Billards: Caring For And Protecting The Cue Stick
All cue stick owners must invest in a cue case that can protect the pool cue from tip damage, falls and warping due to humidity. Generally, a hard case is considered a better storage unit than a soft case, with the case stored in an upright position.
When using multi-piece cues, it is prudent to use joint protectors which are screwed onto both ends, helping to avert humidity from entering through the butt and shaft and preventing warping. In spite of all this care, the pool cue may still get slightly warped which is no big deal. The player must, however, take into account and make adjustments for the warp, maintaining the warp on a vertical and not horizontal plane. Warping can be checked by "sighting", where the user looks straight down to the shaft from the butt, similar to sighting through a rifle. The warp will show like a slight curve.
When a warp is severe and adjusting positioning does not do the trick and it is impossible to undo the warp, it is best to buy a new cue. Often, using a good case would have avoided this situation.
When the cue is new, the tip is smooth, shiny and not rounded. The owner may then round off the tip or like beginners, use it as it is. The way the pool cue is used to play and stroked will finally determine the shape of the tip. Continuous shaping wears down the tip fast. Tips can be easily replaced, using a new tip, glues like Duro-gel, SuperGlue or Locite, razor blades, 400-600 grit sandpaper and 60-80 grip sandpaper.
The old tip is removed with a razorblade making sure of not cutting into the wood. Then the 60-80 grit sandpaper is used to sand the ferrule top, which may be white plastic or brass. The bottom of the new tip must be well sanded with the 60-80 until rough. A light coat of glue is applied to both sanded ends and joined together carefully and held pressed for one minute. Once the glue is dried any excess glue overhang can be gently removed with the razor blade so that the tip and ferrule are one piece. Slightly wet the sides of the tip and polish to a shine with the 400-600 sandpaper. This sandpaper may also be used to shape the tip. The glue must be absolutely dry before using the cue. The cue must be maintained clean at all times. Buildup of chalk on the tip and buildup of chalk on the shaft from the hands, are common and must be wiped clean after playing.
Sticky cues harm shots and most good players will wipe down the pool cue both before and after a billards game. Cues may be wiped using a dry cotton cloth or can be cleaned with special products for burnishing and smoothing the cue shafts. If a wet cloth is used, to clean the cue, it must be dried down to prevent warping. Washing hands both before and after playing is a must for all pool players.
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