golf ball bore

[firebuckeye]

Is it a problem to just use a 1.75 drill bit in a lathe for a golf ball bore?  No boring bar.  Just the bit down the bore and then a vent.  I thought of building an inexpensive one my self in the meantime just for fun.  All i am capable of is a hole down the center, would this meet safe radius requirements at the bottom?  I have a 5.5" piece of 1018 bar 14" long I was going to use. What do you think?  Is 1.75" to big for golf ball?

[jeeper1]

1.75" to big for golf ball?

In my opinion it is too big. Golf balls seem to run under 1.70 inches.
Also in my limited experience drill bits make holes bigger than then what is marked on it. Something to do with the point not being perfectly centered, I suppose.
I'm waiting for the metal to make a mortar the same way in 1.375 for some of the film canisters I have.

[firebuckeye]

The next size bit I have is 1.6875, probably to small.  Could i patch the ball to make it snug?  I dont even know if thats a reason for a patch anyhow.

[GGaskill]

Theoretically, a 1 11/16" hole would just take a golf ball, but you would have to clean after every shot and might have a problem with hot golf balls, which I have heard expand from the heat a significant amount.  I suppose you could keep them in an ice chest until they were loaded.

I use a 1 23/32" bit (1.719") bit which allows me to use 1 lb spherical lead sinkers also.

On the other hand, you could drill 1.6875" and bore the extra 1/32.  You should learn how to bore.

[jeeper1]

The next size bit I have is 1.6875, probably to small.

If I was building one that is the size I would go with. And if it was too small I would just hone/sand it out and make it smoother in the process.

[Santa Dave]

My parrott is 1.6875" the balll must be pushed down the bore. I have not fired it much but have not had a problem with size . however it does seem like it might happen!
Dave

[Rickk]

those sanders that consist of lots of strips of sandpaper attached to a center hub that go into an electric drill remove metal really quick. You might need an extension for it, but it would open it up for you if needed.

[firebuckeye]

I am going for 1.700 with some help and boring bar. 

[Cat Whisperer]

1.70 is good!

I've done a bunch and 1.75 is a bit big. 

Golf balls do vary a little in size, but 1.700 should do most of 'em.

[Cannonmaker]

Three of four years ago while in a Gun Show in Salt Lake City a gentleman was telling me about the cannon he and his son made.  He said they made it out of pipe, one pipe into another, three pipes thick.  I told him pipe was not a good material for a shooting cannon.  He was very convinced the barrell was plenty strong.  I just could not convence him it was unsafe.  A few months later was on the news about a young man who was killed by a cannon built of pipe that burst.  I understand he was using the wrong powder and way too much.  The pipe just had no forgivness.

Build it with a good saftey facture, being plenty strong, and you can sleep at nights.

Rick