tool for trimming layered tip

Dave38

theemperorhasnoclotheson
Silver Member
I just did my first layered tip install, a H2 tip. It can out ok, I used a razor blade to trim it and was wondering were I can get a knife that will do this, as I really like to have a handle on it to use it safely. I remember Tiger having a video of one a while back, but can't find it on their site. Any tips on doing them right would be great also. Thanks,
Dave
 
I know what you mean about feeling safe using the razor. I have a razor handle from Husky that I just rest on the toolpost for trimming the edges flush, but I use the blade only for shaping the tip. The knife handle just gets in the way when trying to shape the tip.
 
dave stick to the razor. its so much easier. youll get the hang of it. at first i felt "unsafe" but you get use to it. it is really the best way. you have more range in movement but the key is sharpness of the tool. thats why the razoe blade is the best when it get a bit dull you toss it and get a new one.

i have two ways.
1 i use my tool post as a pivot. i learned the from joe blackburn
2. i put my right hand on the lathe bed. loop my left hand around so the headstock is kinda in my left armpit. that give me two hands and alot or control.

it years of diong tips i havent hurt myself yet
 
claymont said:
Is it just me, or does the final tip look like a different tip than was being installed??

I've tried the razor blade to trip the tip diameter to the ferrule, but don't care for it (couldn't get comfortable). I just use my cutting tool and them blend with 400g, 600g and then burnish!

Good luck,
Zim
 
Dave38 said:
I just did my first layered tip install, a H2 tip. It can out ok, I used a razor blade to trim it and was wondering were I can get a knife that will do this, as I really like to have a handle on it to use it safely. I remember Tiger having a video of one a while back, but can't find it on their site. Any tips on doing them right would be great also. Thanks,
Dave

I have used the WILLARDS TIPPER TRIMMER since the 1st day (26 years ago), & it does a GREAT job on EVERY TYPE OF TIP. It cuts the sides beautifully. I shape the tips in 1 of my lathes, using 60 grit sandpaper & cheap nickel or dime metal holder...JER
P.S I have 2 Willards & love them both. Easy to use for 1 piece Qs too.
 
Thanks for the videos and ideas. I have been using the razor for trimming the sides and shaping also, on the 1 piece leather tips, but the layered seemed to be a little different. I have heard that if using the wrong tool, you can cause the tip to delaminate, and that would be a bad thing:eek: I had thought about using the exacto knife blade but, I personnally don't think it's stiff enough for this kind of job.
Thanks again,
Dave
 
Dave38 said:
Thanks for the videos and ideas. I have been using the razor for trimming the sides and shaping also, on the 1 piece leather tips, but the layered seemed to be a little different. I have heard that if using the wrong tool, you can cause the tip to delaminate, and that would be a bad thing:eek: I had thought about using the exacto knife blade but, I personnally don't think it's stiff enough for this kind of job.
Thanks again,
Dave

Hi Dave,

I have used a razor blade for trimming and shaping laminated tips like Moori, Sniper and Super pro and never had problems except one time when I reused an old razor blade which was a little dull on the super pro tip and it delaminated. I now make sure to use a new blade on laminated tips to be sure it's razor sharp. I also have my deluxe lathe spinning at the slowest speed when doing this. It works for me and I feel a little safer too. :smile:

Chris
 
BLACKHEARTCUES said:
I have used the WILLARDS TIPPER TRIMMER since the 1st day (26 years ago), & it does a GREAT job on EVERY TYPE OF TIP. It cuts the sides beautifully. I shape the tips in 1 of my lathes, using 60 grit sandpaper & cheap nickel or dime metal holder...JER
P.S I have 2 Willards & love them both. Easy to use for 1 piece Qs too.

For clarification; Are you talking about the trimmer that comes on the Willard tip installation "machine"... the part that looks like a pencil sharpener? (no insult intended)

Thanks, Jim ... I have a Willard and the trimmer gets it very close to being finished. Just takes a little shaving w/a blade and then some light sanding.
 
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Re Exacto knives.
I have a handle that fits any exacto blade and is more the size of a short screwdriver handle. I have somewhat of a curved blade for the handle that might work ok for doing tips. The blade is much larger than a standard Exacto blade.
 
BECue said:
Hi Dave,

I have used a razor blade for trimming and shaping laminated tips like Moori, Sniper and Super pro and never had problems except one time when I reused an old razor blade which was a little dull on the super pro tip and it delaminated. I now make sure to use a new blade on laminated tips to be sure it's razor sharp. I also have my deluxe lathe spinning at the slowest speed when doing this. It works for me and I feel a little safer too. :smile:

Chris

a sharp blade is the key. well said. however i like the lathe spinning as fast as possible.
 
I perfer a razor blade after some practice its a breeze and you get more comfortable. I also have one of chris hight tower tip shapers. Works pretty well except I had issue on laminated tips. Maybe not the tool more the operator :) anyway a razor blade seem faster to me
 
I think Crown City Corey mentioned a while back when cutting Tiger tips was being discussed: Dampening the tip as you would before burnishing (I use good ol' fashioned spit on my finger) makes cutting the tip easier and also IMO keeps the tip a little cooler so as not to delaminate the layers.
 
Utility blades are the best I've found, just takes practice. Make sure your facing cutter is close to the tip for a steady rest, to far away and you can lose the grip of the utility blade, ouch already.:eek:
 
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