Tip Pik Alternative

[the chicken]

This is an old school tip for roughing up a smooth cue tip. It involves the use of a wood file/rasp (I use a Nicholson Half-Round 4-in-Hand Rasp and File, Rasp Cut, American Pattern, 8" Length, available on Amazon).

To use the file, first assemble your cue. Hold the cue upright with the but against the floor and, using the flat file (not the rasp!!) portion of the tool, just press the tip against and hold the cue an angle appropriate to the area (bottom, middle or top) to be roughened and roll the shaft of the cue towards you. As you complete the rolling motion, the tip will be impressed against the teeth of the file. After a few light passes, the file should be re-positioned so the rest of the tip is addressed.

When used properly, the file will not change the shape of the tip.

Using a file in this manner is quick and produces uniform results.

It may just be my perception, but I find that my tips last longer when using a file compared to a Pik.

I store my file/rasp in a homemade paper sleeve that I keep in my cue case.

 

[Rich R.]

The best possible file to use on your cue tips is a double cut flat bastard file. These were very popular in the late 60's and early 70's.

In modern times, a great alternative is a Brad Scuffer. Put the scuffer in the palm of your hand and roll your cue tip in the same manner you do with the file.
Another alternative is a Tip Tapper. Rather than tapping your tip, roll the tip against it in the same way you do with the file.
Both of these work well and the Brad Scuffer and the Tip Tapper both take up a lot less room in your case than a full size file.

 

[joelpope]

why not use a tool designed to manage cue tips

rather than using tools designed for other uses why not use a tool designed specifically to maintain cue tips. There are several on the market

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

What else do you need to pick a TIP? 220 Sandpaper, and a lite touch.

 

[BlindWizard]

Sears has a file identical to the Nicholson Half-Round 4-in-Hand Rasp and File. That file has always been my favorite tip tool.

 

[Roadking]

I use a Willard tip tool. It's cheap & small. The dime for my player & the nickle for my breaker. Just do it lite enough to scuff the tip & you'll be good to go.

 

[ctyhntr]

Before there was a market for tip tools and other accessories, the OP is trying to show what the old timers used. If you already have these tools, his advice may save you money.

rather than using tools designed for other uses why not use a tool designed specifically to maintain cue tips. There are several on the market

 

[whitewolf]

I use a Willard tip tool. It's cheap & small. The dime for my player & the nickle for my breaker. Just do it lite enough to scuff the tip & you'll be good to go.

I agree. Also I use a scuffer. Both are cheap and beat carrying around sand paper with you and having to replace ever so often.

 

[bbb]

the last 4 ever tip tool works best for me
http://www.last4ever.net/
http://www.last4ever.net/Page_4.html

 

[TheBook]

.


I think Moori or Kamui (sp) has a special tool to dress the tip. It is doesn't look rough but it has a real fine abrasive that you roll over the tip to make it grab the chalk better. Of course it is probably recommended to use their Chalk. :wink:




.

 

[Roadking]

Before there was a market for tip tools and other accessories, the OP is trying to show what the old timers used. If you already have these tools, his advice may save you money.

I've scuffed up more than one bar cue with a plain old house key. I'd rather spend the $10 on a willard's then carry an 8" file around with me.

 

[Papa Red]

Best tip tool made!


http://www.seyberts.com/products/Kamui_Gator_Grip_Tip_Tool-101606-24.html

 

[3RAILKICK]

I've scuffed up more than one bar cue with a plain old house key. I'd rather spend the $10 on a willard's then carry an 8" file around with me.

In the stone age, we sometimes took the bar cues outside to dress the tip on the stucco exterior wall (rough shaping) and finish up using the worn sidewalk sandy surface.

These cue tips were in bad shape (before and after shaping).

And we were drunk. We actually thot we had done a good job.

 

[joelpope]

Before there was a market for tip tools and other accessories, the OP is trying to show what the old timers used. If you already have these tools, his advice may save you money.

I understand it is possible to use alternative tools.

My point is, if you don't have to for some particular reason then you should use a tool designed for the purpose. I can drive a nail with a crescent wrench but prefer to use a hammer given the choice.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

I use a Willard tip tool. It's cheap & small. The dime for my player & the nickle for my breaker. Just do it lite enough to scuff the tip & you'll be good to go.

Willard is a fine too, like a Tip Tapper, Porper Mushroom Tool. I own all THREE. The Porper Mushroom Tool is the MOST USE of the Group.

Playing style will shape your Tip in most cases. As I said i use 220 SANDPAPER to light scuff the TIPS EDGES, the CROWN get little attention, and it is SLIPPERY EDGE that Cause Miscues.

 

[RRfireblade]

Some may feel that picking a tip and roughing a tip are two different operations with different results.

While there are obviously many ways to achieve both, its hard to beat the minimal cost and vast availability of current tools designed for each purpose. It's not 'years ago' or 'back in the day' anymore. Feel free to enjoy and embrace it.