There are several reasons you might want to drill a hole in a pool ball. For example, you might want to use them for some kind of decoration or maybe you just want to see what they look like on the inside. No matter the reason, it can be a difficult process that needs to be done properly.
It is possible to drill a pool ball, but you will need to have something to sit the balls in, so they don’t roll away. You can make your own sphere jig for drilling, or you can buy one from your local hardware store. This will hold the ball in place, keeping you safe during the process.
Before you start, you will need to make sure you have the right size drill bit for what you are planning on doing. If you want the pool ball to sit on a gear shift, get a drill bit that is the same size so the ball will fit perfectly.
How Do You Drill a Pool Ball?
Drilling into a pool ball might seem like a very difficult process, but it is surprisingly easy. First, you need to make sure you have all of the right materials. You need something to hold your ball still while you drill, a drill bit in the size that you want, a hand drill or drill press, and a piece of scrap wood to place underneath.
First, you should clean the pool balls to get any potential residue off of them. Soap and warm water will do the trick. You are going to want to fill a bucket with water and add the soap. Mix it together then add the balls in. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. If necessary, scrub the balls. Wrap each ball individually in a towel to dry.
You will need to make sure the ball is completely dry before you try to drill into it. Place the ball in the object you have to keep it steady. This can be a wood clamp that you bought at the store or made yourself. As long as it is safe and sturdy, it will work.
The size of the drill bit will determine the size of the hole you are drilling. It is completely up to you what size you want based on your project needs. You are going to need a sharp drill bit so it can pierce through the hard material of the ball. The sharper you can find, the better. Make sure you are careful with a bit this sharp because it is easier to hurt yourself with it.
It is also recommended to use a drill bit that has been used just once before. Being used once will get rid of any potential burrs in the bit. If there are burrs, they can get caught on the material of the pool ball and ruin the hole and the drill bit completely.
Clamp the pool ball into the wood clamp you have to get ready to drill the hole. It is preferable to use a drill press, but you can use a hand drill if that is what you have. Make sure you have an extra steady hand as it can be easy to move the drill on accident.
Drill into the ball as far as you need to go. When you are finished, you will want to clean around the edges and the inside of the hole to get rid of any debris that might have been created in the drilling process.
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Can You Drill and Tap a Billiard Ball?
One of the most popular things that people do with pool balls is turn them into knobs for their gear shift. When you do this, the ball has to be snug, so it doesn’t come off randomly. Tapping the ball after you drill it is a great way to do this because it can screw right onto the gear shift.
First, you will need to find a drill bit that is the same size as the gear shift you want to put it on. A long, sharp drill bit is going to be best. A drill press is preferable for safety, but you can also use a hand drill if that’s all you have. You will need to make sure you have a steady hand the whole time to prevent any accidents. It is also necessary to have a wood clamp or another type of sphere jig for drilling.
Place a scrap piece of wood under your workspace to protect your table in case you drill all the way through the ball. Drill your hole like normal and clean any debris from inside. Next, you will need a thread insert. It should be just the slightest bit smaller than the hole you drilled. Make sure it is big enough that there aren’t any gaps, but small enough that you can add epoxy or super glue to the hole.
Epoxy is by far one of the best adhesives for this job because it has a very strong hold. You can also use super glue for this if you don’t have any epoxy. The best thread insert will be steel because steel will work best with the gear shift. You can also use a plastic thread insert for things like a coat rack or display.
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What Is the Material of a Pool Ball?
Pool balls are really dense and heavy, which is why it is commonly thought that they are hard to drill into. They are actually just made out of a combination of plastic and resin. Both of these materials, though dense and durable, are pretty easy to drill through when necessary. The hardest part is getting the balls to stay still while you are trying to drill.
You might be asking if the resin will crack when you start drilling into it, and the answer is no. There is the potential of it cracking under pressure, but it would need to be an extreme amount of pressure. As long as you drill with a steady hand and steady pressure, you won’t need to worry about cracking.
Final Thoughts
Pool balls are dense and really heavy, so it is common to wonder if they can be drilled into. Even though they are thick, pool balls are just made of a mixture of resin and plastic. Both of these materials are pretty easy to drill through if you do it properly.
You will want to make sure you have a clamp to keep the ball in place while you are drilling. You don’t want to use your hand because one little mishap can cause one huge injury. For the safety of you and your ball, you will need to make sure it is secure before you start.
The size of the drill bit is up to you, but you will need one that is very sharp. This will create a cleaner hole and pierce through the material easier. When the hole is complete, clean the inside and around the edge the best you can. If you are going to put a thread tap in the ball, you can do so with epoxy or super glue.