Homemade Billiard Ball Washers

3/17/2009 5:14:59 PM

Homemade Billiard Ball Washers

I know that the billiard ball washers are quite expensive ($300-$600 range), so does anybody have plans for homemade ones?

I did a search quite a while back, and came up with no plans, but a bunch of pictures. I made myself a good washer from those pictures.

My washer does a good job, but it takes about 3 steps to complete since mine is not motorized (although I realize that it could be made into one after typing these words).

Just curious to see if there could be possibly a better solution than what I now have (which cost me around $5).

JWAmpK

Homemade Billiard Ball Washers

Replies & Comments

whammo on 1/15/2010 3:55:00 PM
I looked for a ball cleaner/polisher online and found one for $600.

So I went to Walmart and found a small electric 6 or 7 inch buffer. It was in the automotive dept and cost $19.95. I also bought a bottle of Plastic X, plastic polish that is used to polish car clear plastic headlights. Then I went to the kitchen dept and bought a $2 plastic salad bowl that was about 10 to 12 inches wide.

Wrap the bowl in a large towel and push it down into the bowl. Drop in 4 or 5 balls. Put about 2 drops of the plastic polish on each ball. Turn on the buffer and slowly set it on the balls. It takes a little time to get the knack of it. I move the buffer and adjust downward pressure on the balls until they begin to rotate around the bowel. Let them spin fast. Keep it up for about 2 minutes or until the polish dries out and the balls shine. Wipe each one with a micro fiber cloth, ($1 from the dollar store) before putting them back on the pool table.

This works great... I clean the balls about every 2 to 3 weeks. If the balls are really scuffed or dirty, it might take a few times until they really shine well. Real bad spots may require holding a ball in your hand while you clean it up with the buffer. This doesn't seem to take any material off the balls.

DO NOT USE RUBBING COMPOUND... IT'S MUCH TOO ABRASIVE...

try it.... you'll like it

if you need it I can send pics

Kim

Fats on 2/18/2010 12:30:36 AM
On YouTube there are videos on how to make one. I saw one made from a car polisher, a plastic 5 gal bucket and part of a rug. Total was a little over $30.

Homemade Billiard Ball Washers

Title: Homemade Billiard Ball Washers
Author: JWAmpK (John Camp)
Published: 3/17/2009 5:14:59 PM