It's been a fun time in the lab with some exciting news.
🔥 The Chaos
Summer is winding down, sadly. It seems to be passing by far too quickly, but that just means we're getting closer to fall/winter league season soon!
I had a crazy idea this past week. I know it's a burning question in everyone's mind, can I laser etch my bowling ball? I know, I've pondered the same life-altering question myself. My inner mad scientist had to know so I did it. Turns out, it actually works! No obnoxious fumes and the fine details etched better than I could have ever hoped for. I filled in the etching with some colored plug epoxy, cut and sanded it down and the results speak for themselves:
⚙️ From the Bench
I've made even more changes to the RDTL IT thumb inserts. I've validated the inserts for Turbo's IT inserts and Turbo is now a selectable option in my configurator. In addition, I can now also offer a top and bottom taper to the bore (thank you Mark for the suggestion!). That nicely rounds out the construction of each custom insert (curved bore, perfect oval, relief, pitch contour, and a top/bottom taper).
The drill bit carousel is progressing nicely. I don't have a full set of bits (I'll save that explanation for the next episode) so it's a challenge to validate that the carousel and mounting arm can handle the weight of a full set so I got a little creative...
That's a 15lb scrap bowling ball sitting on the carousel and table mount prototype. I left it there for a week and no sagging, no cracks, no stress.
To finish up today's episode, I started work on a set of ball alignment tools. Thank you very much to those that submitted the suggestion!!! I designed and printed a set that work with JoPo and Turbo outers, and a 31/32" grip hole. I had the opportunity to try both the JoPo and Turbo tools when I had to drill out epoxied JoPo and Turbo outers in two balls and I could not be happier with the results. Drilled out both outers perfectly and required no further cleanup. A little more testing and I hope to add them to my catalog. I'll try to shoot a video of both in use as a demonstration. That'll be in my next episode.
Take a moment and breathe, breathe in the air.
Crafted with accuracy. Fueled by curiosity.
— Greg
Let breaking news...
One of my RDTL 5-bearing ball cups had an existential crisis. It couldn't decide if it wants to be a standard roller ball cup or a PAP marking tool...
