Slicing a billiard ball in half

[jttheclockman]

Has anyone come up with a safe method of slicing a billiard ball in half. I am looking to get 2 clean halfs out of one ball with the number centered. Is there a method that is used for this. I see clocks with this type set up and was wanting to do something like this.

Thanks in advance and I am hoping someone will share.

 

[Kimmo H.]

A bandsaw would be my choice, preferably one that has a jaw to hold the workpiece so you dont cut off your fingers

 

[AtLarge]

Here's a thread from 2013 on slicing a pool ball: http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=342892

 

[zemoglis]

This is what I came up with.

Use electrical tape to hold the ball in place in the fitting and center it up on the blade.
It stays in place, keeps it centered and the side slides along against the saws fence.
Works like a champ, cheap & easy fix.
You will want to go slow to avoid any chipping.
If so, they will be very small and just put them on a sander..
Also, if you use a tile saw, it will make a funky foam and it's kinda messy.

I make handles with them for Pool Ball Polishers I sell.
Something like this.....

 

[fastone371]

A bandsaw would be my choice, preferably one that has a jaw to hold the workpiece so you dont cut off your fingers

One problem trying to grab a ball with a band saw vice or jaw would be it must squeeze the work piece (the ball in this case) perpendicular to the band saw blade. The jaw would squeeze the ball which would then in turn pinch the blade as you were making the cut. The tool made from PVC looks like a good idea. I would cut it by hand on my small band saw which has a .043" thick blade but it might not be perfectly centered.

 

[sbpoolleague]

Buy them here on ETSY for $9 each

 

[jttheclockman]

This is what I came up with.

Use electrical tape to hold the ball in place in the fitting and center it up on the blade.
It stays in place, keeps it centered and the side slides along against the saws fence.
Works like a champ, cheap & easy fix.
You will want to go slow to avoid any chipping.
If so, they will be very small and just put them on a sander..
Also, if you use a tile saw, it will make a funky foam and it's kinda messy.

I make handles with them for Pool Ball Polishers I sell.
Something like this.....

This looks interesting. Could you explain it a tad bit more??? Are you using a tablesaw for this or a bandsaw?? What type blade??? How are you centering the ball so that the numbers are dead center. Do you have any more photos???

Thanks. I will also read that link that was provided and appreciate any more ideas.

 

[LWD]

Zemoglis, So do you have my ball polishers for sale?

 

[jttheclockman]

I just read that link from 2013 and there was a guy that was extremely knowledgeable and went by DZ Cues. Is he still here??? He mentions that the white circled numbers are not dead center opposite from each other. Does any one know if that is true??? If I cut the ball dead center I may not wind up with the numbers top dead center on each half???

He also mentioned using a lathe and a parting tool and also mentioned a bandsaw. But I did not see any jigs for holding the ball either method. Does anyone have a photo of what he did?? I do realize that is over 3 years old that link so not sure if he is still here or reads this.

Thanks again for all the help. I am starting to get a better understanding.

 

[cueman]

I got a thick cardboard tube just a little smaller than the ball. I put two sided tape on the face of the tube then I pressed the ball up against the bandsaw fence with the tube and cut it in half.

 

[zemoglis]

This looks interesting. Could you explain it a tad bit more??? Are you using a tablesaw for this or a bandsaw?? What type blade??? How are you centering the ball so that the numbers are dead center. Do you have any more photos???

Thanks. I will also read that link that was provided and appreciate any more ideas.

I have used a standard table saw.
However I think the tile saw works best and no special blade is needed.
As for centering them up, it is more of eyeballing it. I get them almost perfect and then hit them on the sander for a few seconds.
It may seem more than it is.........

As you can see in the pic above, I also cut the 1-1/4 inch balls (about 1/4 inch off) for the on/off switch and in half for a center decoration.

Good luck, it's easier than you think.!!!

Zemoglis, So do you have my ball polishers for sale?

Do what???

 

[AtLarge]

I just read that link from 2013 and there was a guy that was extremely knowledgeable and went by DZ Cues. Is he still here??? He mentions that the white circled numbers are not dead center opposite from each other. Does any one know if that is true??? If I cut the ball dead center I may not wind up with the numbers top dead center on each half???

He also mentioned using a lathe and a parting tool and also mentioned a bandsaw. But I did not see any jigs for holding the ball either method. Does anyone have a photo of what he did?? I do realize that is over 3 years old that link so not sure if he is still here or reads this.

Thanks again for all the help. I am starting to get a better understanding.

Bob Dzuricky
http://www.dzcues.com

contact information: http://www.dzcues.com/contact_me.html

 

[Cuebuddy]

I have cut them in half many ways and most the time it is a little scary. Using a three jaw chuck and a hacksaw with a good blade is by far the best way for me. I can chuck a ball up just short of equator and then part it 50/50, or take off wafers of different thicknesses.


I have found gas pockets, impurities and other flaws inside balls before.

I have used them for display stands for mini cues.