Chipper

A while back, I read on one of the wood forums, don't remember which one. That one could use golf balls to make the type handles for C-clamps used on the Router workshop. Has anyone tried this, is it safe to drill into a golf ball? I don't play golf so I have no idea what is inside one, are they solid or liquid?
I have the golf balls, clamps and epoxy, so I was thinking of trying it?
Thanks
Chipper

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Glenmore

Don't do it I've heard that there is gases in them. I could be wrong but I wouldn't do it.

Mike

Chipper, having seen lots of golf balls chewed to pieces by dogs I doubt you would have any problem drilling one. Are you sure it is worth the trouble? I think you will find the ball diameter is too small to give you a good grip. Perhaps the same idea with a baseball? Try out the fit in your hand. Just thinking out loud.

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Mike

kp91

I have drilled into several types of golf balls, all with no problem. Most are solid core now. They fit perfectly into the center of my drill press table, and a hand clamp lets you keep a good hold on them.

I have drilled them to mount them to lamps, and have used them as wheels on my magnetic floor sweep.

As for use on clamp handles, I have heard that pieces of broom handle are effective as well.

hope this helps,

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Doug
1 John 1:9

Chipper

Thanks,
I know golf balls had liquid cores at one time, thats why I asked the question. For me the size would be about right, I tend to over tighten things anyway. I'll try one this weekend and let you know how it goes!

JCouch

I used to play golf, but calling what I played 'golf' is really using the term loosely. Cheap golf balls are usually made with just a soft rubber center with some winding around them, then the cover. Nothing dangerous inside. I've actually seen the cheap balls split in two pieces, so I've seen their insides.

Peg Leg

I've drilled quite a few of them and driven 5/16" rod thru them. When camping I can drive them into the ground and put my tiki torches on them. I also drive rods into the ground and place alum poles over the rods then the golfball rod goes into the top and a tarp groumet can slip over the top and the ball protects the tarp. I then place a bungee/ball loop on it to keep the wind from blowing the tarp back off.

Many a person has asked how I get those poles to stand there with out guy wires. Then I go into everthing from from sky hooks to an old indian medicine mans chant.

bmb in ab

If you are drilling a golf ball, make sure it is a solid core ball. Drilling into a 'wound' core ball would be very difficult, and would not be usefull for a clamp handle. However, you should be able to drill a very clean hole into a solid core ball.
I would suggest wearing a full face shield if you don't know what type of ball you have.

bobj3

Hi Chipper

I'm sure you have this done by now but if not..

I have don't this and they do work great for knobs...

Get a 2 x 4 x 8" long stock (oak if you have some) ,get your hole saw out and cut a hole for the golf ball,now take the 2 x 4 to the band saw and split the 2 x 4 down the center (not all the way) about a 1/4" from the end.
Now put it in the drill press vise and drill down 1/2 way into the ball.
Now take the clamp and remove the pin (grind the end down) ,drill the right size hole in the ball.(just a bit over size,just under 1/2" for my 3" clamps)
Now remove the ball and use some J B Weld,fill the hole (1/2 of the way to the top of the ball) now tap the clamp in and let it set over night...I have also used pool balls that work great also.(for big hands) (number 8 looks great) ask the guy at the pool hall they have used one most of the time.

Bj

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Hamlin

It's rare that you'll find a golf ball that have gasses or liquid in them.
There are many ways to go about drilling into them. Bob has given you an excellent way. Rather drilling solid or wound core golf balls, just take your time and definetly wear a face shield.
Bobj, have you ever seen the "8" ball as a gear shifter?

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Ken

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