

[@travishanson166]

Excellent video.

[@toddpfeifer4154]

Thank you for making this video

[@Rocky-sy9zt]

Seriously, and I’m not trying to be rude to anyone, especially the pro shops I visit, but could you PLEASE get out and teach people?! The last 2 times I’ve had balls drilled, I had to stop them and ask “don’t you want to know more than my finger size?” The pro shop world needs you Ronald. Please teach some California pro shops that there’s more to just putting holes in.

[@sirvenomik]

great video here would like to see it again but with louder sounds. thank you for the video

[@Indeepthoughtmusic]

Ron, Could you show your drill sheet next time? I would love to see how you determined where to mark the thumb out in regards to the full span/ cut to cut.

[@AV8R_1]

So a sharp pencil is a critical metric to accuracy, but then you mark the line from the pin to the mass bias off-center on both points, you mark your 60° point between 61 and 62°, 4 1/4 measurement marking is good but then your 30° measurement you mark at 31°. You make the 2 inch mark for the thumb hole at 2 and 1/16". Then you state that his ring finger is at 4" which appears to be marked accurately, and then say his ring finger is 4 1/16" which you then mark at 3 and 15/16" an eighth inch too short. If he is right handed, I sure hope his middle finger is shorter than his ring finger.

[@RenigadeWarrior1]

He was all over the place!

[@jasoneman8318]

Every time I get something new I like to learn more about!! I just got a knew bowling ball and need to get it fitted thanks for showing me how don't worry the local alley is doing it not me that's to much math but thanks!! How long does it take and how much do you charge??

[@laurencebooth9280]

Ronald, Thanks for another great and informative video: Would it be possible for you to do a video on layouts for no thumb bowlers? The only info on youtube about this comes from Mo, and I would be interested to see if you have the same thoughts and perspectives Thanks again

[@billycrowden34]

I second this as a two handed no thumber also great videos Ronald

[@PanamaSticks]

Wow!

[@timeless2227]

Hey Ron could you make a vid on how to lay out a 2 hander no thumb bowler?

[@adrianbook7786]

You said his ring finger was 4 inches and you drew that line to the middle finger and the 4 1/16 towards the ring finger when it was supposed to go towards the middle

[@rickymastne5281]

I was wondering what's an average layout for pin up or pin down, I'm a 190 average bowler. just getting back to bowling again after replacing total knee n hip replacement. I know I need to experiments. appreciated if u could rely soon. rick

[@jonathanthomas8574]

thank you

[@TheBargainBinHobo]

If someone wanted to get a bowling ball they got second hand, fill in the original holes and drill new ones, how would that work?

[@XRicoTheOGx]

Can you drill on the pin dot? My ball was drilled on pin dot and it doesn't hook strong

[@jimcurrie]

My layout is 5_3/4 by 4_1/2 by 2 3_3/4 for my roto grip gem

[@johnc.4871]

Fun to watch, but not sure how precise it is to move the ball after moving the bed so precisely, but then again that chalk or grease pencil is about as accurate as welders soap stone. Also, you sure do get your hands close to the drill bit. I have seen bad accidents happen from that.

[@markwilliamburright8160]

do you have this same video for vector layout sys instead of dual angle

[@HUFF-N-PUFF-2024]

If I were to bring my old ball to the person drilling and tell them this fit is perfect would they be able to drill a new one off of that?

[@scottkeenan3214]

Do you think pin down balls for earlier and pin up balls pin up balls go longer

[@mudismail]

👍

[@jimmypinaula4087]

Can you provide a video on how to drill oval fingers. MF = 45/64. RF = 43/64

[@rayvillaflores982]

I am from the old school and getting back to bowling. I use to bowl in the 70s to mid 80s. I am almost 70 years. I am getting back to bowling due to my grandson. I bowl using the handshake release. I got 2 new balls, the rhino and black widow 2.0 hybrid. Yesterday was the first time I throw the blk widow. The rhino got it in November. I mentioned to the pro shop that I throw the ball the old fashion way. I am not getting the ball roll pattern that I wanted. Is there a specific hole pattern for my style of throwing the ball. I tried to change my technique but my old body does not work with my brain. I see the oil pattern and can figure out the PAP based on your video. Do I need to ask the pro shop to redrill my balls. Th blk widow does not give me the curve that I expect to see. It is almost a straight shot. The hole pattern for both balls are the same too.

[@tinayates9032]

I didn't see you allow for the thickness of the inserts. Doesn't this lengthen the span?

[@tlalexander3]

Can you explain about static weight? Does topweight or certain cores effect the layout you can put on a ball? What do you do to combat having too much static weight? Do you vary the depth of the finger and thumbholes?

[@XenoGuru]

Static weight no longer matters really. That's the reason why the CG placement no longer matters. 3oz of allowed static weight let's you do just about anything

[@terrywerner8600]

Can you show how you measure the hand before you drill?

[@AimSmall101]

Drilling thumb: The line drawn from the center of the thumb to the center of the bridge do you just line that up to the center column of the drill press by eye balling it?

[@livi2197]

I think thats what many of us are thinking, lol. Wasnt he supposed to drill where the vertical and horizontal lines crossed each other?? Instead of where he drew 3 random circles.

[@kwmanewilson4452]

That layout is the same as my Hammer Redemption Solid

[@jeremysmallwood8631]

Id love to do classes on this. Be able to line my own ball up

[@carlelleard8306]

Is this drilled for a lefty? The ring finger is drilled 1/8th longer than the middle finger, almost never the case. That is if this is for a righty.

[@jrooney58]

How does the new USBC rules which eliminate balance holes affect how you lay out the ball?

[@jvmiller1995]

remember they upped the side weight a ball can have too when they did away with them so it gives them more forgiveness.. I have wondered though since they done that if you can not do a balance hole and you wanted to fine tune a ball already drilled can you drill a balance hole on the opposite side and ad some weight like lead and plug it over the top so no holes are in it.. I mean if you do not go over legal weight over all or legal side weight would that matter. No rules against a ball with a plug. I bet money a few people have done this legal or not. I don't see how they could tell as long as a ball makes weight.

[@noweanji]

Hello Ronald, i follow you with interest. can you also make a video about offset drilling?

[@Ctdbowling]

Sure that's possible

[@noweanji]

@@Ctdbowling thank you now i will bw waiting with curiosity. i would espacially it if you explain the subjectof ofset in detail.

[@jrooney58]

I’d also like to see that. Great job with this video too.

[@vandygames3376]

How does a brand new bowler get all these specs

[@brianmchattie157]

When you measure/mark for the finger holes, why do you measure to the edge of the holes instead of center to center? It seems like you are "guessing" a bit more with the edge of hole method instead of center of drill bit.....

[@levihayes5365]

I have a question I have a drill that doesn’t have the digital which i know will be harder but I did order the tools need to help make sure I have correct pitch but wondering for 99% of people will having the pitch off a slight bit cause a problem?

[@Ctdbowling]

We would have to recommend making sure the pitch is as accurate as possible. Different styles can feel small pitch changes.

[@sethwallin5953]

Bro when you drilled the thumb hole look at the space between your bit and the hole shortly after starting, you walked the bit over a ton.. should of done a smaller pilot hole

[@ski2230]

If center of gravity marking on bowling balls no longer important, then why does the manufacturer leave an indicator mark on the ball?

[@Ctdbowling]

It's a USBC requirement

[@ThreeTwoVictor]

Is it just me, or did you mix up the spans on the ring and middle fingers?

[@Ctdbowling]

Why do you think they would be mixed up? The ring finger is longer than the middle finger like it is in most cases.

[@ThreeTwoVictor]

He must be a lefty 4:16

[@ThreeTwoVictor]

I'm not hating. I just assumed right hander.

[@Ctdbowling]

@@ThreeTwoVictor Actually you are correct. What I said, and what I'm doing are two different things. I mark the middle at 4 and say the ring finger. So it's actually done right, but is said incorrectly around 4:20. Good looking out.

[@buckrogers300]

How did you confirm the vertical axis line? seems like that line could alter due to the angle your holding the measuring device.

[@Ctdbowling]

We line up the pro sect parallel to find the angle. Then make sure it intersects the pin distance line so that it should not vary.

[@gabriel11earl]

is there any online classes

[@Ctdbowling]

ctdbowling.com/pages/ctd-education-center-reservations

[@jmossner8414]

content is excellent but audio not so much... Get a mic Ronald.

[@hersheyskwertz9315]

You all scare the crap out of me with how close you put your hand to the drill bit. 😬 got to be a better way to implement the vacuum without having your hand so close