Tip tool shaping question

N

newcuer

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
One thing I never understood, is that it would seem for a novice, that a tip tool shaper tool would work best if one could lay it flat on the ground.

But the tip tools in which you can do this with (Ultimate Tip Tool, Cue Cube) seem to be thought of much less than tip tools like the Willard and the Last4Ever (which you really can't lay flat on the ground).

So I am hoping someone could explain why my thinking on this subject is faulty.
 
Jamming the cue into the tool on the floor and playing, 'let's start a fire' is a horrible way to work on tips. Take the shaft off, use something like the L4E...or just a doubled piece of 220 sandpaper partially rolled to a proper profile and work the tip where you can see it.
 
DeeDeeCues said:
Jamming the cue into the tool on the floor and playing, 'let's start a fire' is a horrible way to work on tips. Take the shaft off, use something like the L4E...or just a doubled piece of 220 sandpaper partially rolled to a proper profile and work the tip where you can see it.
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Not doubt you are correct, but for someone like myself who has no artistic ability the 'lets start the fire' method seemed like the way to go.
 
Why can't you lay the Last4Ever tip tool on the ground?

Screenshot 2025-03-31 at 12.33.23 AM.png
 
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I just got and used the Last4Ever tool for the first time. great tool and easy to shape the tips.
I shaped 6 tips in a few minutes, don't need to lay it flat, it shaves off the leather easily without much pressure.
 
Watch various UTubes. Try any technique that looks comfortable to you. Get a junk cue or buy some cheap tips and dowels from Home Depot. Practice until you get it right. There are no mistakes… it’s a learning experience. Get started
 
Properly working up a cue tip is a feel that you develop over time. Think of it not as"grinding" but "shaping". I cut a six x one half inch piece, lengthwise, from PVC pipe (diameter will dictate shape of cue tip) and put a strip of "stick-on" sandpaper inside it. Don't know, but I would bet, the shaping motion is demonstrated on youtube.
 
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Rolling a shaft back and forth across your thighs, as you sit in a normal upright position, is as close as you can get to a lathe’s action. It works great with the Willard shaper. Be as gentle or aggressive as you need. I use it frequently for scuffing, shaping and burnishing tips. Be careful with the Lasts4Ever tool. The sandpaper is very aggressive.


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Ultimate Tip Tool IMHO is local Tip replacer Guy best friend, it does nothing well, but like Fancy Fishing Lure catches more Fisherman then Game Fish.

Get 220 Grit Sand Paper, get a New Dollar Bill.

You can scuff Tip with 22 sandpaper, you can Polish shaft or Remove Tip Mushroom with NEW BILL.
 
I use flat file and sculpt the tip. Rasp side to grind the excess - manual lathing and the finer side for sculpting.
On formed tips, you generally only need to bring the sides in. On flat ones, a round over motion - but only after you bring the sides in.
 
newcuer said:
Not doubt you are correct, but for someone like myself who has no artistic ability the 'lets start the fire' method seemed like the way to go.
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Yeah I’m with you. I’ve been doing that for the better part of 30 years with no problem.
 
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You guys need to 'shape' your tips...?

Seems weird considering the chalk does it every time you use it. :ROFLMAO:
 
The Last4ever tip tools are the best out there. I've used the same set now for four years or so, that means I have shaped thousands of tips with them and they are still going strong.
Works for both leather and synthetic materials.
 
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