Shaping layered tip
- Thread starter kaznj
- Start date
I may be doing it wrong too then. I use a cube to get the shape right. Then I use finer grit sand paper to smooth it out. It works fine for me on both Kamui and Wizard tips.
Check out the video on the Last 4 Ever web site...
last4ever.net
that is a Moori that I am shaping in the demo
once it is shaped, you can rough it up without changing the shape with the same tool, or, repair mushrooming if needed.
I've used the cube type a number of times without a problem. The risk is not that it will take off leather--you obviously want it to remove enough leather to get the proper shape. The risk is of delaminating the tip, because of the sideways twisting motion you get in using the cube.
A better option as joelpope points out is one of the variations of the trough-shaped tool. With these, you stroke away from the tip to do your shaping (toward the butt end), which doesn't impart any sideways stress on the laminations.
This is pretty much what I use. I cut one out of a block of black palm, rounded over the edges and made the gully with a 3/4" router bit(slightly larger than a dime radius).
I've never had any trouble with the layered tips I've used to include kamui, tiger and madman.
Willar!! Tool tip
I've been using this tool for the past 17 years. It doesn't wear out and it gives the perfect shape. Yes it takes off some material at first but is there any other way to shape a tip? After some many hours of play I scuff it lightly to raise the grain of the leather then I chalk and tap, chalk and tap several times to build up a layer of chalk. I can play for 2-3 hours without needing to chalk my tip. I see guys shoot and chalk after every shot. If you prepare your tip correctly you shouldn't have too.
I've been using this tool for the past 17 years. It doesn't wear out and it gives the perfect shape. Yes it takes off some material at first but is there any other way to shape a tip? After some many hours of play I scuff it lightly to raise the grain of the leather then I chalk and tap, chalk and tap several times to build up a layer of chalk. I can play for 2-3 hours without needing to chalk my tip. I see guys shoot and chalk after every shot. If you prepare your tip correctly you shouldn't have too.
Doing it the trough way going towards the butt will give you uneven shape to your tip though.
I just use a willard or cube what have you, and turn it softly until its perfect. It takes longer but doesnt put the stress on the layers.
The trick with a layered tip is to sand from the center of the tip towards the edge. If you sand laterally (or even worse from edge towards center) the sharp edges on the sand paper can lift the layer and delaminate the glue.
Kamui Gator Grip is awesome at shaping the tip. Go to youtube and you will see a demo on how to shape with the Gator Grip. Highly recommend.
I don't think there is any secret to shaping a tip. Any of the available tools should work just fine, under normal circumstances you shouldn't have to worry about delamination. If it does then imo, the tip was most likey defective or dang close to it already.
TheThaiger
Banned
Really? You just put Kamui chalk outta business!
TheThaiger
Banned
Really (2)!? I thought it was just for lifting the fibers a bit. In fact, I've never really worked out what it's for, and I don't use mine. How do you shape with it? It's too flimsy to take anything off the tip, isn't it?
I use the Willard or Cuetec Bowtie. I hold it between my feet and spin the shaft between my hands with the tip resting in the tool. No downward pressure, just gravity. I've never had a problem with any of the Kamui, Tiger, Moori, or Wizard tips I've done this with. If your tip delaminates from this technique, you got a bad tip.
Yet another reason why layered tips are nothing but hype. All these special procedures and precautions just to scuff it. Oh no! Careful not to delaminate the layers! It's a TIP. It should be tough. Should be able to be scuffed or shaped with any reasonable scuffing tool. Talk about adding insult to injury. Bad enough they cost several times more than a regular tip, on top of that they require more work from the installer and the user. You'd think progress and advancement would lead to a tip that is easier to work with and maintain...
Laminated tips = the bottled water of cue equipment. Someone figured out a way to get players to pay $15 - $25 for what used to cost $0.50.
That's ok. I like those tips. They help my opponents miscue more. I also like my opponents fanatically chalking their layered tip and having it in their mind during their pre-shot routine that their tip needs to be well chalked to function.
I'll stick with Triangle or a pressed Elk Master.
/rant over
Laminated tips = the bottled water of cue equipment. Someone figured out a way to get players to pay $15 - $25 for what used to cost $0.50.
That's ok. I like those tips. They help my opponents miscue more. I also like my opponents fanatically chalking their layered tip and having it in their mind during their pre-shot routine that their tip needs to be well chalked to function.
I'll stick with Triangle or a pressed Elk Master.
/rant over
Go to youtube and watch the demo on how to use it. It really is awesome.
I use a Willards shaper (dime) on my Kamui black soft tip, no problem. I roll the shaft back and forth across my lap, holding the shaper with medium pressure against the tip. Does a perfect job, no delamination. IMHO, you get that flaking up of the edges of layers by using a shaper in lateral movements back and forth across the tip (like chalking). Rotation (like a lathe) shouldn't cause layers to flake up.