So I have an HXT shaft from a PureX cue that is warped. I doubt they'll cover it under warranty because I don't have a receipt for it. I haven't hanging now but was curious if I took a hot steamer to it while it's hanging if that might help it straighten easier or better or if it'll ruined it worse? Thanks as always!
Fixing cue with gravity and steam?
- Thread starter bobbydee
- Start date
If you aren't in a hurry. Place the shaft on a hard level surface then roll it until the "high side" is up.
Then place a very heavy book (or books) on top of the shaft and leave it for a few days or weeks.
Enough weight to "flatten" the shaft to the level surface.
You can lightly steam the shaft just before you place the books on it but, try it first without the steam
as steam by itself would likely make it worse, but placing it flat and under weight immediately after
a light steam helps.
It works for me... your results may vary. I am not responsible for negative results.
Then place a very heavy book (or books) on top of the shaft and leave it for a few days or weeks.
Enough weight to "flatten" the shaft to the level surface.
You can lightly steam the shaft just before you place the books on it but, try it first without the steam
as steam by itself would likely make it worse, but placing it flat and under weight immediately after
a light steam helps.
It works for me... your results may vary. I am not responsible for negative results.
20 years ago I did this to a shaft that had a bad 1/8" + warp to it.
I put a piece of scotch tap around the joint end and after rolling it on a table a few times, I put a + sign on the high side and a - on the low side.
I took a an old fashioned tea kettle and steamed the shaft for a few minutes.
I then set the shaft between to kitchen chair backs with a leather belt looped around it, + side up, with about 5 or 10 pounds of weight hung from the belt.
I would let it set for a few hours and then check it.
I found that it would spring back some after taking the warp out, so I would let it over warp and then let it rest for a day before making any adjustments.
I got it back to about a 1/32 warp before I stopped working on it.
I put a piece of scotch tap around the joint end and after rolling it on a table a few times, I put a + sign on the high side and a - on the low side.
I took a an old fashioned tea kettle and steamed the shaft for a few minutes.
I then set the shaft between to kitchen chair backs with a leather belt looped around it, + side up, with about 5 or 10 pounds of weight hung from the belt.
I would let it set for a few hours and then check it.
I found that it would spring back some after taking the warp out, so I would let it over warp and then let it rest for a day before making any adjustments.
I got it back to about a 1/32 warp before I stopped working on it.
TIME FOR A NEW SHAFT....
"NEVER seen crooked maple STAY STRAIGHT AFTER WARP "REPAIR"
Steam and heat and trying to straighten only breaks down the wood, unfortunately
Did you buy it new? Ask the vendor for a receipt regardless of when you bought it. Try contacting PureX and explain you do not have the receipt… you moved..got tossed by accident, etc
Isn't there a guy who promises to unwarp shafts? Can take a while but he swears it works.
Thanks!
If you get it really steamy and flex it you can lessen the curve....but it is hard to get it perfect.
Just hanging it won't move it.
You do not tell the tree its shape.
The tree tells you its shape and it may change its mind at any time.
The tree tells you its shape and it may change its mind at any time.
Yep, just a short-term fix. They usually return to their warped state after a while. Sometimes you get lucky and they stay straight but its rare.
I bought a used 30" maple butt with a big warp in it.
I found the high point and each end of the bend.
Each end of the bend was then set in the bend of a spoon sitting atop a tower speaker and a weight hung from the center of the warp.
After 4-6 weeks, checking every couple days and resetting the cue, it became close to perfect.
There was no obvious warp at all when rolled with or without the shaft.
I then moved from IL to AZ and B O I N G warped again.
Decided not to bother a 2nd time.
FWIW, I hang all of my customs when stored, holding only at the ferrule. I figure it is the best way to safeguard them from getting worse. ymmv
I found the high point and each end of the bend.
Each end of the bend was then set in the bend of a spoon sitting atop a tower speaker and a weight hung from the center of the warp.
After 4-6 weeks, checking every couple days and resetting the cue, it became close to perfect.
There was no obvious warp at all when rolled with or without the shaft.
I then moved from IL to AZ and B O I N G warped again.
Decided not to bother a 2nd time.
FWIW, I hang all of my customs when stored, holding only at the ferrule. I figure it is the best way to safeguard them from getting worse. ymmv