Removing cover from golf ball(s).

[jdbcarving]

I cut a basic shape of the ball in a 2 x 4 x 8" long, in the center, bandsawed a cut about 1/8" deep. after centering and clamping to my bandsaw, I rotate the ball by hand with the blade that "floats into the cut" and applies light pressure on the ball. Rotate twice a round and put aside. I do about 10 balls or so at a time. Clean out groove with my dremel, pop off one cover with two screw drivers, and carve away. I have done two dozen "found" balls a couple weeks ago, and they are my fill in carving when I don't feel like making a gnome or something. Need more, set up again and do 10 or 15 in couple hours.

Jim B

[TexasSteve]

That's a great idea Jim, and sounds safer than my method. Do you have a picture? I think I have it pictured in my mind, but would like to see your set up if possible.

Thanks
Steve

[Stan Curtis]

I made a depression in two boards that can be mounted on my mini lathe. Clamp the ball between them, then score with a hacksaw blade. The cover will pop off easily.

[scooter]

I clamp the ball in a vice and score a line around the circumference with a Dremel cut-off wheel. Then pop the cover off.

S~

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I draw a centerline with a felt tip marker, then use my coping saw..the thickness of the blade is just about right to go through the outside shell, then a screwdriver to gently pry the edges of the outside until the surface tension is broken and the cover comes right off....

[GinnytooU]

I use the card board center from a paper towel roll to draw a line around the ball. I use a dremeal are a hacksaw will work . I put the ball in a vise and cut loosen and roll it around and cut again till I have gone all around the ball. Use a small flat edge screw driver to pry off one side.
Dremel works best. Hope this helps. GinnytooU

[Des804]

I havent really carved golf balls that much lately but I have prepared a few that I will be using to carve. I use a Center Line Marker that you can get at Walmart for about 5 dollars to set a center line around with a Pencil.. I then Score around the line using an exacto Micro Saw. I then pop a section of it with a screwdriver or an exacto knife to pry in a small screwdriver (Actually I use the cork opening / screw driver thing from a mini Multitool) and then just move it around the piece if a score isnt deep enough I just touch it lightly with the exacto knife and it opens up easily. Takes about 5 minutes from start to finish to open up a golfball.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I never tried one, I will now! Thanks for all the excellent tips!

[grandpa rusty]

I put the golf ball in boiling water for two minutes. Wearing leather work gloves I remove the ball with a pair of tongs and score the ball all the way around using a utility knife. I slip a thin bladed screw driver into the cut and start working the blade around. Once I've got a good start I take a pair of needle nosed pliers, grab a hold and twist the cover off.