How do you shape tips? Looking for a tip shaper

Guerra Cues

Guerra Cues

I build one cue at a time
Silver Member
Hello,
Have a quick question.
I have the Automatic Tip Shaper from CH, but I was wondering if there are any other tip shapers out there that could be installed on a midsize Hightower lathe.
I used a blade all the time to flush the tip with the ferrule but I wish there were other tip shapers to install when doing tips.
I use the blade to shape but it's not 100% accurate all the time. I was just looking for some more suggestions.
 
Taig makes a Radius Turner that mounts to the cross-slide. I have one, but I think it needs a different cutting tool to work better.

Many of the guys are simply using a utility knife and doing a great job. I haven't mastered that technique yet, either.

My 2 cents,

Gary
 

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Practice more with the utility blade, it's the best system and you have total control over the radius.
 
Michael Webb said:
Practice more with the utility blade, it's the best system and you have total control over the radius.
Click to expand...

Any good tips Mike?
Not sure why but one side of the tip is lower than the other and sometimes the shape is off center... Slightly but it is...
I like the blade method as well, that's what Chris told me to do.
I have done dozens of tips and they were coming out perfect... Now, I am not sure if I am having a blond moment but the tips are not coming out 100%. I have to use some tip tools to perfect the job.
 
BENFICA said:
Any good tips Mike?
Not sure why but one side of the tip is lower than the other and sometimes the shape is off center... Slightly but it is...
I like the blade method as well, that's what Chris told me to do.
I have done dozens of tips and they were coming out perfect... Now, I am not sure if I am having a blond moment but the tips are not coming out 100%. I have to use some tip tools to perfect the job.
Click to expand...

Understood, if you use your tool post as a guide and work the blade like a pendulum outside towards the center, I have also found and I'm probably the last to know, utility blades work better on one side than the other. I have tried every tip shaper from Porper, Sooner or later you'll have to get them sharpened or do it yourself. Mr Hoppe is correct, you can change the arbor. I'll still stick to the utility blade.
 
A sharp blade is the key.....

BENFICA said:
Any good tips Mike?
Not sure why but one side of the tip is lower than the other and sometimes the shape is off center... Slightly but it is...
I like the blade method as well, that's what Chris told me to do.
I have done dozens of tips and they were coming out perfect... Now, I am not sure if I am having a blond moment but the tips are not coming out 100%. I have to use some tip tools to perfect the job.
Click to expand...

How often do you change to a new (sharp) blade?

Also, wet the tip when cutting.
 
I use the Taig radius tool for phenolic and G-10 but it is no good for leather. The best tool I have found is called the SANDMAN. I only average around 150 tips a year but I use this guy for all of them.

First I somewhat flush the tip with the ferrule while applying end load to the tip with my pointed live center. I have a little brass tool I made with a cone cut in one end to center on the live tool. The other end pushes dead center on the tip. That way the tip cannot move while I cut it with my round nose. Next I come in and chamfer the nose of the tip with my round nose so it is even all around. I do this even with tips that are pre-shaped. Otherwise if your tip moves while gluing it on and you shape it by hand, you end up following the off center radius. Next I extend the cue out about 2 to 3" from my 3-jaw, kick up the rpm and finish flush the tip to the ferrule with a box cutter. Last I radius the end by hand with the SANDMAN. It cuts really fast and it doesn't load up with leather.

Just my 2 cents worth.
 
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