sanding down ferrule

[cowhornz]

the top part of my ferrule on a cheap stick was messed up by the porper burnisher. it curves in towards the top so it's thinner than the rest of the ferrule. when it is once 1" long, does sanding it down to maybe 3/4ths inch affect much the playability or deflection?

[The Kurly One]

Take it to a reputable cue smith and get the ferrel replaced. It will cost you less than 30 bucks, or spend the extra cash and get a phenolic ferrel put on woth a good layered tip.... IMHO... which obviously means crap over here...

[skor]

If it's a real cheap cue I don't think I would bother with ferrule replacement and I would have probably sand it it a bit. beside the point that the shaft will be slightly shorter you won't feel much difference in playability.

[The Kurly One]

Actually it makes a large difference IMHO in hoa a cue plays, in fact I have done it with cheaper cues in the past and it has made a great differnce in the cues feel and playability. Ask KJ or one of the other cue smiths if it makes a difference, I'm sure that you will find that it does not turn your Embassy into a Schon but it certainly makes it play and feel better than a Cuetec...

[skor]

cutting/sanding a one inch ferrule to a 3/4 inch will reduce the front end mass of the shaft that will reduce cue ball deflection but in such a low percentage that it it'll be negligible.
I doubt that cutting 1/4 inch of the ferrule will make the cue play better, it won't make it play worst so that leaves us with "play the same"... :icon_biggrin:

Cost example:
J&J cues offer an extra shaft for their cheap cues for $25 while a ferrule replacement costs $30 (not including a tip, add $10 - $20)... where is the logic?

Some cues are just not worth investing in them.

[The Kurly One]

Yes, but if you like the cue it is worth it. Is it Not? A car comes with a stereo that is more than adequate, yet many people spend more money than is necessary on there 1992 Corrolla... more often than not more than the vehicle is worth... probably because they like it...

[KJ]

There are several factors that come into play here.
It's your ferrule but I'd suggest that you NOT 'sand it down'.
To be done properly, it should be trimmed down on a lathe to
assure a perfectly flat surface for the tip.
Next would be the type of ferrule that you have on the cue.
Is it a capped ferrule or is it a 'through' ferrule?
If the ferrule is capped, trimming down the ferrule will reduce
the thickness of the cap. If it's a 'through' ferrule, meaning that the tenon that supports the ferrule runs all the way through the ferrule, then you don't have 'cap thickness' to worry about. In either case,
the overall length of the shaft will be reduced by the amount of mtrl. removed.

Routine maintenance is required on any cue whether it's a high-end or low-end cue. If the cue you are inquiring about is low-end, a ferrule replacement should be considered an upgrade. The ferrule type & mtrl. composition plays heavily in the 'hit' of a cue. Generally, the harder the ferrule mtrl., the firmer the hit will be. The lighter the mtrl., less deflection of the QB will be realized, sometimes dramatically.

A phenolic ferrule is a bit extreme IMO, unless this is a dedicated break cue. Phenolic is a tad on the heavy side compared to other ferrule mtrls. and will contribute to increased deflection. This is not a great concern on a break cue because, in most cases, you don't move off center of the QB much on the break shot. On your game cue, you would ideally want to keep the deflection down to a manageable and consistent level.

In any event, unless your tip is ready to be replaced, I'd suggest that you wait and have the problem addressed at the same time with the tip replacement. When you're ready, send it to Seybert's and I'll take care of it.

[KJ]

Take it to a reputable cue smith and get the ferrel replaced. It will cost you less than 30 bucks, or spend the extra cash and get a phenolic ferrel put on woth a good layered tip.... IMHO... which obviously means crap over here...

Kurly,
Your opinions, while certainly welcome, mean no less or no more than anyone else's that contributes to this forum, except mine. Particularly when you're in my arena.