Installing a Phenolic Tip

[madmax]

Hey KJ

I was going to replace the tip on my break cue with a phenolic tip that i purchased from Seybert's. I have not had any experience with phenolic tips however i do replace tips on a regular basis.

Do i just go about it like i were installing a regular tip, is there anything i should know before i install it? Any tips or pointers are welcome.

Thanks
Max

ps. the cue should be here tomorrow cant wait to see your work :D

[KJ]

Hi Max,
There are no secrets to installing a phenolic tip other than making sure that you have it as centered as possible (concentric). Lightly sand the back, apply glue to both surfaces and install the tip. Hold it in place for at least 30 sec. with light pressure (accelerator optional).
You'll likely have to trim the tip down to the ferrule size after installation as I make these at 14mm. Bingo, you're done. Go play.

[McChen]

is it possible to trim the phenolic tip by hand using a razor? i've installed my own tips using hand tools, but only leather. seems phenolic would be too hard?

[KJ]

I may have been a bit hasty in my response in that, since Max stated that he does tips on a regular basis, I assumed he has a lathe (of sorts) that he uses. So in answer to the question, 'can the phenolic tip be trimmed by hand using a razor?', I'm going to say NO, not without hacking away at it and then you run the risk of getting into the ferrule. These should only be done on a lathe with the shaft spinning true & trimmed with a cutting tool that would normally be used to cut wood or steel. I only use a lathe to install tips although I know that some DIY'ers can do a pretty good job by hand, but these phenolics are just too hard for that method.

[madmax]

Hey KJ

I guess i am one of those DIY'ers haha ... i went ahead and put it on and had no problems doing it ... and FYI the cue looks amazing thanks


McChen

i used my regular hand tools and got the (phenolic) tip trimmed and shapped very nicely IMHO and it plays absolutly amazing .. but like KJ said just be real careful not to scratch or gouge the ferrule .. best of luck!

[skor]

What tool did you use to trim it down?

[madmax]

i used the mushroom grazer followed by the cut rite that i got from seyberts ... along with this i have a few self made sanding tools to get it just right

[McChen]

hmm...interesting! thanks for the info madmax. i'll have to give this a try one day. i had never thought to try a phenolic tip before, i just assumed it was too hard to even think about doing by hand.