Best way to use the Willard’s nickel

[RailKing85]

Ok so I’ve watched 3 different methods so far to shape the tip using the Willard’s nickel.

I bought I true wood Cynergy with a dime sniper tip and I’m finding I’m not liking the shape much. Also it doesn’t seem to be holding chalk in the middle after a couple weeks of play. See pic first on left* I then got a tapper and rolled it in a circular motion and it then “seemed to be looking good with the chalk see pics 2 and 3*

But then I was back at square one within a day or two. So I ordered and got a Willard’s nickel and am looking to reshape it to a nickel and also be roughing it up at the same time. Hoping it doesn’t take too much meat off.

So in short, what the best way to do this smoothly and straight, minus a pocket or real lathe.

*side note, I’m also finding it more difficult to make rail shots with this shaft. Anyone experience this?

Thanks in advance fellas.

 

[hang-the-9]

A bit off topic, but I would get this over any other tip tool I have tried https://www.amazon.com/Mudder-Scuffer-Burnisher-Billiards-Accessories/dp/B09GBC8MGB/ref=sr_1_29?keywords=cue+tip+shaper&qid=1666646944&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjE2IiwicXNhIjoiNS42NiIsInFzcCI6IjUuNDIifQ==&sr=8-29

The abrasive material is a fine metal file that cuts through tips like butter, very easy to shape with. I have used it on many tips, not just mine, and everyone was happy with the results when changing the shape and fixing some light mushrooming.

 

[boogieman]

A bit off topic, but I would get this over any other tip tool I have tried https://www.amazon.com/Mudder-Scuffer-Burnisher-Billiards-Accessories/dp/B09GBC8MGB/ref=sr_1_29?keywords=cue+tip+shaper&qid=1666646944&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjE2IiwicXNhIjoiNS42NiIsInFzcCI6IjUuNDIifQ==&sr=8-29

The abrasive material is a fine metal file that cuts through tips like butter, very easy to shape with. I have used it on many tips, not just mine, and everyone was happy with the results when changing the shape and fixing some light mushrooming.

My buddy has that tip tool, it works really well.

 

[RailKing85]

My buddy has that tip tool, it works really well.

what shape is the shaper?

 

[Renegade_56]

Best one ever and less then $5
Just shape it by eye.
View attachment 666981

This and the Last4ever tool do exactly the same thing and you actually cannot get a flat center or the wrong radius on the tip if you use it correctly. You have to use a stroking motion with the tool while at the same time spinning the shaft. The stroking will impart the shape of the tool to the tip, while spinning the shaft insures that shape is the same all over. If you do this and you have a flat center spot on the tip it is where the tip is packed more due to use, just keep going till it's gone, or learn how much of it you can live with to prolong tip life some.

 

[hang-the-9]

what shape is the shaper?

That does not matter, you can use the long abrasive side to shape it how you want it. I have only used the actual rounded shaper indentation as a scuffer.

 

[boogieman]

what shape is the shaper?

That does not matter, you can use the long abrasive side to shape it how you want it. I have only used the actual rounded shaper indentation as a scuffer.

I don't know the shape, but @hang-the-9 does it like my buddy does. He mainly uses the tip pick after initial shaping and occasionally the indented part to just clean out spent chalk.

 

[RailKing85]

This and the Last4ever tool do exactly the same thing and you actually cannot get a flat center or the wrong radius on the tip if you use it correctly. You have to use a stroking motion with the tool while at the same time spinning the shaft. The stroking will impart the shape of the tool to the tip, while spinning the shaft insures that shape is the same all over. If you do this and you have a flat center spot on the tip it is where the tip is packed more due to use, just keep going till it's gone, or learn how much of it you can live with to prolong tip life some.

this stroking motion I'm not familiar with. Id have to see someone doing it. With that 4 in one tool I could just use the indentation with sandpaper to scuff. and the back to shape if needed but again I don't wanna experiment and start taking off too much leather.

 

[RailKing85]

That does not matter, you can use the long abrasive side to shape it how you want it. I have only used the actual rounded shaper indentation as a scuffer.

Hey do you think its bad idea to use the Last4ever on a laminated tip, possibly cause the layers too delaminate. I feel like that stroking motion may pull up layers from the side your stroking away from. I feel like the mudder scuffer you posted would work better just using the indentation to spin the tip and create a quick scuff. And doesnt that thing have the same shaper on the back as the last4ever. except it doesnt say what shape it is.

 

[SSDiver2112]

Hey do you think its bad idea to use the Last4ever on a laminated tip, possibly cause the layers too delaminate. I feel like that stroking motion may pull up layers from the side your stroking away from. I feel like the mudder scuffer you posted would work better just using the indentation to spin the tip and create a quick scuff. And doesnt that thing have the same shaper on the back as the last4ever. except it doesnt say what shape it is.

No, it is fine to use with a layered tip. I started with the older more aggressive version and never had a problem. I'm sure if you applied excessive pressure, you could do some damage, but well...duh.
I now have the newer nickel/dime combo which has a less aggressive "coarseness". If you are worried about it, you can still rotate just like the Willard. I mostly brush across and it works fine.

I added the black marks on the leather so I could decern the nickel from the dime side easier in low light situations.

 

[Renegade_56]

this stroking motion I'm not familiar with. Id have to see someone doing it. With that 4 in one tool I could just use the indentation with sandpaper to scuff. and the back to shape if needed but again I don't wanna experiment and start taking off too much leather.

It's very simple, just a tool with a shape on it. If you apply that shape to a stationery object you get that shape, but only in a single direction. If you simply rotate the tip while at the same time stroking that shape across it the only result will be that shape applied spherically about the cue centerline.

 

[RailKing85]

It's very simple, just a tool with a shape on it. If you apply that shape to a stationery object you get that shape, but only in a single direction. If you simply rotate the tip while at the same time stroking that shape across it the only result will be that shape applied spherically about the cue centerline.

Lol yea I figured it out after watching some YT videos. Thanks bud.