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What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug dams

Posted: March 26th, 2011, 6:45 pm
by KWagner1977
I've always used the pre-made foam dams, but somebody was telling me about using modeling clay. I tried a brand I got at wal-mart and the plug does not appear to be adhering/curing to the top of the holes, doesn't cut down right and just all around does not feel right.

I looked at the clay and it has wax in it to keep it from drying out. I'm guessing the heat of the plug is drawing out the wax in the clay into the plug and causing the plug to not cure correctly.


I'm thinking about buying those re-useable green plugging dams as well.

Re: What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug da

Posted: March 26th, 2011, 7:25 pm
by rmack
I haven't used clay in 20 years, so I have no help for you there...

The KGT dams were a pain when using faster curing epoxys, they would sometimes adhere to the material and tear... so still using foam dams FTW.

Re: What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug da

Posted: March 26th, 2011, 7:45 pm
by KWagner1977
I've always used foam, I like foam but like anyone else looking for ways to save a $ but still do the quality job that is expected of the customer.

Re: What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug da

Posted: March 26th, 2011, 8:59 pm
by JohnP
A few tips for using modeling clay:

1. Be sure the surface of the ball is super clean, a little oil will prevent the clay from adhering.

2. After you get your dam around the hole go around the bottom outside of the dam and press it firmly onto the ball surface to seal the dam. This will make a thin strip of clay at the bottom to create the seal.

3. Before cutting the plug down remove as much of the clay as possible and save it for the next dam.

4. Don't use clay unless you're dealing with a hole that is too large for use of the foam plugs. -- JohnP

Re: What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug da

Posted: March 26th, 2011, 11:16 pm
by StrikeTheory
You can use that foam weatherstripping on the thumb and weight holes, but they really don't stick up high enough to use them on 2 31/32 fingers. It usually comes 3 to a pack, and in 20 foot rolls. You can probably do 100 thumb holes with a single 4.99 roll.

The KGT plug dams leaked horribly for me, and even the large size doesn't cover both finger holes all the way if a previous driller used a 3/8 or larger bridge. Can't say I'd recommend them.

If you have to, raise your prices and spend the extra cash for the Pro's Choice dams. They are the best I have ever used!

They never leak, and cut down very easily. I bought these, and am about halfway out.

http://www.shop.innovativebowling.com/N ... -PC-PD.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The only problem I have found with them is that I will have depleted my supply of the larger sizes long before I use any of the smaller ones.

Re: What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug da

Posted: March 27th, 2011, 5:38 am
by kwettig
I've used plumbers putty since we've started since that was what the guy used that we bought our equipment from. Never had a problem and you can use it repeatedly. A jar is only a couple bucks...

Re: What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug da

Posted: March 27th, 2011, 6:18 am
by russelldean
How much is your time worth? Time molding clay, trying to salvage it, cleaning the splatter off the wall, going to the store for more etc. Foam is a dream come true, for this former clay user.

Re: What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug da

Posted: April 1st, 2011, 4:24 am
by Vendetta
I'm with kwettig; we also use Plumber's Putty. We get the putty from Ace Hardware for a few bucks. Its reusable and lasts for quite awhile. Eventually, it drys out and has to be replaced. However, its easy to shape for any plug job and we've never had a leak. I have no experience with "modeling clay," but it sounds like a "pain" to use.

Warning: :o Use some disposable gloves if you work with putty the day of your league night. It takes a day or two to get the tacky feeling of the putty off your skin and that can play havoc with your thumb timing when bowling.

Re: What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug da

Posted: April 3rd, 2011, 3:58 am
by JessN16
Plumber's putty here, too. Backyard shop. Reusable forever, cheap, never had a leak.

Jess

Re: What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug da

Posted: April 5th, 2011, 4:08 pm
by steve s
kwettig wrote:I've used plumbers putty since we've started since that was what the guy used that we bought our equipment from. Never had a problem and you can use it repeatedly. A jar is only a couple bucks...


Same here ...If it gets stiff and doesn't work well, put it in the micro wave and heat it a little...Steve S

Re: What kind of modeling clay are you using to make plug da

Posted: April 7th, 2011, 4:48 am
by johnvelo
G'Day,

I am glad to see that somebody else has issues with the plugging not setting around the edges with the kid's putty stuff.

Years ago we used Plasticine, I tried modelling clay the other day, it was better but still not the greatest.

Next time I will use the window putty. I only do my own kit so the dams are not worth the effort of getting for the odd ball I do.

Thanks again,

John Velo