hi !
Is it possible to "confortably" install break tips with a Williard ? i mean, is it possible to trim the break tips to ferrule size with the trimmer blades ?
(by break tips, i think mostly to samsara, white diamond & Taom ... )
I believe that in cue repairs you need to try to save money wherever you can. But I'm always amazed when someone wants to buy a Williard tip machine today. Is it a solid build? Sure. Can you change a tip with it? Maybe, but you you will have to spend extra if you want to change an 11.75 like a Predator Z or a 14mm break shaft. Also, you can't make your own collets like you can with a lathe. You can't sand the shaft or burnish tips, sealer or wax. It is much slower than a lathe. And the difference in price is 425 (plus 30 for additional collets) versus 480 for Mid America.
The W - machine maybe a solid build, but it just isn't versatile enough for the cost. Just stocking tips can add up to the same price as the lathe itself. If it's difficult to justify $100 for a machine that does something the right way. Cue repair isn't for that frame of mind. Because the costs of the most basic tip assortment is easily that price. If you think those prices are scary, turn around and start running and never look back.
Maybe I'm missing something here. BTW, I did own a Williard back in the day. Messed up some ferrules with it too, when blades were back ordered and had to use dull blades, which are a big no no with that setup.