How to install a cue tip without special tools?

M

materpeura

Registered
Hey guys.

I recently got a relatives old cue stick, and I wish to change the tip of the cue to a kamui black s, just to see how much difference it makes to the current one and I think it needs to be exchanged anyway.
However, this is my first cue, and I'm wondering what would be the best approach to install the new tip, except taking it to a professional?

I figured out as much that I need some kind of glue (any tips), a few different grit sandpaper (in what range), knife or knives, and maybe some other special things?
My ferrule is brass or some other metal (like the snooker ferrules), my main concern is how I'm going to shape the tip properly, and burnish the sides of the tip.

Any tips are welcome, in case I've missed some basics.
Thanks!
 
materpeura said:
Hey guys.

I recently got a relatives old cue stick, and I wish to change the tip of the cue to a kamui black s, just to see how much difference it makes to the current one and I think it needs to be exchanged anyway.
However, this is my first cue, and I'm wondering what would be the best approach to install the new tip, except taking it to a professional?

I figured out as much that I need some kind of glue (any tips), a few different grit sandpaper (in what range), knife or knives, and maybe some other special things?
My ferrule is brass or some other metal (like the snooker ferrules), my main concern is how I'm going to shape the tip properly, and burnish the sides of the tip.

Any tips are welcome, in case I've missed some basics.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hi,

Don't start out with a Kaumi. Do some 1.00 tips first until you feel confident.

I have seen some guys do a pretty good job without a lathe but you have to have a lathe for a professional outcome. Spend the 15 or 20 bucks and have it done IMO.

Don't lose sight of dollars while bending over to get the pennies.

Good Luck,

Rick
 
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scdiveteam said:
Hi,

Don't start out with a Kaumi. Do some 1.00 tips first until you feel confident.

I have seen some guys do a pretty good job without a lathe but you have to have a lathe for a professional outcome. Spent the 15 or 20 bucks and have it done IMO.

Don't lose sight of dollars while bending over to get the pennies.

Good Luck,

Rick
Click to expand...

By 1.00 tips you mean medium tips?
 
scdiveteam said:
Hi,

$1.00

Rick
Click to expand...

I've been playing with house cues until now, they have played very much the same until now, and I believe they are just standard 1€ tips, no point in anything better anyway. This que also has a 1€ tip, I haven't actually played with it yet. In my opinion, I feel confident enough to know what style of play and cue I prefer, I will at least try the kamui, to feel the difference, and if it doesn't fit my style, I will get a regular cheap tip. Anyway, why wouldn't you recommend a more expensive tip?


DoubleD said:
Three not-so-special tools you will need:

Internet
Cash
Car.

Use the internet to find a mechanic near you.

Get in car with cue.

Give mechanic cash and cue. Wait 20min, take cue, drive home.

Not to be harsh, but this isn't exactly rocket science. If you have to ask how to change a tip, you don't possess the skills to do it.

dld
Click to expand...

Well, thanks.
Anyway, I was merely asking for tips on how to shape the tip.
I do feel confident I can install the tip, but as for what glue and what grit sand paper is recommended, no idea.
 
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DoubleD said:
As for glue on metal, I don't know, I'd consult the interwebs for a good epoxy. I would steer away from super glues.

I'd shape the tip initially with 150-180 and finish with 220.

For trimming the tip, use a razor blade to get the tip close to the ferrule. Use a small, fine file to finish--be careful to not hit the ferrule. Burnish with another piece of leather and a little bit of liquid.

dld
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll have to ask around for a glue that works on the materials.
 
The way they did it many years ago was to glue (Loctite Ultra Gel) the tip on and when dry trim the excess off with a razor knife. They would turn the shaft upside down with the new tip resting on a block of wood. They would then cut down on the overhanging tip with the razor (being careful not to touch the ferrule). By continuing to turn the shaft and trimming the tip they would eventually get it flush, all the way around, with the ferrule. They would finish off with some sandpaper and would have a usable tip.
 
materpeura said:
Hey guys.

I figured out as much that I need some kind of glue (any tips), a few different grit sandpaper (in what range), knife or knives, and maybe some other special things?
Click to expand...

Use a really thin (4mm thick by 20mm wide) flat chisel to slice the tip edge. It works better than knife. Take small cut, 1mm to 2mm rotation when cutting the edge.
 
EightballJunkie said:
The item description cracks me up, especially the first sentence.

"The Mizerak Deluxe Billiard Cue Repair Kit provides the necessities for cue repair. This amazing kit includes cue clamps, ferrules, bumpers and much more. The Mizerak Deluxe Billiard Cue Repair Kit is a great choice for beginners and more advanced players."

...thanks for the laugh Tom.
Click to expand...

Dan,
The best of it, it is the review section... That really cracks me up :lol:
 
You probably won't find any cuemakers without nice tools to do it.

Here's how I do it. Follow the steps have patience and it will turn out excellent.

clicky clicky
 
materpeura said:
I've been playing with house cues until now, they have played very much the same until now, and I believe they are just standard 1€ tips, no point in anything better anyway. This que also has a 1€ tip, I haven't actually played with it yet. In my opinion, I feel confident enough to know what style of play and cue I prefer, I will at least try the kamui, to feel the difference, and if it doesn't fit my style, I will get a regular cheap tip. Anyway, why wouldn't you recommend a more expensive tip?




Well, thanks.
Anyway, I was merely asking for tips on how to shape the tip.
I do feel confident I can install the tip, but as for what glue and what grit sand paper is recommended, no idea.
Click to expand...

The reason people are telling you not to use a Kamui as your first try at installing a tip is the cost of the tip is expensive and the likely hood of your first tip coming apart on you while cutting it are very likely. They are saying practice on cheap tips until you are good at installing them, then try the more expensive Kamui. Most tips are not the exact diameter of the ferrule, so you have to cut the sides down with a razor knife, and a layered tip like the Kamui is easily destroyed when using that method without a lathe. Some 50 to 80 grit sand paper will allow you to shape the round crown on the top of the tip, but what people are concerned about is tearing it apart when trimming the outside diameter down to match the ferrule.
 
I did as you instructed, I went and bought a cheap 1€ tip and tried retipping.
It was really easy, not that I initially really thought of it being hard, I just wanted to make sure that I'm not doing anything super wrong and ruin the kamui tip. Good idea to practice on a cheap one first.
In my opinion it turned out to be very nice, it also plays well and the tip didn't pop off during play or anything, I was surprised how easy it is to shape a tip, takes 1 minute. :smile:

My kamui should arrive tomorrow.
 
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