Bake vs Bath?

**MICHAEL** · 01-30-2014, 09:35 AM

I wonder witch method is better in regards to de-oiling a ball.

1. Does one do a better job, then the other?

2. As far a ball longevity does bake, or bath do any damage to the composition of the balls materials, like change the molecular structure of the elements that go into the make up of the ball?

If I knew for sure that they were about the same, then I will just stick with the more labor intensive hot bath!

Some say not to get the hot water in the finger holes, that it will soak into the ball core? They say to use duct tape to keep the water out. Is this true, that the water needs to be kept out of the balls holes?

OPPS,,, I just did my Lucid the other day, after taking it down to 360, let it soak in hot water with Dawn Soap, but did not put tape over the thumb/finger holes!

**tccstudent** · 01-30-2014, 09:44 AM

I currently have a ball being baked. It has been baking for over a week and oil is still coming out. So while a hot bath may get the oil out I think it is gonna take way too long to just sit there and bath it over and over in order to get the same result as taking it to the proshop and baking it properly.

**Ptnomore** · 01-30-2014, 10:13 AM

I've done the at home bath, even did it while away at a tourney in the hotel room...desperation crept in on that one. But Since building my own oven, it's much easier, faster and effective baking it. With 4 members of my household now bowling, I had to do something. baking them at the proshop was getting expensive. I never tried the dish washer method, but even my pro-shop operator has recommended that as a good method.

**MICHAEL** · 01-30-2014, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by Ptnomore

I've done the at home bath, even did it while away at a tourney in the hotel room...desperation crept in on that one. But Since building my own oven, it's much easier, faster and effective baking it. With 4 members of my household now bowling, I had to do something. baking them at the proshop was getting expensive. I never tried the dish washer method, but even my pro-shop operator has recommended that as a good method.

When you use the dishwashing method, do you use the (dishwashing soap?) I would think its pretty harsh, and might do damage to the balls compounds???

I know you want the heat off, or better put no drying cycle. Soap would be my question using the dishwasher?

**sprocket** · 01-30-2014, 12:06 PM

Bath. I've yet to be convinced that heating a ball up in an oven is a good idea. I believe it removes the oil but I wonder if it alters the chemical composition of the cover over time. What if frequent de-oiling by heating in an oven is actually one of the causes of premature ball death? I never have that concern with good old soap and water.

**MICHAEL** · 01-30-2014, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by tccstudent

I currently have a ball being baked. It has been baking for over a week and oil is still coming out. So while a hot bath may get the oil out I think it is gonna take way too long to just sit there and bath it over and over in order to get the same result as taking it to the proshop and baking it properly.

I may build one using the food dehydrator, that will hold two balls! I am just looking at all the options. BAKING A WEEK!!! Still coming out!! HOLY Oil BATMAN!!! What is the name of that ball "THE SPONGE"!! LOL

**MICHAEL** · 01-30-2014, 12:11 PM

I did use my convectin Oven for a Storm Ball, on the low setting,,, hummmm ,, hum!!! Nothing like the smell of a Storm scented ball baking in the oven,,,,, Apple crisp!

**Aslan** · 01-30-2014, 01:11 PM

Ice-

I've done both and I even had it done by a pro as well. I have to say, the bath method seems to work best, is easiest, is the fastest, and is safest.

I can get the bathtub water pretty hot (scolding) and just set a ball in there for 20-25 minutes and the oil that comes off is amazing! When I put it in a food dehydrator...oil comes off...but a minor amount.

The only issue I have with bathing is I don't like to completely submerge the ball because I'm worried it'll mess up the finger inserts. So I set the ball on a pail/bowl and leave the finger holes above the water level. So that means the small area near the finger holes doesn't get de-oiled.

**MICHAEL** · 01-30-2014, 01:47 PM

I would think a guy that comes up with the material that composes the outer core of the bowling ball would give us his, or her thoughts on the BEST and SAFEST, way to extract oil!

Don't they ever come to the number ONE bowing site?

Strom,,,, what do your surface creators say!!! Brunswick, your thoughts!

We all know ways to do it, but are some better then others in regards to longevity of ball?