New way to shape your tip...using your foot
- Thread starter TATE
- Start date
A pool instructor once told me that twirling a cue back and forth with a Willard tip shaper on the floor rotates the grain of the tip in two directions. According to the instructor, the better approach is to hold the Willard tip shaper in one hand at a 30-degree angle to the cue tip and rotate the cue in ONE direction.
The other thing that I've noticed about the Willard tip shaper is that if the cue tip is flattish on top, a metal tip trimmer is more effective than the Willard tip shaper in rounding out the top of the cue tip to the desired curvature.
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Well he might have a point. I wonder if the double vs. single rotation produces a significant difference in tip functionality. I doubt it...
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Been doing this for decades, Chris. I first saw someone do it in college (1988 or 1989).
Just posted about that method to Whitewolf's question on shaping initially without a lathe.
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=3475843&postcount=21
Freddie
That grinding method only works on non-layered tips. Well, technically, you can do it to a layered tip - but you're also destroying the tip's integrity between the layers by causing all that contrasting friction.
I'd hope anyone that pays $20+ for a tip knows how to take care of it, seems grinding away at a tip is the best way to ensure people buy more tips.
I wonder if the tip tools guys are in bed with the tip makers... kinda like car people and gas people.
I'd hope anyone that pays $20+ for a tip knows how to take care of it, seems grinding away at a tip is the best way to ensure people buy more tips.
I wonder if the tip tools guys are in bed with the tip makers... kinda like car people and gas people.
There goes the copyright! I guess I'm finally an old enough fool to be the bearer of old news.
However, I did learn that tip shaping joins the topics of politics and religion as subjects of passion, prejudice, and controversy.
You should try and get on Survivor :grin-square:
I would like to see him to a hard Kamui with that tool. Would take 20 minutes, trust me.
That grinding method only works on non-layered tips. Well, technically, you can do it to a layered tip - but you're also destroying the tip's integrity between the layers by causing all that contrasting friction.
I'd hope anyone that pays $20+ for a tip knows how to take care of it, seems grinding away at a tip is the best way to ensure people buy more tips.
I wonder if the tip tools guys are in bed with the tip makers... kinda like car people and gas people.
Personally, I wouldn't worry about grinding off too much initially.
From what I have heard, you are supposed to cut down on the real estate of the tip so that it will play better. Why do you think pros play with tips that to a normal observer are almost worn out?
I was schooled on the high speed spinning also on a layered tip, it turns the glue loose on some because of the heat..Yes some go over board, Boy Scouts at heart I think..I use a couple of the mentioned ones only I rock mine instead of spinning, takes longer but I get a better finish..Also the real estate comment I aslo found true..When I install my layered tips on my personal shafts I take the top 1/3 off and then shape them, works like a charm for me...We all know a pair of jeans or shoes are always way better just before you have to send them to the Goodwill! People will ask why your new tips are already worn so bad, I just shrugg and tell them I guess they are just cheap tips, now go ahead and rackem please
I'm beginning to think this product launch has gotten off on the "wrong foot" NYUK NYUK :grin:
Will someone please just buy one, try it, and tell me if I'm nuts?
I love this thing!
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That's how i do it.
I ordered one yesterday, should be here by Saturday. This thing better be the nuts for $35. I have been thinking of getting the Kamui Gator Grip, and seen this and looks close to the same, but what sold me on it was the two different abrasive scuffers, and along with the shapers made into it. can't wait to try this thing out.
Great - thanks!
It is really nice. Please just give it some time - I "kind of used it" for a week or two, then put it in my bag and now consider it essential.
Basically all I use is the dime shaped slot. I shaped the tip once well with it, then after that a few turns and and the tip comes out perfectly every time. It leave a very fine surface on the tip. It doesn't degrade the tip, just surfaces it cleanly each time and retains the exact same shape - so the grip always seems the same.
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TheThaiger
Banned
I bought that (or its cheaper chinese cousin) and don't like it. The best thing I've found is that big metal cube thing, but they're £75 ($110) over here, and I'm not paying that.
This shaper stands out from all the rest for me. The best thing to me is how it scuffs your tip you just roll the tip on the flat plate at an angle and it will rough it right up, and it does a very good job on the tip. I have never had a tool that I like anywhere close to as much as I like this one. I have the ultimate tip tool, but for me it doesn’t hold a light to this. I have only used the shaper around 5 times and when you are turning it doesn’t look like you are going anything but when you look at the tip it has shaped it right up, and the tip have a very fine finish to it not all rough looking. And also another good point is this tool is not supposed to ware out. I really like this tool, and I think that it’s worth the money to get one. You wouldn’t be disappointed. I’m very pleased with my new tiger tip tool, and hope that it is the last tool that I will have to buy.
I had the pleasure of picking up one of these directly from Corey's shop in Pasadena on Sat. afternoon. I personally absolutely love it! I have previously used the Kamui Gator Grip and was looking to purchase the Kamui product when this item became available from Tiger.
The two flat scuffing pads work like the Gator Grip. I would say that the "Fine" scuffer is patterned very similarly to the Gator Grip. The "Coarse" scuffer leaves deeper indents more similar to LIGHTLY using a Tip Pik to push little holes in a tip.
If you have never used a tool like this I would suggest that you hop onto Kamui's Website and view their YouTube clip on how to use these types of tools.
Personally if I were in Marketing or Advertising I don't even know if I would call this a "Scuffer" because it removes virtually none of the tip. I personally think of it as a "Texturizer" because it creates the perfect texture in the the leather to hold chalk without destroying the layers and leather of the tip.
I LOVE this product. If you want to maximize performance of your tip, BUY IT! If you want to extend longevity of your tip, BUY IT!
The two flat scuffing pads work like the Gator Grip. I would say that the "Fine" scuffer is patterned very similarly to the Gator Grip. The "Coarse" scuffer leaves deeper indents more similar to LIGHTLY using a Tip Pik to push little holes in a tip.
If you have never used a tool like this I would suggest that you hop onto Kamui's Website and view their YouTube clip on how to use these types of tools.
Personally if I were in Marketing or Advertising I don't even know if I would call this a "Scuffer" because it removes virtually none of the tip. I personally think of it as a "Texturizer" because it creates the perfect texture in the the leather to hold chalk without destroying the layers and leather of the tip.
I LOVE this product. If you want to maximize performance of your tip, BUY IT! If you want to extend longevity of your tip, BUY IT!