Constructing a Racquetball Pommel

A racquetball can be used to make a firm, nearly spherical pommel for weapons with a sufficiently large core (~1") such as polearms. It can be particularly useful on a spear, allowing strong "push shots" and slightly greater reach.

Some weapons checkers may object to the hardness of a racquetball. Properly made they will easily pass a bounce test, however, and while firm they should never core through. They will also always pass template.

Required materials

• 1 racquetball
• 1 Quarter
• Strapping tape
• Closed-cell foam (scrap is sufficient)
• Sharpie
• Razor knife
• Carpet tape, spray glue, or Dap
• Hockey tape/grip tape (optional)
• Patience.

Instructions

1. To measure the hole needed, carefully but firmly press the racquetball against the bare fiberglass of the bandpole. The fiberglass dust should leave a clear ring. Mark this with a sharpie.
2. Carefully and lightly trace the sharpie line with a razor knife. Do not press too hard or try to cut all the way through at once. Go around the circle repeatedly, slowly cutting deeper each time, until you've cut out a plug from the racquetball.
3. The hole you cut in the racquetball will probably be beveled in, making it smaller on the inside than it is on the outside. Carefully scrape the razor around the inner edge to widen it out a little (it doesn't have to be perfect). It should be able to fit on the bandpole without cracking or being loose. Take the racquetball back off.
4. Put a quarter on the end of the bandpole (or other appropriately sized coin if using a different core). Tape it down securely with strapping tape.
5. Glue or carpet tape on a circle of closed cell the same diameter as the bandpole. Tape down with strapping tape.
6. Repeat step 5.
7. Carefully slide the racquetball all the way on. Tape down with radial strips of strapping tape. Wrap around these on the bandpole to secure. Cover with hockeytape for a better grip and look.