Ballstar Polisher

[Mark Griffin]

My understanding is the double platter Diamond is a two stage machine - the first stage for cleaning and the 2nd stage for polishing - since each platter holds 8 balls it doesn't do the whole set at once, though you can run the last 8 b alls in the first platter while the first 8 are running in the 2nd. I guess the idea is you don't use any agent in the second wheel so the carpet stays relatively clean.

Here's an explanation by RKC:

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpo...2&postcount=13
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Everyone I know uses both platters for cleaning and shining the balls. So it really does all 16 at one time.

The trick is to not load up on the polish/wax - or whatever you are using. Wax is not good because it has a tendency to pick up debris from the table (or ball returns etc) and that dirt clings to the ball.

Use a ball polish or similar and run for 1-2 minutes and you are done. This Diamond also 'tumbles' the balls so it does not track the ball, it turns the ball and it is poished everywhere.

They are the best - and although a little bulky, they are built like a tank. I think they cost around $650 or so. A much better deal than the Ballstar (or anything else) to me.

At our nationals, we clean 250-300 sets of balls every other night or so. There is no way any other cleaner will hold up.

Mark Griffin

 

[xianmacx]

I sold my ballstar for a single platter Diamond Cleaner. The ballstar works "fine" but can't compare in quality to the Diamond.

 

[illusivetrout]

My Ballstar does a beautiful job.I can't ask for more.If you;re a three cushion player be sure to order it with the six slot impeller rather than the eight slot.

 

[elvicash]

I re-read your original post so I nopw I see you are considering offering your ball polishing service to bars to pay for Ball Star. If you do that I think you need to quote the cleaning and then also offer to do the tables brush/vacuum and maintain there tips, then you are giving them a full service and they will attract max numbers of customers. I doubt they will take you up on just the ball polishing at 5 bucks per set of balls.

 

[realkingcobra]

My understanding is the double platter Diamond is a two stage machine - the first stage for cleaning and the 2nd stage for polishing - since each platter holds 8 balls it doesn't do the whole set at once, though you can run the last 8 b alls in the first platter while the first 8 are running in the 2nd. I guess the idea is you don't use any agent in the second wheel so the carpet stays relatively clean.

Here's an explanation by RKC:

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpo...2&postcount=13
-----------------------------------------------------------------


Everyone I know uses both platters for cleaning and shining the balls. So it really does all 16 at one time.

The trick is to not load up on the polish/wax - or whatever you are using. Wax is not good because it has a tendency to pick up debris from the table (or ball returns etc) and that dirt clings to the ball.

Use a ball polish or similar and run for 1-2 minutes and you are done. This Diamond also 'tumbles' the balls so it does not track the ball, it turns the ball and it is poished everywhere.

They are the best - and although a little bulky, they are built like a tank. I think they cost around $650 or so. A much better deal than the Ballstar (or anything else) to me.

At our nationals, we clean 250-300 sets of balls every other night or so. There is no way any other cleaner will hold up.

Mark Griffin

One of these days Mark, I'm going to build you a 6 platter ball polisher so you can polish 3 complete sets of balls at the same time I'll build it on a 4 wheeled wagon so it's simple to pull around:grin:

 

[JoeW]

A friend had lost his job and was looking for a way to make a living. He made his own ball polisher and was going to start a route consisting of taverns with APA league players. He decided to clean tables, balls, and repair cue sticks on a weekly basis. This is a good idea that could be used by someone looking to make a few bucks.

As I remember he was also going to create a handbook of taverns and other places to play in the area and then sell advertising to the bars. This too can make a few bucks.

 

[JoeW]

From what I have seen and attempted over the years I have come to the following conclusions.

1. The cleaner needs to have some sort of slanted rigid walls that divide the balls and make them rotate off center. This cleans and polishes all sides of the ball.

2. The platen or what ever comes in contact with the balls needs to be easily interchangeable with a new cleaning pad, cloth or polishing rag. The cloth tends to become clogged over a few cleanings.

3. Use of a hand crank allows for cleaning all 16 balls at one time though it does require some work when used on multiple tables. If a motor is used it needs to be substantial. I would use an old motor from a furnace or some thing similar.

4. In my first attempts I made a polisher that could be placed on the table. I now think that a floor model with wheels that could be stored under the table is probably better.

5. These machines are not all that complicated and one can be built for under a $100.00 (plus old motor). A bar stool swivel under the platen is more than sufficient for a reliable machine.

6. While different waxes have been proposed and are useful, Aramith’s ball cleaner is best for deep cleaning (and waxing) pool balls.

 

[ArizonaPete]

Would anyone pay $5.00 a set to get ball polished by this machine? If I am a bar owner I would. I may buy a machine and try to promote this as way to help pay for it.
Let me know what you guys think! My feelings will not be hurt.:thumbup:

If I were considering doing this, I would compile a list of pool rooms and bars in the area. I would then canvass them and see if any would be interested in paying $5 for cleaning a set of balls. I doubt it but I've been wrong on so many occasions.
As to a Ball Star vs. a home-made bucket cleaner - there's no comparison. After I bought a new set of Super Aramith Pro balls, I built a really nice bucket unit with a carpeted divider (like on youtube) and used it for about 6 or so months. I was lucky and ran across a used Ball Star on Craigslist which I purchased. What a difference. The Ball Star does a magnificent job in just 2 minutes (for 8 balls). I use only Aramith ball cleaner - my logic being if they make the balls then they must have the know-how to make a good product to clean them. I usually just spray the balls with a little water and run the Ball Star. Only about every 5th or 6th cleaning do I use the Aramith cleaner.
Good luck in your venture - hope you make some money.

 

[lfigueroa]

If I were considering doing this, I would compile a list of pool rooms and bars in the area. I would then canvass them and see if any would be interested in paying $5 for cleaning a set of balls. I doubt it but I've been wrong on so many occasions.

I don't know why but I got this sepia-toned image of a guy pushing a cart down the street calling out, "Bring out your balls! "Bring out your balls!"

Lou Figueroa
for polishing
of course

 

[Hungarian]

One of these days Mark, I'm going to build you a 6 platter ball polisher so you can polish 3 complete sets of balls at the same time I'll build it on a 4 wheeled wagon so it's simple to pull around:grin:

I've designed a 7 platter ball polisher. It's on a dual axle trailer with a total of 5 wheels. It's self propelled.

 

[ArizonaPete]

I don't know why but I got this sepia-toned image of a guy pushing a cart down the street calling out, "Bring out your balls! "Bring out your balls!"

Lou Figueroa
for polishing
of course

Funny that you should mention a push cart. I was raised in the lower East Side of New York City on 8th Street between Avenues B & C. Mostly a Russian/Jewish area. There were a bunch of push carts on Avenue C selling vegetables and other sundry items from 6th Street thru 10th Street. We also had an ice man selling ice from a horse-drawn wagon. As I recall, a couple of times a month a man would sharpen kitchen knives with a large sharpening wheel. This was circa 1939/1940.
I learned to shoot pool at the Boy's Club on Avenue A and 10th Street. When I was 16, I could go into Evon's Pool Room on 7th Street near Avenue A. Evon had a bunch of 7 foot tables that the old men would play on for 5 cents/game of 8 ball. In the back room he had two 9 foot tables that us younger guys would play for a quarter/hour.
But what does all this have to do with a Ball Polisher?