drilling oval thumb hole

Question
After reading your articl about oval thumb holes and you said you measure the knuckle of the thumb, do you mean from top to bottom or side to side? I am having trouble getting a relaxed grip with the thumb and am either hanging up or losing the thumb on the delivery. I have almost 1/4 in. difference between top to bottom and side to side. Really appreciate any input you can relay. Average over 200 but used to average 220. I am 70 years old and in good shape.
thanks
Bob M

Answer
You actually need two measurements.  The side to side measurement and the front to back measurement.  Front to back will give you the size to start with and the side to side will give you how wide you need to make the hole.  Vise makes a really good oval insert you could try.  Check with a local pro shop.  By trying the insert, if you really dont like it, you can just slug it and drill the hole.

Good luck,
Chip