Players Cue Shaft Sealant Question

[ekb6760]

Does anybody know what sealant is used on a Players Cue shaft? I've got one that I'm working on that has a bunch of dings in it that won't steam out because of this stuff. Any suggestions? (other than tell my customer to buy a real cue):groucho:

 

[rhncue]

Does anybody know what sealant is used on a Players Cue shaft? I've got one that I'm working on that has a bunch of dings in it that won't steam out because of this stuff. Any suggestions? (other than tell my customer to buy a real cue):groucho:

I have no clue what sealer they use but it' pretty much immaterial. The shaft needs to be cleaned of all the oil and dirt on the surface for the steam to penetrate the surface. I first clean a shaft with Gojo on a paper towel which removes most contaminants on the surface. I then run a piece of finer sand paper lightly down the shaft so as to insure all dirt, oil and old sealer is removed. It takes very little sanding and if done with prudence, removes very little wood. Saw dust is similar to blood, a very little goes a long way. I then steam the dent out. Now steaming will only remove dents. It has no effect in removing a cut or hole. They must be filled. Another thing on steaming out a dent. The way you do it affects the success. I've never used steam guns or the such as I really don't see how they can be effective. What I do is I spray some ammonia directly on the dent after cleaning and while the shaft is spinning around 2000 RPM. I then use a piece of thicker leather and wrap around the shaft which causes friction and heat and causes the ammonia that has soaked into the shaft to very quickly turn to steam, pushing the dent out. I use ammonia as it is a cleaner and soaks into the wood both quicker and more deeply than water. It only takes about 5 seconds to remove the dent. If it doesn't remove the dent completely just do it again. I've removed many thousands of dents in this manner.

Dick

 

[tsp&b]

Very good post

I have no clue what sealer they use but it' pretty much immaterial. The shaft needs to be cleaned of all the oil and dirt on the surface for the steam to penetrate the surface. I first clean a shaft with Gojo on a paper towel which removes most contaminants on the surface. I then run a piece of finer sand paper lightly down the shaft so as to insure all dirt, oil and old sealer is removed. It takes very little sanding and if done with prudence, removes very little wood. Saw dust is similar to blood, a very little goes a long way. I then steam the dent out. Now steaming will only remove dents. It has no effect in removing a cut or hole. They must be filled. Another thing on steaming out a dent. The way you do it affects the success. I've never used steam guns or the such as I really don't see how they can be effective. What I do is I spray some ammonia directly on the dent after cleaning and while the shaft is spinning around 2000 RPM. I then use a piece of thicker leather and wrap around the shaft which causes friction and heat and causes the ammonia that has soaked into the shaft to very quickly turn to steam, pushing the dent out. I use ammonia as it is a cleaner and soaks into the wood both quicker and more deeply than water. It only takes about 5 seconds to remove the dent. If it doesn't remove the dent completely just do it again. I've removed many thousands of dents in this manner.

Dick

I agree!! Very good instructions! :thumbup: Thanks for a very accurate post Dick!!

 

[ekb6760]

Thanks for the good information.

Dick,

Thanks for the information on dent removal, I've never done it like that before so I will be giving it a try soon. Anyway, according to my customer, his Players cue has a special wood sealant on it, that once removed voids the warranty on the shaft against warpage. I got the following from one of the sites that deals Players cues:

"Players Limited Lifetime Warranty
Players cues are warranted to be free from material and manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the cue. Players warrants all components, including warpage provided that your cue is accompanied by a copy of the original sales receipt from an authorized Players dealer (BilliardWarehouse.com is an authorized Players Dealer). Normal wear on replaceable parts such as tips, finish and wraps are not covered under this warranty. Players does not warrant its product against damage caused by third parties. In addition, Players at its sole discretion, may void this warranty if there is evidence of abuse or mishandling. Cues covered by this warranty will be repaired or replaced with the same model or one of equal value at no charge. This warranty is non-transferable."

I think the stuff works the same way as a Cuetek cue, i.e. non-wood outer with wood core, to keep it from warping.

Anyway, I told him that I would do the best I could without removing the coating, but I doubt if I would have a lot of success. I too have removed many thousands of dents over the years, but using the steam method. Can't wait to give your method a try.

Thanks a bunch for your help & I always love your straightforward replies to questions.

 

[tsp&b]

If it is a clear resin coating, then you may want to just fill the dent with clear. Sand it smooth and be done with it.

 

[ekb6760]

Yep, that's what I did. Customer was happy, but I told him to be nicer to his pool cue.

 

[JerseyBill]

thanks,,great idea

I have no clue what sealer they use but it' pretty much immaterial. The shaft needs to be cleaned of all the oil and dirt on the surface for the steam to penetrate the surface. I first clean a shaft with Gojo on a paper towel which removes most contaminants on the surface. I then run a piece of finer sand paper lightly down the shaft so as to insure all dirt, oil and old sealer is removed. It takes very little sanding and if done with prudence, removes very little wood. Saw dust is similar to blood, a very little goes a long way. I then steam the dent out. Now steaming will only remove dents. It has no effect in removing a cut or hole. They must be filled. Another thing on steaming out a dent. The way you do it affects the success. I've never used steam guns or the such as I really don't see how they can be effective. What I do is I spray some ammonia directly on the dent after cleaning and while the shaft is spinning around 2000 RPM. I then use a piece of thicker leather and wrap around the shaft which causes friction and heat and causes the ammonia that has soaked into the shaft to very quickly turn to steam, pushing the dent out. I use ammonia as it is a cleaner and soaks into the wood both quicker and more deeply than water. It only takes about 5 seconds to remove the dent. If it doesn't remove the dent completely just do it again. I've removed many thousands of dents in this manner.

Dick

thanks for this tidbit,,,it's a great idea and works fine. Your contributions are appreciated...Bill

 

[opiesbro]

Is Gojo Safe?

I have no clue what sealer they use but it' pretty much immaterial. The shaft needs to be cleaned of all the oil and dirt on the surface for the steam to penetrate the surface. I first clean a shaft with Gojo on a paper towel which removes most contaminants on the surface. I then run a piece of finer sand paper lightly down the shaft so as to insure all dirt, oil and old sealer is removed. It takes very little sanding and if done with prudence, removes very little wood. Saw dust is similar to blood, a very little goes a long way. I then steam the dent out. Now steaming will only remove dents. It has no effect in removing a cut or hole. They must be filled. Another thing on steaming out a dent. The way you do it affects the success. I've never used steam guns or the such as I really don't see how they can be effective. What I do is I spray some ammonia directly on the dent after cleaning and while the shaft is spinning around 2000 RPM. I then use a piece of thicker leather and wrap around the shaft which causes friction and heat and causes the ammonia that has soaked into the shaft to very quickly turn to steam, pushing the dent out. I use ammonia as it is a cleaner and soaks into the wood both quicker and more deeply than water. It only takes about 5 seconds to remove the dent. If it doesn't remove the dent completely just do it again. I've removed many thousands of dents in this manner.

Dick

Just wondering if anyone has seen any adverse affects with using Gojo on laminated shafts? I like the results on regular shafts but I am kinda afraid to use it on something that is held together with adhesive. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jschelin99]

Don't know about Gojo, but I've used Soft Scrub for years and have done hundreds of lam shaft cleanings without one reported side effect. I can't see Gojo damaging a lam shaft since Gojo is milder than Soft Scrub. (I'm *assuming* Gojo is milder than Soft Scrub. I sure wouldn't want to rub Soft Scrub all over my hands!) Whatever cleaning product you use, if it can't dissolve glue then it can't hurt a lam shaft.

 

[Dave38]

Just wondering if anyone has seen any adverse affects with using Gojo on laminated shafts? I like the results on regular shafts but I am kinda afraid to use it on something that is held together with adhesive. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance.

The glues they use are usually chemical resistant epoxies, so I wouldn't worry about it.
Dave