Linen wrap too slick
- Thread starter twal
- Start date
Wax works fine, rub it in cold, bleed it in with a hairdryer, and later to rejuvinate.
I use wax paper also and I re-apply it once or twice to get the feel that I like until the linen wrap gets broken in.
James
Not a big fan of linen myself. I read somewhere that linen was first used to cover cheaper wood in the handle as a way to keep cost down. May be urban legend though.
Not a big fan of linen myself. I read somewhere that linen was first used to cover cheaper wood in the handle as a way to keep cost down. May be urban legend though.
Many of what we now see as artistic techniques were actually used to hide flaws.
Case in point: Spear points at the ends of points. Hides uneven ends and/or ugly glue lines.
Linen though has characteristics that are very unique and suited like no other for cue wrap. It is IMHO the most superior wrap, an not just by a little. Linen IMHO was first used specifically because of these qualities. Wraps in general were not infrequently used as a cosmetic cover, but linen in this regard is quite special because above and beyond any other it is functional.
What has happened is that the users along the course of decades demanded more and more pressing and polishing until we get to what we have now...the severely polished and pressed wrap or the wrap that has been cleared over. Either of these destroys the intended purpose of the linen.
In days of old linen was installed and minimally pressed. This rougher surface was an ideal cue grip. Over time it broke in and developed a surface that could only be obtained with use. In order to accelerate the process people began requesting the wrap to be "double pressed". That started the trend.
Other than Elephant Ear the best linen wrap is the most expensive wrap you can get.
What are these important unique characteristics?
1) Grip- in the mildly pressed more traditional installation the linen is not slick but forms an incredibly efficient grip surface.
2) Absorbency- It can gain up to 20% moisture without felling damp!
3) Produces no lint and no pilling ad can easily be cleaned/resurfaced when needed
4) Strong and does not stretch which makes it durable as a wrap
5) Remains remarkably cool to the touch
Today's linens tend to have more "slubs" or defects than lead to small bumps. The classic linens and the current more expensive linens should be free of such defects.
Waxing your linen will attract more dirt....after all it gets sticky. But it is something that I have done myself. Some cue makers advocate it while some don't. One should note that waxing will reduce absorbency as well and make it harder to clean.
You can use water and a towel to roughen up and "un-press" it a little by raising some of the fibers. I have also done this.
I advocate discussing the matter with your cue maker or repair man to arrive at the best solution for your needs. The methods of installation can be varied and the results can be so incredibly different that most people would be surprised I think.
I am starting to get the feeling that many people have stereotyped linen based on their experience with the typical modern installation and not the material itself. The current popular installations are in fact pressed to glassy smoothness in general, and that is what people complain about the most. But it got that way because of what people requested I think.
Anyway....just my thoughts on the matter.
:smile:
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I have a very opposite opinion. I think the wrap should keep the hand from slipping on the handle. Linen does a very poor job of that. Leather, unless it has fresh wax, also does a bad job. Typical wood finishes such as the polyurethane mentioned above are much better.
The ultimate in a wrap that will not slip even with a light grip is rubber. I think the OP should get a rubber grip and try it before he doctors his linen.
Rubbing wax paper on the linen doesn't cost anything and works for me.
Is there a cheap non permanent way to try a rubber grip ? Does it affect the weight and balance point ?
The typical rubber grip is a sleeve that is rolled onto the wrap area. You can get them for about $5. They come in different thicknesses. If you remove it, your cue will be just like new except maybe cleaner in the wrap area than it would have been otherwise.
Even cheaper is "7/8-inch diameter, 18-inch length, latex surgical drainage tubing". (I think that's the description of what I tried one time.) You can get it at surgical supply stores. They will want to be assured that you are not getting it for tourniquets for informal IVs. It is much thinner and lighter than the usual rubber grip. It also tears easily.
The grip will add weight and will change the balance slightly. I'm not bothered by the difference.
Here is a link from the AZB Marketplace: http://www.seyberts.com/products/Rubber_Pool_Cue_Grip-142-76.html
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Linen can in fact provide a very non-slip grip. Depends on the installation.
But to each his own of course. :smile:
Oh yeah....very good grip with rubber.
I am surprised we don't see people using the billiard cue grips on pool cues more often.
I don't personally like them but I did try it.
i might try this, a slick cue will cause you to tighten up on your grip which will kill ur cue action.