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Storage - Carry and
store your cue in a "cue case". There are many
types and styles of cases to fit most any pocket
book. I prefer a hard case with individual
compartments or padded tubes for each butt and
shaft. The hard cases seem to offer better
protection than most other cases, but are usually a
little more expensive.
The soft cases or envelope cases are better than
nothing, but can leave your cue vulnerable to nicks
and scratches. The lesser expensive of these type
cases, usually have no pockets or separations
inside the case to keep the shafts and butt from
banging against each other. There are some very
nice and inexpensive envelope cases that do a good
job, but still do not offer the exterior protection
that a hard case can.
Tip Maintenance - Shaping your tip from time
to time may be necessary, especially with the
softer tips. Keep in mind the more ofter you shape
or scuff your tip, the more frequent you will have
to have the tip replaced.
Many players refer to the shape of there tip as
being a dime or nickel radius. What this means is
that the tip is in a dome shape with a curvature
the same as the outside curvature of a dime or a
nickel. There are all sorts of contraptions in the
billiard industry to help you shape your tip. I
personally prefer a more high tech method. I use
what is called 220 grit sand paper, cupped in the
palm of my hand. In shaping your tip, you are
trying to accomplish an even curvature all around
the tip and the sand paper also scuffs the tip a
little to help it hold chalk. Using the sand paper
"lightly" all around the tip. And if this doesn't
suit you, then there are two choices, maybe
three.... 1. buy one of the fool proof shapers,
have your cue mechanic do it, or play with a flat
tip.... some do and play very well.
Many players use "tip piks" to help there tip hold
chalk. It's a little tube with needles in it that
you press on the tip, punctures the tip and the tip
holds chalk better. They seem to work well, but be
careful if you decide to use them on a layered tip,
they can pull a layer right off.
When to change your tip? I recommend
changing your tip when the base of the tip is the
thickness of a dime. If you continue to play after
that, you risk damaging the ferrule. It's much
cheaper to spend the $15 for a new tip now, than to
spend $40 later for a ferrule and tip.
Keeping it clean - Wiping down your shaft
during play with a damp paper towel is very
helpful. After the end of each playing session,
wipe down the shaft and butt with a damp cloth and
then a dry towel. (avoid wiping the wrap) This will
help remove some of the oils and dirt from use. You
can wax the butt of your cue, not the wrap, with a
soft automotive paste wax once in a while. A spray
on furniture wax will help the apperance also.
Spray it on the rag and then wipe the butt
down.
Shaft cleaning - Don't expect to get all the
chalk and dirt out of the pours of the shaft. Using
a window cleaner, wet a paper towel and wipe down
the shaft. Repeat, until you get as much of the
dirt as possible. Using a dry paper towel, briskly,
rub the shaft up and down until friction creates
some heat, this will help dry the shaft and smooth
out any raised wood caused by the dampness. I
cannot recommend using sandpaper on your shaft, but
if you feel the need, don't use any grit lower than
1000. Sanding your shaft makes it smaller in
diameter and will eventually change the way your
cue plays and weighs, and the shaft will have to be
replaced. The best way to clean a shaft is let a
reputable cue repair person clean it for you. Cost
is usually around $10. For the $10, you usually get
your shaft and ferrule cleaned, burnished, sealed
and waxed for a silky smooth shaft. Sealing helps
keep the shaft cleaner, longer.
The Joints - Joint pins are usually not very
delicate, but shouldn''t be abused. The finish at
the joints is the most delicate part. Joint
protectors can be used to help protect the edges of
the joint finish. The protectors will also protect
the pin from nicks, etc;
If you have a particular question about your own
cue, please go ahead and ask. If I can offer
advice, keep it mind it's free!
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