Multi-Radius Tip Shaping?

[Angle Detective]

After reading Dr. Dave's article on tip radius here:http://billiards.colostate.edu/bd_articles/2008/jan08.pdf, I got to thinking about a tip shape of two or more radii. To lessen the spin created on an unintentional off-center hit and still retain the spin potential on shots with english, the center should be flatter than the edges.

You could do this by shaping a dime tip, then using a nickel or quarter shaper to shape a second time leaving the edges untouched. Or you could work the other way around shaping a nickel or quarter tip and touching up the edges with a dime shaper.

 

[3andstop]

Hmm, I sure don't know, but I'm going to assume its not anything like a competition valve job where you can cut multiple angles on both the valve and the seat.

You sure can't cut multiple angles on the CB so, I would guess the radius is best served to conform and contact as much of the CB as possible when hit off center. Single radius vs. single radius.

 

[Dawgie]

Hmm, I sure don't know, but I'm going to assume its not anything like a competition valve job where you can cut multiple angles on both the valve and the seat.

You sure can't cut multiple angles on the CB so, I would guess the radius is best served to conform and contact as much of the CB as possible when hit off center. Single radius vs. single radius.

I've read that some of the pro's use a somewhat flat face on the tip. Something like the radius of the CB.

 

[Tommy-D]

> I have made this observation about tip curvature. It seems to me that regardless of what shape the tip has when installed and unhit,that eventually the tip will shape itself to YOUR natural tendencies when broken in,usually by the time whatever degree of mushrooming first shows up.

What I mean by this is,if you tend to stay close to the middle of the ball,using 1/2 tip of side spin or less most of the time,your tip will tend to shape itself flat.

For those players that stay further out on the cue ball,their tips tend to be rounder,taking the shape of a full radius or 1/2 ball. I've noticed this second variation a lot more by working on other people's cues. I can tell if they are a center-ball player or spinner usually by just looking at it. This is also evident when I hit balls with other people's cues.

It's not hard to shape a tip flatter in the middle,and more curved on the sides,simple in fact if it's done done during the tip installation. Personal taste and experimentation are the only way to conclude if it works for you. Tommy D.

 

[billyjack]

I think the multi-radius idea has some merit. I make my own shapers from plastic or aluminum tubing. First I shape the perimeter to a dime radius, then scuff the center with about a quarter radius. Seem to fit my style of play, since my tips scuff up with very little material removal. I think the larger radius at the center gives you a little "forgiveness" on a slightly off-center hit, while the tighter shape at the sides helps when you need some juice on the CB. Might just be my imagination, but it works for me.

Bill