Using pencil sharpener on the tip advice and experience.

[dor_147]

Hello all

I have used the sharpener in an angle that make the tip little bit of cone shape.

so I can not see the tip, only the furreal ,
as my aging eye sight deteriorated ,
i look for less distractions ,
any one try that ?

Cheers

[DeanH]

The usual method is to have the sides of the tip parallel with the ferrule; some have the tip larger than the ferrule (sometimes called a mushroom tip) whether just hanging over the sides of the ferrule or angled away from the ferrule.

None are correct, none are wrong; as with most things snooker-related it is down to personal preference.

I am in the parallel with the ferrule then rounded top cohort.
Personally I think the mushroom tips can allow the tip edge to be vulnerable to damage.
Your method allows for a smaller tip diameter on a larger ferrule; if it works for you, ok

[dor_147]

The usual method is to have the sides of the tip parallel with the ferrule; some have the tip larger than the ferrule (sometimes called a mushroom tip) whether just hanging over the sides of the ferrule or angled away from the ferrule.

None are correct, none are wrong; as with most things snooker-related it is down to personal preference.

I am in the parallel with the ferrule then rounded top cohort.
Personally I think the mushroom tips can allow the tip edge to be vulnerable to damage.
Your method allows for a smaller tip diameter on a larger ferrule; if it works for you, ok

Actually i did it by chance , I put the tip in "wrong" angle to the sharpener blade , so it make it cone shape.
the good thing that its looks nice and "neat" , now Ill test it , see if the less tip distraction will be better.

[Cue crafty]

Scalpel is better for keeping even tip side walls flush with the ferrule. Easier to use imo.

[DeanH]

Scalpel is better for keeping even tip side walls flush with the ferrule. Easier to use imo.

I use a fresh "stanley" blade, held flush to the ferrule, get a nice vertical/parallel side to the tip, which then is burnished


I did try some years ago a "tip sharpener" like this but found it always left a little lip on the tip from the ferrule, which you don't get with scalpel or stanley blades



https://www.amazon.co.uk/Billiard-Sn...8f9&th=1&psc=1

[Texas Snooker]

Personally, I use the "dime shape" or "dime arc" method to shape a cue tip for a regular cue stick that I use for regular pool shots, as well as snooker. The simplest way to explain it is to picture looking at your cue tip from the side, then holding up an American dime (or any perfect circle plane object with exact measurement of 17.91 mm (0.705 in)) directly behind the tip, so that the curvature of the dime matches the curvature of the tip. This provides the best curvature to maximize the imparting of spin on the white (properly chalked of course), while maintaining enough surface contact to prevent miscues. In addition, I would invest in a cue tip shaper device, which includes a bowl-shaped sanding surface that keeps the proper circle shape of the tip while sanding it to the desired tip curvature.

You may want just a bit more of an arc (more "pointed") if you have excellent cue control for snooker, though I find with tips that are more pointed, the control of the cue is slightly more difficult. Just search for the following term: "AMTOVL 3 in 1 Snooker Pool Cue Tip Shaper" for my personal favorite shaper that I use, and there are a variety of YouTube videos which show you how to properly use all its functions. For instance, I use the porcupine spikes to aerate the cue tip to hold chalk more securely to the tip, making it much easier to control.

[Cue crafty]

I use a fresh "stanley" blade, held flush to the ferrule, get a nice vertical/parallel side to the tip, which then is burnished


I did try some years ago a "tip sharpener" like this but found it always left a little lip on the tip from the ferrule, which you don't get with scalpel or stanley blades



https://www.amazon.co.uk/Billiard-Sn...8f9&th=1&psc=1

Yes, agreed and I found the sharpener approach a bit problematic for me personally, a couple of times I lost concentration and let the blade bite too much and take a chunk out the side!

It's not a true scalpel I use more a craft knife like this which has a nice grip on the handle. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pipestation...6a6be4e8ac737d

[fkhan]

I dented the wood under the ferrule a couple of times while using a sharpener to shape the sides of the tip. Never used it again lol.

[theplough]

Tried large pencil sharpener thing last night for the first time and managed to slice into the brass slightly! Managed to smooth it with a 60 grit paper and wirewool but now have a slightly reduced top half of ferrule which was last changed 30 years ago. It`s a very shiny ferrule now. Played with it tonight and all seems well. Think my touch and feel improved slightly, but that never lasts long......, if I use the gadget again I will tread carefully tho. Prob stick to the trusty Mr Stanley.