Tweeten Plastic Topper

[str8flexed]

I do not own a lathe but would like to do tips myself. I tried sanding down a ferrule of an extra, super-cheap cue and of course I sanded down the defined edges of the ferrule and it looked a lot like a piece of crap. (So, I learned not to just use a piece of sandpaper on my finger to run it over the ferrule.)

Well, I also don't want to spend lots of money, so I discovered this Tweeten Plastic Topper. Here's a link to what one looks like:

http://shop.9ballpool.co.uk/images/plastic_topper.jpg

Would buying one of these suckers let me have a perfectly flat ferrule surface? I think they're only 2 bucks, and if they work I don't see the need to have one of the metal heavy-duty ones or a lathe since I'll only be tipping every once in a while.

Thanks!
Adam

[DEATHTRON]

I have the super ultimate tip replacement from seyberts, though i dont see it on the website it was a good deal for $50.00. You got everything you needed and it made things easy. But the tip sander youre looking at looks alright i guess, i just dont know how long the plastic would last.

Zach

[skor]

that plastic topper looks like crap.
you sould get this one :



seyberts sell it for $12.75

I have one and it works great

[str8flexed]

Ha, ha, yea, Skor, yours looks a lot more quality.....I'll probably just get that one......

[str8flexed]

If the one you posted works that great......then what's the point of lathes?? I guess it makes it easier but the lathe is about $750!!

[skor]

if you are replacing 50 tips a day then you might want to get a lathe, but for a personal use and maybe for a few friends this tool will do great.
Also with a lathe you can do more things, like ferrukes, joints, change a tapper and much more.

[Tanar]

I have a metal topper and the plastic one as well. I find the plastic one does a better job and is easier to use. As for wearability, I have had mine for a year and have put on a number of tips for people and it is still good. If oyu check the forum, I have put instructions on how to retip a pool cue in the "tips" section.

[str8flexed]

Whoa Tanar. Are you serious?


LOL I may have to get the plastic one then...... :D

[str8flexed]

So you would use the yellow one over the metal one?!

[str8flexed]

Thanks. I have a question about your process.

16. Use the 2000 grit sandpaper and sand the edge of the tip flush with the ferrule. Do not to sand the shaft, but it won't do anything to the ferrule. This is what will make the tip look and feel like it just came off a lathe. I usually hold the sand paper in my right hand with only the tip and ferrlue in contact and rotate the shaft on my leg quickly on my left leg. This will generate heat and sand the tip and ferrule flush together.


You say "Do not sand the shaft, but it won't do anything to the ferrule." Do you still have the hocky sock tape on the ferrule when you're sanding the sides of the tip? I suppose this will protect the ferrule. Thanks!

[Tanar]

No, you take the tape off when you are done glueing. The tape is only to keep the glue off the ferrule. The 2000 grit sandpaper could change the shape of the ferrule, but you have to sit there and sand it for quite some time. the material the ferrule is made of is much harder than the hard maple of the shaft. And because the tip is the softest material between the ferule, shaft and tip, the sandpaper it shapes long before the other two.

Most of your shaping is done with the tip trimmer, so the sandpaper is mainly used to make the tip feel flush with the ferrule and to burnish.

[audiopro]

Tanar, good to see you back.. Was wondering when you would show up to answer these tipping questions.. :)

[str8flexed]

Thanks guys. I can always trust on your pool expertise since I have no one knowledgable to talk to in real life. :(

Anyway the 2000 grit sandpaper won't add little scratches to the ferrule and get it matte would it? But even if it does, I suppose it's okay.

[skor]

I don't use sand paper to flash the tip with ferrule, I use a sharp blade (very carefully :) ), once I'm done I burnish the side of the tip, either with the porper burnisher or just with my hand and a paper towel, I don't use the burnisher on layerd tips since the shape of it may separate the layers (according to Talisman).
when I'm done the tip looks just as if the shaft came of the production lathe :)

[Tanar]

No, the 2000 grit sandpaper won't leave little scratches. however, I haven't taken a microscope or magnifying glass to it.....

Audio,
Yeah, my postings on this board have really slowed down as i am getting more into woodworking and getting ready for school, plus working my full time job. I will be taking a 3 year Wood Products Manufacturing Technology Diploma program at a college in Winnipeg starting next month. In short, I will be a cabinet maker in a few years. Funny, what got me going into this entirely new field was the urge to build my own pool cues.

[skor]

good luck :)

[str8flexed]

No, the 2000 grit sandpaper won't leave little scratches. however, I haven't taken a microscope or magnifying glass to it.....

Audio,
Yeah, my postings on this board have really slowed down as i am getting more into woodworking and getting ready for school, plus working my full time job. I will be taking a 3 year Wood Products Manufacturing Technology Diploma program at a college in Winnipeg starting next month. In short, I will be a cabinet maker in a few years. Funny, what got me going into this entirely new field was the urge to build my own pool cues.

Interesting.... maybe you can build a couple pool tables in the future.. which would be cool!

[audiopro]

Tanar, glad to see you are pursuing it. I remember when you were first talking of getting into building cues.. Good to see you are on your way to that and more...

[dags_lax]

The pursuit of dreams brings many riches to a man's soul while the pursuit of riches leaves a void in ones soul. Good luck Tannar.

[Tanar]

Thanks everybody for the support. I know it won't be an easy road. I am doing small custom projects (non pool related) and it is amazing how many people want me to build things for them.

Str8flexed,
I thought about doing a pool table as my final project, but that is a huge undertaking and would cost way too much money. I have, however, seen a custom ping pong table that I am thinking about building. We will see....