initial tip shaping

tinman467

tinman467

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I just started replacing tips for a few of my friends. I have the nice willard tip machine. After its on, and cut to diameter, whats the best way to get it close to shape as possible so I can finish with the small shaper tool ? I have the willard tip shaper (dime and nickel)..but it takes FOREVER to get it to shape. I was hoping there was a quicker way to get it "close". Thanks. :sorry:
 
tinman467 said:
I just started replacing tips for a few of my friends. I have the nice willard tip machine. After its on, and cut to diameter, whats the best way to get it close to shape as possible so I can finish with the small shaper tool ? I have the willard tip shaper (dime and nickel)..but it takes FOREVER to get it to shape. I was hoping there was a quicker way to get it "close". Thanks. :sorry:
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For me, one like this works best for fairly quick and accurate tip shaping. The key is how you use it. Best way is to stroke downward from the tip at about a 45 degree angle, rotating the shaft a few degrees after each stroke. You don't want to stroke up and down, only down, so that you won't delaminate layered tips.
 
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Agrree. Just be careful. It will really take the tip down fast. When I used to put my own tips on, I used one with really good results.
 
Not to be contrary, and I'd like to hear how others use it but when I use a tool like this, I like to go up, toward the center of the tip. doing it this way helps (IMO) prevent material from mushrooming down to the side of the tip.

I suppose if you do a final touch up to the side of the tip it's not a big deal.
 
I made this before I got my Willard Tipper but other than getting a lathe its the easiest way to shape a tip after its cut. Cheap too. Got the drill at the pawn shop for 5$. I just use some 80 and 100 grit on a small board to shape tips.
 

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3andstop said:
Not to be contrary, and I'd like to hear how others use it but when I use a tool like this, I like to go up, toward the center of the tip. doing it this way helps (IMO) prevent material from mushrooming down to the side of the tip.

I suppose if you do a final touch up to the side of the tip it's not a big deal.
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I've used this tool frequently and never had the tip mushroom. I always stroke down only, because most of my tips are layered and I think an upward stroke would be more likely to cause some degree of delamination.
 
pulzcul said:
I made this before I got my Willard Tipper but other than getting a lathe its the easiest way to shape a tip after its cut. Cheap too. Got the drill at the pawn shop for 5$. I just use some 80 and 100 grit on a small board to shape tips.
Click to expand...

I used a set up similar to yours before I got my Hightower cue lathe and it worked pretty well. It's not a cue lathe, but you can spin your shaft for cleaning and shape a tip with it. A drill motor, a shaft pin, some hose clamps to hold the drill motor, and some wood and you can have a starter shaft machine.

James
 
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