Expert: Chip Aki - 5/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: I am just starting out to drill bowling balls. Right now just experimenting.I have a 2 point basic jig and would like to know for the thumb pitch which way to crank the table for forward and reverse pitches,towards or away  ball driller and also for fingers left/right/forward or reverse. I see they have chart for thumb pitches depending on your span but I don't see any for what you should do for fingers. I was reading that finger pitches that do not add up to 3/4 of an inch will also void manufacturer's warranty. Is  3/4 of an inch for both fingers or 1 finger hole. Thanks for you time and I am sure I will be asking more questions!   Thanks again,Dan

ANSWER: Forward on the thumb and reverse on the fingers would move the ball towards the driller.  Revers on the thumb and forward on the fingers would move the ball away from the driller.  Left lateral pitch will move the ball towards the right.  Right lateral pitch will move the ball towards the left.

3/4 would be the combined lateral pitches of the figner holes.

What chart are you looking at on pitches?  Most have both the finger and the thumb pitches on them.

Good luck,
Chip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Chip,
I was doing all the pitches right! I just wanted to make sure. This is the chart I am using for thumb pitches.          http://www.jayhawkbowling.com/Pro_s_Corner/Pro_Shop_Forms/thumbangle.pdf
Do you know if there is any suggested pitches for fingers?
If not what kind of finger pitch do you recommend for a span of 4 3/8 middle finger and 4 1/2 ring finger.
Is it correct to unclamp the ball after drilling each finger hole.Once again I am using a 2 point ball jig. Thanks again!!!! Dan  

Answer
The suggested pitch would be from 1/8 forward to zero.  If you use inserts, you could go with less than that or even a little reverse.
The modern game has gone to less revere on the thumb and more reverse in the fingers to keep from overhitting the ball.  
I would start at zero and go from there.

Chip