Hey, just wanted to say how much i appreciate your enthusiasm in the sport. Without your guide, i would have been stuck with a cue that looked like i glued an old rug to a broomstick. Thank you for this amazing guide.
And i thought i used to be over the top on detail when changing tips, this is next level. Great insight, and a couple of things that i had failed to consider. Thanks Barry.
Hi Barry, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks for the detailed instructions and key points to focus on. This is excellent for my first time tip changing!!
Been playing pool and snooker for a little while now but always used the cues at the snooker hall, got myself a nice cue today so this really helped me to shape my tip and know how to replace when its needed, thank you 👍 (now i cant wait to play with my new cue and tip)
Simplicity at its best, thanks mate. Nice and easy guide. Used someone else's advice and the tip ended up jagged. This was straight forward and will use this guide tonight 👍
who would of thought a putting a tip on video would be so good to watch. ill be fitting a new tip at the weekend wish me luck . great video sir thanks .
Thanks, Mr. Stark, for making the excellent video. I'm from the US and there isn't much snooker played here compared to 8-ball and 9-ball pool. It's hard to find a snooker table in my local area, so I've only played a few times and found it to be quite the difficult game for a beginner. I really like watching the videos of the great players, though.
LMAO :D I did the same once with a video on how to build outdoor outdoor cat houses. I watched about 1hrs worth of videos on it and I dont even own a cat.
I subscribed for all the jigs this man made, I'm a hobbyist knife maker and play 8 ball for my down time. I bought my second pool cue and I'd rather replace the tip myself and seeing this man do what he did inspired me beyond what I was expecting. I'd like to give you a big Texas thank you for sharing your trade secrets with all of us on here.
Tanis. Great that you like the videos, I often have to fit tips on site and am only allowed 15 minutes to do it, I had to find a quick and effective way of doing it.
Thank you for your videos, Mr. Stark. I'm an English teacher from Switzerland, have just started playing snooker more seriously and your tips & instructions are immensely helpful.
Hello Barry just wanted to send a message thanking you this video. I am a big snooker fan & play on average about once a week ( high break 42 ) I put a new tip on yesterday by following this video. I was amazed by the difference it made I have so much more touch in the balls now and am sure I will be a 50+ break play in the very near future. Keep your videos coming they very informative & great to watch !!! Thanks John
johnnyeboy. It has always surprised me a little that even some professional players have difficulty in putting a tip on, I am pleased that you have had a go and that the video has helped. Roll on the 50 break.
Hi Barry, just discovered you after buying a 6 foot snooker table in lockdown and it's rejuvenated my love for the game even at my silly level. A couple of weeks later, I bought a pretty cue craft Buxton cue and found it quite tinny in sound during any pot. Felt really disheartened as it was a beautifully made cue but it sounded awful and wrong with every shot. I followed your advice on changing a tip and my cue has been transformed . You are a treasure to snooker and you keep it so simple for all to have a go . Best wishes and keep up your great input. Best
Thank you. You have given me the confidence to try once again .. my father was a shoe maker and artists are hard to find. Thank you again for sharing your expertise. I use a soft tip and tend to wear them out rather quickly and need to wait til I get to the states to have it replaced.
Michael. I openly admit that there is no substitute for trimming a tip on a machine. Unfortunately most of the tips I put on are done on site with no machinery available so I had to devise my own method. I volunteered to fix the tips on the club cues practising until I was confident that even professional players would come to me. Where there is a will there is a way, you can do it, it just needs a little patience and practise.
I used to attend the Billiard Congress of America tournament in Las Vegas each year and get my tip replaced at the cue repair booths set up there at the tournament. They use a lathe to trim off the old tip and glue. After gluing on a new tip, the lathe is used to trim it flush with the ferrule and to burnish the edges. Works pretty well, and cost is reasonable.
OhMost. Over the years I have become reasonably good at fitting a tip but there is no way that I can compete with a lathe, either to ensure a flat surface or to trim the tip flush. However, I usually have to fit tips on site and unfortunately a lathe is never available.
Thank you so much for this video Barry. I’ve always struggled to get my tips on properly and this video has helped me a lot. I’m going to find one of those knives you used in order to help me get my tips flush. I wasn’t aware that you should put a bigger tip on.
Nay. Great that the video helps, some players have a problem fitting a tip exactly the same size as the cue so trimming a slightly bigger tip after fitting makes the task easier. I am afraid my knife is hand make from a machine hacksaw blade so you may have to shop around to get something similar.
hi Barry, I am thinking of re tipping my cue soon. I just wanting to say thanks for uploading your videos, they are very informative and helpful. All the best thanks john
Ive recently purchased a nice cue and now play at my golf club ( both Snooker & Golf) . I used this video for changing my first tip. This video is very well detailed and I have used this to change my tip sucessfully. Im very pleased. I used the elk master 10mm tip on a 9.5mm ferrule. I also found using a square foam sanding block from my local wickes DIY works very well too. Hope this helps.
I've been putting tips on for years, lost count as to how many but I know this month I've done 15-16 and pretty much exactly this way except I use a clamp to hold the tip in place for 5 minutes. Also I made a little paddle, like a mini table tennis bat and stuck a medium and a fine piece of emery cloth on either side and it is great for shaping the tip. I loved the little clamp to remove the glue and old tip too, I've had a few nicks over the years from slippy hands so will defo add that to my tip kit:)
Thank you very much for this video, no more messed up ferrules from me! I'm afraid my lack of experience and knowledge led me to absolutely butcher my old cues ferrule by filing it, scratching it and getting glue all over it. Luckily it was a cheap cue but this video saved my new cue craft cue, thank you very much Mr. Stark 👍
This video was very informative, thank you for posting. I have tried to fix tips on my cue and in the process damanged the wood and the ferrule, there are minute cracks on the shaft, i would really appreciate if u make a video on cue maintainance.
i have been replacing my own tip for a while now and have also been replacing tips for my friends. I like the idea of using masking tape and the type of knife you're using looks like would make doing this much easier. thank you.
Joseph. The knife is one that I made from an old machine hacksaw blade, I find the fact that it is chisel sharpened helps in keeping the blade flush with the cue and ferrule. The masking tape just ensures that no glue gets on the cue itself.
I live in America and my local pool hall uses a lathe, but I would like to know how to change a tip by hand if I ever need to. I found that Snooker players have much more detailed videos on how to change a tip, thanks for this useful lesson!
SUSU101. There is no doubt if you have access to a lathe it is an advantage, however, I invariably have to change tips for players at the venue where there are no aids and doing it by hand is a necessity.
Great video, I had no idea ! I've been playing since I was a kid and never gave proper respect to the tip as I only used house cues...Now that I have my own cue it's clear as day that the right tip is essential ! Many thanks good sir.
Thanks so much for replying to my questions Barry, I really do appreciate it. Would you be able to do a video on how to brush, block and iron a table correctly ? Also, what is the best way to restore a badly scratched ferrule without actually replacing it? Maybe 0000 wire wool first and then a nail polisher to finish maybe? Or do you need extra fine sandpaper I.e. 2000 grit or 2500 grit wet and dry? I'm just not sure on the different stages to get the scratched ferrule to a decent looking ferrule. Many thanks Barry.
Great video. I tried doing this on my own and I ripped the fiber off my tip. The second time I was a bit better but I really needed this video to get my cue tip perfect ;)
Barry Stark Snooker Coach yeh thought about asking him because I definitely need to get used to doing it as I've never done one before and my tip is now worn. If I can do it and not scratch the ferule and learn how to shape it correctly I will be changing my tip more often
Dear Mr. Stark, Your video are excellent, thank you very much for sharing. Could you please share with us the CAMI Grit designation of the various sandpapers you use for the different phases? Thanks, Roberto
BarryStark, you are a genius. I was always struggling to remove remnants of glue wood portion and ferule using emery and usually ending with slightly rounded edges on the ferule. The implement at 5.55 mnts is brilliant. Can you guide me how to make this implement? I am making the Kiridashi knife from a hacksaw blade; online the knife is equivalent of ten pounds! I already have the tip clamp which I use. Here in india, the gel variety of glue is rare and hard to get. Most cue technicians use the quick setting instant glue requiring placing the cue tip centrally first time or remove and do all over again. Lastly the sponge burnishing is again new to me and a brilliant innovation. Thank you for the great video. P.S. I would request you to add your advice to every player to do the tip on their own as no one else will take the care which the player himself will for the most important part of the game!
ViswaNath. All it is is a piece of copper tube which fits nicely over the cue, so the diameter is important as you don't want too much room or play but equally you don't want it too tight as it may mark the cue. Put a saw cut a few inches down the tube, this is to hold the Stanley blade. The next bit is the hard bit because you need something to hold the blade in place, to do this I acquired the help of a friend who made it for me on a lathe, something that I do not possess, it slots into the copper tube and holds the blade in place while I apply slight pressure to clean the top of the cue and ferrule.
brilliant..im changing from a blue diamond and trying a Kamui..im wondering due to the layers just like a talisman, is it still the same process..i love watching your videos..lovely bloke who knows his stuff....respect
Many thanks for your videos, I find them very informative. I bought a tip clamp the other day but was wondering how much pressure I should use (i.e. How tight you should clamp it). Is it possible to over compress it? If it does over compress, can we use a tip roughing up tool (like the pins or sand paper) to loosen it up a bit?
Boom. I'm afraid only experience will teach you how much pressure to apply but generally I find it very difficult to apply too much. Certainly slight scuffing of the surface of the tip will be necessary irrespective of how much pressure is applied and this is usually achieved during the shaping process.
My dad used to own a snooker hall around the late 90's, early 2000's, I used to be there all time, I was only around 9, 10 years old, I remember him doing this, ahh the good times.
Nice tutorial, I'm a bit old fashioned, I still use my very old stock of green wafers, my preference is to get them soft/gooey from boiling water (placed in a spoon,) I find they stick just fine and you get more time to move the tip around centralising it, also the thickness of the wafer allows for any undulations/miss shaped tips to be evened out, I do like the idea of using gel glue though, much better than getting the runny stuff stuck all over your fingers LOL.
Gregory. Great, stick with what you know and with what you get success. In the pro game you have to use super glue simply because you are only allowed minimum time. Even in practise pros are an impatient lot and feel it is a waste of time waiting for the glue to set.
Hello Barry, I really enjoyed this video and so I subscribed to your channel, having recently retired I have lots of time on my hands which I will spend some of playing snooker, pig or buffalo leather tips, which one is more preferable for you?
@scott. Superglue gel sets very quickly so you can use the cue almost immediately, however, since you ask for a time I would make sure by allowing 5 minutes.
Hey Barry - what do you think about using the old Baldock wafers to glue the tip to the cue? And is there a special technique for using them please? Love ALL your videos - common sense and experience, a WINNING combination!
Mr. Over the years tips have got better and I don't like the idea of putting something between the tip and the cue, you get a different feel so I am not in favour of them I'm afraid. Added to that is the time element, you have to leave them longer for the glue to set. In tournament play the professionals are only allowed 15 minutes to change a tip so super glues are essential. Its a long time since I used one of the wafers but if memory serves me correctly you are best clamping the tip to the cue overnight.
I think the key thing for me to remember was, keep pressure applied down onto the cue to stop the fibres from opening, whilst trimming excess tip..in the past I have not done so..an the fibre has spread everso slightly an affected it in a way that the tip shape became mis shapen? Great clip
Thanks a lot, Mr Stark, for the detailed video. I successfully changed my tip using this. However, the masking paper tape that you wrapped around the ferrule didn't turn out to be a great idea. Instead of wiping off the super glue, it got stuck to the ferrule and had to be scraped off laboriously - yet not perfectly. Did I miss something?
Abubakar. I always use masking tape to prevent any surplus glue getting on the ferrule, even so I still try not to get any glue on the tape, the only thing I can think of is that you have used an excessive amount of glue.
Barry, after you sand the bottom of the tip before putting glue on it are u best rubbing the bottom of the tip on a piece of wood to burnish it so the glue doesn't soak into the tip as much? In the video you put glue on the bottom of the tip directly after sanding it, is it better to burnish it first before applying the glue?
dmor8579. If you put glue on to a very smooth surface there is a danger that the glue will not adhere properly. burnishing the bottom of the tip will make it very smooth and increase the risk of this. I sand the bottom of the tip to ensure it is flat and clean with a SLIGHTLY roughened surface enabling the glue to adhere better. I also mention in the video that I use gel glue to avoid it soaking into the tip, liquid glue does tend to soak in a little.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Well they were ok for me, but going to try your wat this weekend. Have never domed my tip like that, so i'll let you know how it goes...
Hi Barry, thanks for the great video. I just replaced my tip as per the video with a soft elk pro tip as previous had mushroomed. Feels great however the cue ball keeps jumping when trying to screw back. This rarely happened before I changed tips and I can only go about 1 tip below centre without it jumping. I've put a decent curve and chalked it properly. I'm not sure if it's the tip or something I've done. Thanks in advance
sach. The pro elk tips do seem to be a little firmer that the ordinary elk tips, even the soft ones. Having said that before you decide to go back to your other tips put yourself on video and see if you can spot a flaw such as see sawing with the cue, or maybe there is a little tension that should not be there.
Nakadu. Some tips need the compression, others certainly don't. Its all down to personal preference. I even know one player who placed his tips in a microwave for ten seconds, he maintained that it took any moisture out of the tip and made them harder but also more consistent when he put a new one on. A little extreme for me but each to their own.
Sam. Certainly, the only thing is that it will tend to flatten the tip somewhat and you will probably need to spend some time shaping it after you have stuck it on. Please be patient when shaping(a slight dome is best) some players needlessly tend to butcher a tip.
Mr. Stark, I love your videos, so well presented and filled with priceless information, but I have a question about this one, why remove the masking tape before cutting and shaping the tip? Wouldn't it be better to leave it on to protect the ferrule through those steps?
Nick. Glad that you like the videos. The masking tape is really only there to prevent any glue going onto the ferrule. I remove it simply because I trim the tip carefully and can do it without marking the ferrule, if you feel happier leaving the tape on I would advise that you do it, incidentally a knife that is chisel sharpened is a big help.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Hello, thanks for the reply! I think I'll keep it on until I trust my filing as much as you do yours! And great advice on the chisel sharpened blade, fortunately I have the tools to make myself one. Take care, sir!
Hi sir. What tips Kyren and you are using? And what hardness? I always when i am changing tip to my cue, I watch this helpfull video. I have one more question, How I can fix the dents of my cue shaft? My cue is Peradon.
Matti. Kyren uses the Century tips Grade 3 sometimes 4. I tend to stick with the Elkmaster tips although I have used Century tips as well. In respect of the dents in your cue, I would leave that to the professionals, some can be steamed out, some sanded out with others needing grain filler, please don't ruin your cue by attempting it yourself.
Very informative. Will use paste glue from now on as runny blue has been a problem. I have a two piece plastic "clamp" (a ring slides over a holding piece to tighten the pressure) that holds the tip in place while the glue sets. Do you have an opinion on these devices or are they just a gimic (came as an extra when I bought some tips)?
pilgrimpater. They are not a gimmick but if you are using super clue perhaps a little unnecessary. I also have found that if you push the ring down too hard they can also mark the cue so be careful.
I'm have issues with a trumpet style tip after I've cut the tip. Cant seem to get it completely flush with the ferrel any tips on how to get it more flush?
my cue keeps pulling the hairs out of my chin please can you tell me how or what to do to fix this. I've got some tape running the length of my cue an it looks silly.
If you play with an ash cue and they are not looked after properly the grain of the wood can shrink a little and then have a tendency to grab any stubble on your chin slightly. My advice is to have the cue re-furbished or play with a maple cue which will not give you the same problem.
Whatever you do please don't sandpaper your cue. You could try putting a little furniture polish on the cue. Tried it myself on one occasion but it made the cue so slippery I felt as if I had lost control, but who knows it may suit you.
Danelus. Most of the equipment I made myself. The equipment I use to ensure the cue is clean yet level when the old tip is removed is in the process of being made. I am however having problems getting them made to my satisfaction.
Hi barry, i have a problem shaping the tip. Right side of the tip gets always down no matter how good i shape the tip. When i play a shot with the side the cue ball spins more n i couldn't hit accurate shot n the result is miss... leaving me frustrated. I sand the tip n get better shots then again this problem occur. I have no clue what i am doing wrong. Left side of the tip is firm n hard but the right side gets down n edges out of the ferrule. I changed the cue but the problem is same. Used a tip shaper but no luck. Really frustrated. Hope u could help me out.... Really grateful for yr kind advice
@Barry Stark Snooker Coach ... please could You tell us: Which sand paper grade is the best to choose while shaping a tip. I guess there are at least two types of grades ... first for shaping contour and the last for a fine tuning...
Piotr. I just use 600 grade and when I want to finish the shaping off with smoother paper, I just fold a piece in half, rub the two abrasive surfaces together producing finer paper, I find that does the job very well.
Here I am in Australia in a stinking hot day watching this, Thought I would give it a go and turned the cue upside down to apply pressure on the glue and smashed the ceiling fan above me with the butt. Now I have went from the living room with no fan to the dog house with the wife. Got a smashed and warped ceiling fan and a nice mark on the butt of my cue and a cranky Shelia. I think I will have a cold one and put a lottery on. Gid day for Australia regards Walter Riley. Aka Wally
S O. Oh! dear I showed this comment to my wife and it reminded her of something that happened many years ago. We had had a little tiff, she was washing the pots, I turned to wipe my cue down prior to going out to play a match and the wedding ring was threaded on it. We are still married.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach Yip you know that feeling. I never won the lottery by way. But I did have a cold one and will have another for you and your good lady tomorrow New Year’s Eve Ps I am out the dog house. Gid day from Oz Wally and have a great new year
newjerseybt Am to big for a cat house my gut would get stuck and that would allow the wife to beat me on the backside and I won’t be able to run 🤗. Sometime it’s just good to go with flo for a few day and get out of solitary confinement.
Hi mr.barry thank you for the video, I just bought my first cue and i have questions if you have the time to answer I really appreciate it , Why i have to press the tip over night ? Should i use different grade of grit ( rough - medium- fine) or just the One piece shaper tool should be fine ? Does the wooden clamp hurt the shaft ? Thanks again coach
lion. If you use an impact adhesive to stick the tip on it will probably be best to clamp it overnight, however, with the modern super glues it is not necessary and the tip will be ready for use in a few minutes. Shaping the tip often requires different grades of abrasives, use the shaping tool to start with and then finish it off with slightly finer grades. There are several types of clamps on the market, which ever one you choose to use please be a little careful until you are confident with what you are doing.
Hey, just wanted to say how much i appreciate your enthusiasm in the sport. Without your guide, i would have been stuck with a cue that looked like i glued an old rug to a broomstick. Thank you for this amazing guide.
Glad I could help!
Wow. You're 10 levels above all I've seen about removing tips. Thank you.
Glad to help
but will it make me play better
hands down the best video about cue tips on youtube! thanks mr,barry your videos are pricless
I was a little disappointed, he didn't even mention how to properly clean the ear wax off of them.
That'd be a Q-tip ;)
Never a truer word has been spoken
absolutely right
Thank you Barry, great seeing a master of his trade using self made tools.
Awe the best for ‘24. 🥃🏴
Glad you enjoyed it
And i thought i used to be over the top on detail when changing tips, this is next level. Great insight, and a couple of things that i had failed to consider. Thanks Barry.
This is by far the most comprehensive tip changing and shaping video I've seen after a long time searching.
Bravo Mr Stark.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Barry,
I would like to express my appreciation and thanks for the detailed instructions and key points to focus on.
This is excellent for my first time tip changing!!
I enjoy watching this man with his snooker instructions, and now his artisanship on installing a new tip. He's a real pro.
Easy. Many thanks, glad you like the videos.
Been playing pool and snooker for a little while now but always used the cues at the snooker hall, got myself a nice cue today so this really helped me to shape my tip and know how to replace when its needed, thank you 👍 (now i cant wait to play with my new cue and tip)
wonderful video, I recently got my very own cue and I'm looking forward to using this tutorial for maintaining it! Thank you for making this!
M. A lot of pros have difficulty changing a tip, just take your time it is easy.
Simplicity at its best, thanks mate. Nice and easy guide. Used someone else's advice and the tip ended up jagged. This was straight forward and will use this guide tonight 👍
who would of thought a putting a tip on video would be so good to watch. ill be fitting a new tip at the weekend wish me luck . great video sir thanks .
Watching your videos has not only been a pleasure but its improved my pool game. This video is an absolute gem. Thank you for the knowledge!
abstracthc. Glad to be of help, good luck with your game.
Thanks, Mr. Stark, for making the excellent video. I'm from the US and there isn't much snooker played here compared to 8-ball and 9-ball pool. It's hard to find a snooker table in my local area, so I've only played a few times and found it to be quite the difficult game for a beginner. I really like watching the videos of the great players, though.
Thanks for that. You explained it very well, especially the tip shaping bit where you explained you're actually filing from the centre to the outside.
Dalai. Yes, you need to do that otherwise there is a risk of lifting the fibres and ruining the tip.
Only at the end do I realize how long this video was. I don't even play snooker. What am I doing here?
John Miller the same with me...hahaha. But at least now I know how to change the tip.
time waste
Maybe you should try snooker - use Barry's video lessons and tips - it is a wonderful game and you will enjoy it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was going to like this comment, but who am I to end a 147?
LMAO :D I did the same once with a video on how to build outdoor outdoor cat houses. I watched about 1hrs worth of videos on it and I dont even own a cat.
Thanks for the reply about making the bottom of the tip smooth or not Barry, at least I know now! Many thanks, all your advice is much appreciated.
Wisdom and experience, so rare this days. Thank you sir!
Glad you enjoyed it
I subscribed for all the jigs this man made, I'm a hobbyist knife maker and play 8 ball for my down time. I bought my second pool cue and I'd rather replace the tip myself and seeing this man do what he did inspired me beyond what I was expecting. I'd like to give you a big Texas thank you for sharing your trade secrets with all of us on here.
Tanis. Great that you like the videos, I often have to fit tips on site and am only allowed 15 minutes to do it, I had to find a quick and effective way of doing it.
Thank you for your videos, Mr. Stark. I'm an English teacher from Switzerland, have just started playing snooker more seriously and your tips & instructions are immensely helpful.
Uriel. Glad to be of help.
Hello Barry just wanted to send a message thanking you this video.
I am a big snooker fan & play on average about once a week ( high break 42 )
I put a new tip on yesterday by following this video.
I was amazed by the difference it made I have so much more touch in the balls now and am sure I will be a 50+ break play in the very near future.
Keep your videos coming they very informative & great to watch !!!
Thanks John
johnnyeboy. It has always surprised me a little that even some professional players have difficulty in putting a tip on, I am pleased that you have had a go and that the video has helped. Roll on the 50 break.
Hi Barry, just discovered you after buying a 6 foot snooker table in lockdown and it's rejuvenated my love for the game even at my silly level.
A couple of weeks later, I bought a pretty cue craft Buxton cue and found it quite tinny in sound during any pot.
Felt really disheartened as it was a beautifully made cue but it sounded awful and wrong with every shot.
I followed your advice on changing a tip and my cue has been transformed .
You are a treasure to snooker and you keep it so simple for all to have a go .
Best wishes and keep up your great input.
Best
joe. Great that you have resolved the problem, when you next change the tip may I suggest that you make sure that the ferrule is secure.
Great video. Unfortuantely, I watched it a second time substituting the p for a t in the word tip and now I've got a stitch.
Ive been changing my own tips since I was 15 and am pretty good at it now but I still learned a few things from this video. Cheers!
Kaboom. Glad you like the video, not all players, including some professionals can change a tip adequately so well done.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach hi I’ve just bought a new cue and the tip is hard really hard like plastic should I re tip that or sand it down thanks
Thank you. You have given me the confidence to try once again .. my father was a shoe maker and artists are hard to find. Thank you again for sharing your expertise. I use a soft tip and tend to wear them out rather quickly and need to wait til I get to the states to have it replaced.
Michael. I openly admit that there is no substitute for trimming a tip on a machine. Unfortunately most of the tips I put on are done on site with no machinery available so I had to devise my own method. I volunteered to fix the tips on the club cues practising until I was confident that even professional players would come to me. Where there is a will there is a way, you can do it, it just needs a little patience and practise.
I used to attend the Billiard Congress of America tournament in Las Vegas each year and get my tip replaced at the cue repair booths set up there at the tournament. They use a lathe to trim off the old tip and glue. After gluing on a new tip, the lathe is used to trim it flush with the ferrule and to burnish the edges. Works pretty well, and cost is reasonable.
OhMost. Over the years I have become reasonably good at fitting a tip but there is no way that I can compete with a lathe, either to ensure a flat surface or to trim the tip flush. However, I usually have to fit tips on site and unfortunately a lathe is never available.
Thank you so much for this video Barry. I’ve always struggled to get my tips on properly and this video has helped me a lot. I’m going to find one of those knives you used in order to help me get my tips flush. I wasn’t aware that you should put a bigger tip on.
Nay. Great that the video helps, some players have a problem fitting a tip exactly the same size as the cue so trimming a slightly bigger tip after fitting makes the task easier. I am afraid my knife is hand make from a machine hacksaw blade so you may have to shop around to get something similar.
Thanks now i am happy God give everyone who play snooker teacher like u thanks sir again
hi Barry, I am thinking of re tipping my cue soon. I just wanting to say thanks for uploading your videos, they are very informative and helpful. All the best thanks
john
Salam, subscribe to my channel as well as not a thing and thank you in advance
You are legitimately a legend sir what a fantastic guide, Hilarious personality telling from the comments just incredible.
eLeBrice. Thanks for the compliments I will try to live up to them.
Ive recently purchased a nice cue and now play at my golf club ( both Snooker & Golf) . I used this video for changing my first tip. This video is very well detailed and I have used this to change my tip sucessfully. Im very pleased. I used the elk master 10mm tip on a 9.5mm ferrule. I also found using a square foam sanding block from my local wickes DIY works very well too. Hope this helps.
krooke. Well done, glad that the video helped. The sanding blocks are a useful accessory, I have used them myself on occasions.
I love using the gel glue gives you a more time to manoeuvre the tip central.
Great video
I've been putting tips on for years, lost count as to how many but I know this month I've done 15-16 and pretty much exactly this way except I use a clamp to hold the tip in place for 5 minutes. Also I made a little paddle, like a mini table tennis bat and stuck a medium and a fine piece of emery cloth on either side and it is great for shaping the tip. I loved the little clamp to remove the glue and old tip too, I've had a few nicks over the years from slippy hands so will defo add that to my tip kit:)
John. I'm sure we can all learn little tricks from each other, well done.
Thank you very much for this video, no more messed up ferrules from me! I'm afraid my lack of experience and knowledge led me to absolutely butcher my old cues ferrule by filing it, scratching it and getting glue all over it. Luckily it was a cheap cue but this video saved my new cue craft cue, thank you very much Mr. Stark 👍
Rhys. Glad to be of help. Buying a decent snooker is expensive and many are damaged by not knowing how to put a tip on. Well done.
Thank you, before watching this video I wasn't exactly getting the best results -_- now my tip is put on properly and it works a treat! Thanks!
Kane. My pleasure.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Also, congratulations on surpassing 100k! Happy new year Barry.
Excellent comprehensive explanation, I know feel confident to take it on. Thank you
bswills. Takes a little practise but relatively easy.
This video was very informative, thank you for posting. I have tried to fix tips on my cue and in the process damanged the wood and the ferrule, there are minute cracks on the shaft, i would really appreciate if u make a video on cue maintainance.
Searching 'cue tip pressing tool' will more accurately find on the web the type of tool Barry uses in the video.
Mistakenly bought myself a tit-clamp
@@ronaldmariah lol
i have been replacing my own tip for a while now and have also been replacing tips for my friends. I like the idea of using masking tape and the type of knife you're using looks like would make doing this much easier. thank you.
Joseph. The knife is one that I made from an old machine hacksaw blade, I find the fact that it is chisel sharpened helps in keeping the blade flush with the cue and ferrule. The masking tape just ensures that no glue gets on the cue itself.
great video. liked the idea of the pipe with the cut in it accepting the stanley blade. quality improvising.
kenneth. Whenever I have a task which I feel I will be doing regularly I try to find an easy way of doing it, glad you like it.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach yep, me too. keep up the good work Barry.
that was the best video on changing a tip :)
amarsbarr
Quite
amarsbarr j.
Never played snooker. Probably will never play. Watched all 17 mins ffs.
Steve Worrell why lol
Well now you can change the tips for people who do play! :)
improved my game so much in less than a month! thankyou
lenny. Glad to be of help.
I live in America and my local pool hall uses a lathe, but I would like to know how to change a tip by hand if I ever need to. I found that Snooker players have much more detailed videos on how to change a tip, thanks for this useful lesson!
SUSU101. There is no doubt if you have access to a lathe it is an advantage, however, I invariably have to change tips for players at the venue where there are no aids and doing it by hand is a necessity.
Barry Stark does it "unplugged". We Yanks are silly dependent on power tools for everything. Mr. Stark shows us how simple it can be.
Great video, I had no idea ! I've been playing since I was a kid and never gave proper respect to the tip as I only used house cues...Now that I have my own cue it's clear as day that the right tip is essential ! Many thanks good sir.
Douglas. My pleasure, remember there is only one thing that has contact with the cue ball, the tip, it needs to be looked after.
Fantastic video thanks. Quick question, instead of a tip clamp, can I just put the tip in a vice overnight?
Love the homemade kit 💚
@halli. Certainly, please be a little careful with the pressure you apply though, little bit of trial and error needed here.
Thank you Barry, I have trouble with adapting my tip to my liking and this video helps me a lot.
Kai. I am pleased to be of help.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thank you Barry. Could you do a video in my favour. I would like practice in controlling the pace of the cue ball
Thanks Barry, (from Australia). Very helpful.
Glad to help
Thanks so much for replying to my questions Barry, I really do appreciate it. Would you be able to do a video on how to brush, block and iron a table correctly ? Also, what is the best way to restore a badly scratched ferrule without actually replacing it? Maybe 0000 wire wool first and then a nail polisher to finish maybe? Or do you need extra fine sandpaper I.e. 2000 grit or 2500 grit wet and dry? I'm just not sure on the different stages to get the scratched ferrule to a decent looking ferrule. Many thanks Barry.
Great video. I tried doing this on my own and I ripped the fiber off my tip. The second time I was a bit better but I really needed this video to get my cue tip perfect ;)
Video. I volunteered to re-tip the club cues to gain experience and learn from my mistakes.
Kyren is my favourite player because I love his cue action. Rock solid.
you are the boss SIR.
Very good informative video. Learned some thing useful today. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Very good video! Thanks.
Excellent video I will try this myself now before I didn't have the confidence to change my tip in case I completely damaged it
Adam. Instead of running the risk of damaging your own cue, why not ask the club owner if you can practise on an OLD club cue.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach yeh thought about asking him because I definitely need to get used to doing it as I've never done one before and my tip is now worn. If I can do it and not scratch the ferule and learn how to shape it correctly I will be changing my tip more often
Great video he's right about those women's nail buffer or what ever u call them I've been using them for years there great
Dear Mr. Stark,
Your video are excellent, thank you very much for sharing.
Could you please share with us the CAMI Grit designation of the various sandpapers you use for the different phases?
Thanks,
Roberto
Roberto. I tend to start with P400 grade and finish with P600 grade. then burnish the side with a piece of pocket leather.
Thank you very much for getting back to me!! I have just started to play this wonderful game and I am trying to follow all your suggestions!
BarryStark, you are a genius. I was always struggling to remove remnants of glue wood portion and ferule using emery and usually ending with slightly rounded edges on the ferule. The implement at 5.55 mnts is brilliant. Can you guide me how to make this implement? I am making the Kiridashi knife from a hacksaw blade; online the knife is equivalent of ten pounds! I already have the tip clamp which I use. Here in india, the gel variety of glue is rare and hard to get. Most cue technicians use the quick setting instant glue requiring placing the cue tip centrally first time or remove and do all over again. Lastly the sponge burnishing is again new to me and a brilliant innovation. Thank you for the great video. P.S. I would request you to add your advice to every player to do the tip on their own as no one else will take the care which the player himself will for the most important part of the game!
ViswaNath. All it is is a piece of copper tube which fits nicely over the cue, so the diameter is important as you don't want too much room or play but equally you don't want it too tight as it may mark the cue. Put a saw cut a few inches down the tube, this is to hold the Stanley blade. The next bit is the hard bit because you need something to hold the blade in place, to do this I acquired the help of a friend who made it for me on a lathe, something that I do not possess, it slots into the copper tube and holds the blade in place while I apply slight pressure to clean the top of the cue and ferrule.
brilliant..im changing from a blue diamond and trying a Kamui..im wondering due to the layers just like a talisman, is it still the same process..i love watching your videos..lovely bloke who knows his stuff....respect
Dazza. Exactly the same process, just be careful when trimming or shaping not to seperate the layers.
I have a lot of vegetable tanned leather and need to make my own tips. Must I prep/cure the leather in any special way?
Many thanks for your videos, I find them very informative. I bought a tip clamp the other day but was wondering how much pressure I should use (i.e. How tight you should clamp it). Is it possible to over compress it? If it does over compress, can we use a tip roughing up tool (like the pins or sand paper) to loosen it up a bit?
Boom. I'm afraid only experience will teach you how much pressure to apply but generally I find it very difficult to apply too much. Certainly slight scuffing of the surface of the tip will be necessary irrespective of how much pressure is applied and this is usually achieved during the shaping process.
My dad used to own a snooker hall around the late 90's, early 2000's, I used to be there all time, I was only around 9, 10 years old, I remember him doing this, ahh the good times.
Nice tutorial, I'm a bit old fashioned, I still use my very old stock of green wafers, my preference is to get them soft/gooey from boiling water (placed in a spoon,) I find they stick just fine and you get more time to move the tip around centralising it, also the thickness of the wafer allows for any undulations/miss shaped tips to be evened out, I do like the idea of using gel glue though, much better than getting the runny stuff stuck all over your fingers LOL.
Gregory. Great, stick with what you know and with what you get success. In the pro game you have to use super glue simply because you are only allowed minimum time. Even in practise pros are an impatient lot and feel it is a waste of time waiting for the glue to set.
Fantastic video, just one question. What do you use as the handle on the copper pipe device that you made.
Hello Barry, I really enjoyed this video and so I subscribed to your channel, having recently retired I have lots of time on my hands which I will spend some of playing snooker, pig or buffalo leather tips, which one is more preferable for you?
Hi. Great video. What's the minimum time you'd recommend letting loctite superglue gel cure before playing with the new tip?
@scott. Superglue gel sets very quickly so you can use the cue almost immediately, however, since you ask for a time I would make sure by allowing 5 minutes.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thank you ! 😊
Very nice video. Just in time because tomorrow I going to change my tip.
13:25 the audio is of an equal UP AND DOWN file.
If the motion was only DOWN it wouldn’t sound the same 👍🏻
Hey Barry - what do you think about using the old Baldock wafers to glue the tip to the cue? And is there a special technique for using them please? Love ALL your videos - common sense and experience, a WINNING combination!
Mr. Over the years tips have got better and I don't like the idea of putting something between the tip and the cue, you get a different feel so I am not in favour of them I'm afraid. Added to that is the time element, you have to leave them longer for the glue to set. In tournament play the professionals are only allowed 15 minutes to change a tip so super glues are essential. Its a long time since I used one of the wafers but if memory serves me correctly you are best clamping the tip to the cue overnight.
Hey can you please let me know what grits of sandpaper do you use for creating shape of the tip and polishing the sides of the tip. Thank you 👍
@rish. I don't really look at the grade until I get to the finishing off process where I use paper as smooth as I can get 3,000 grade sometimes.
Great video, thorough explanation. Thank you :)
Thanks for the video I only asked about this a month or two ago, great channel
This is the most important lesson as a new snooker player(newish).
Absolutely perfect tutorial, as always 🙏 thank you so much fo all your videos
Fabrizzio. My pleasure.
Nice job fella, very easy to follow
Wise man. Great tutorial, thank you.
Taylor. My pleasure, a lot of good players struggle with this.
hi sir another good video.Great idea with the Stanley blade in piece of copper pipe maybe try that alot safer method
I think the key thing for me to remember was, keep pressure applied down onto the cue to stop the fibres from opening, whilst trimming excess tip..in the past I have not done so..an the fibre has spread everso slightly an affected it in a way that the tip shape became mis shapen?
Great clip
AQSAPAL. Yes, if you use the method shown to trim your tip you must apply downward pressure or you will open the fibres of the tip.
Amazing video! It has surely helped me a lot!! Thank you sir!
Matheus. My pleasure.
Thanks a lot, Mr Stark, for the detailed video. I successfully changed my tip using this. However, the masking paper tape that you wrapped around the ferrule didn't turn out to be a great idea. Instead of wiping off the super glue, it got stuck to the ferrule and had to be scraped off laboriously - yet not perfectly. Did I miss something?
Abubakar. I always use masking tape to prevent any surplus glue getting on the ferrule, even so I still try not to get any glue on the tape, the only thing I can think of is that you have used an excessive amount of glue.
I hardly play billiard, let alone snooker but this was very informative. Thank you. :)
Aedrieus. My pleasure.
Barry, after you sand the bottom of the tip before putting glue on it are u best rubbing the bottom of the tip on a piece of wood to burnish it so the glue doesn't soak into the tip as much? In the video you put glue on the bottom of the tip directly after sanding it, is it better to burnish it first before applying the glue?
dmor8579. If you put glue on to a very smooth surface there is a danger that the glue will not adhere properly. burnishing the bottom of the tip will make it very smooth and increase the risk of this. I sand the bottom of the tip to ensure it is flat and clean with a SLIGHTLY roughened surface enabling the glue to adhere better. I also mention in the video that I use gel glue to avoid it soaking into the tip, liquid glue does tend to soak in a little.
Well Barry what can I say. I have been doing my own tips for 37yrs and now after watching this I may do them properly...lol
David. After all that time I am sure you made a good job of it, I hope the video got you thinking a little though. Good luck.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Well they were ok for me, but going to try your wat this weekend. Have never domed my tip like that, so i'll let you know how it goes...
Hi Barry, thanks for the great video. I just replaced my tip as per the video with a soft elk pro tip as previous had mushroomed. Feels great however the cue ball keeps jumping when trying to screw back. This rarely happened before I changed tips and I can only go about 1 tip below centre without it jumping. I've put a decent curve and chalked it properly. I'm not sure if it's the tip or something I've done. Thanks in advance
sach. The pro elk tips do seem to be a little firmer that the ordinary elk tips, even the soft ones. Having said that before you decide to go back to your other tips put yourself on video and see if you can spot a flaw such as see sawing with the cue, or maybe there is a little tension that should not be there.
Presumably compressing the tip would make it harder? I've got a very hard tip that's been recommended to me now I think I'll use it.
Nakadu. Some tips need the compression, others certainly don't. Its all down to personal preference. I even know one player who placed his tips in a microwave for ten seconds, he maintained that it took any moisture out of the tip and made them harder but also more consistent when he put a new one on. A little extreme for me but each to their own.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach thank you Mr Stark, I've applied the tip now using your techniques 👍
Great video Barry
I've just got my first cue and the tip has a notch in it. Could I use my wood vice for clamping a new tip for a while?
Thanks again
Sam. Certainly, the only thing is that it will tend to flatten the tip somewhat and you will probably need to spend some time shaping it after you have stuck it on. Please be patient when shaping(a slight dome is best) some players needlessly tend to butcher a tip.
Mr. Stark, I love your videos, so well presented and filled with priceless information, but I have a question about this one, why remove the masking tape before cutting and shaping the tip?
Wouldn't it be better to leave it on to protect the ferrule through those steps?
Nick. Glad that you like the videos. The masking tape is really only there to prevent any glue going onto the ferrule. I remove it simply because I trim the tip carefully and can do it without marking the ferrule, if you feel happier leaving the tape on I would advise that you do it, incidentally a knife that is chisel sharpened is a big help.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Hello, thanks for the reply! I think I'll keep it on until I trust my filing as much as you do yours!
And great advice on the chisel sharpened blade, fortunately I have the tools to make myself one.
Take care, sir!
tax for sharing tips it was very helpful video for me.
Hi sir. What tips Kyren and you are using? And what hardness? I always when i am changing tip to my cue, I watch this helpfull video. I have one more question, How I can fix the dents of my cue shaft? My cue is Peradon.
Matti. Kyren uses the Century tips Grade 3 sometimes 4. I tend to stick with the Elkmaster tips although I have used Century tips as well. In respect of the dents in your cue, I would leave that to the professionals, some can be steamed out, some sanded out with others needing grain filler, please don't ruin your cue by attempting it yourself.
Very informative. Will use paste glue from now on as runny blue has been a problem. I have a two piece plastic "clamp" (a ring slides over a holding piece to tighten the pressure) that holds the tip in place while the glue sets. Do you have an opinion on these devices or are they just a gimic (came as an extra when I bought some tips)?
pilgrimpater. They are not a gimmick but if you are using super clue perhaps a little unnecessary. I also have found that if you push the ring down too hard they can also mark the cue so be careful.
I'm have issues with a trumpet style tip after I've cut the tip. Cant seem to get it completely flush with the ferrel any tips on how to get it more flush?
my cue keeps pulling the hairs out of my chin please can you tell me how or what to do to fix this. I've got some tape running the length of my cue an it looks silly.
If you play with an ash cue and they are not looked after properly the grain of the wood can shrink a little and then have a tendency to grab any stubble on your chin slightly. My advice is to have the cue re-furbished or play with a maple cue which will not give you the same problem.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach mine is 6 months old and a peradon laser. I can't afford another 170 pounds haha. nothing more I can put on it
Had the same problem. I put a plaster on my chin now works a treat.
fatbap I don't wanna have to do that though. I just wanna play with a beard hahah
Whatever you do please don't sandpaper your cue. You could try putting a little furniture polish on the cue. Tried it myself on one occasion but it made the cue so slippery I felt as if I had lost control, but who knows it may suit you.
I wonder if there are any difference using emery paper vs normal sandpaper?
@mzzzzz. Certainly, Emery paper tends not to lose its abrasive components but sand paper does.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks Barry, really appreciate it. Also good to see you're still making videos and keeping healthy :)
Do you sell a kit with all the goodies? Best tutorial to date. Thank you.
Danelus. Most of the equipment I made myself. The equipment I use to ensure the cue is clean yet level when the old tip is removed is in the process of being made. I am however having problems getting them made to my satisfaction.
No worries, could you reply on this post if and once the equipment is purchasable. Thank you.
Great advice Barrry, keep up the great vids.
Hi barry, i have a problem shaping the tip. Right side of the tip gets always down no matter how good i shape the tip. When i play a shot with the side the cue ball spins more n i couldn't hit accurate shot n the result is miss... leaving me frustrated. I sand the tip n get better shots then again this problem occur. I have no clue what i am doing wrong. Left side of the tip is firm n hard but the right side gets down n edges out of the ferrule. I changed the cue but the problem is same. Used a tip shaper but no luck. Really frustrated. Hope u could help me out.... Really grateful for yr kind advice
@Barry Stark Snooker Coach ... please could You tell us: Which sand paper grade is the best to choose while shaping a tip.
I guess there are at least two types of grades ... first for shaping contour and the last for a fine tuning...
Piotr. I just use 600 grade and when I want to finish the shaping off with smoother paper, I just fold a piece in half, rub the two abrasive surfaces together producing finer paper, I find that does the job very well.
Haa I used my mums nail file last time worked perfect
Here I am in Australia in a stinking hot day watching this, Thought I would give it a go and turned the cue upside down to apply pressure on the glue and smashed the ceiling fan above me with the butt. Now I have went from the living room with no fan to the dog house with the wife. Got a smashed and warped ceiling fan and a nice mark on the butt of my cue and a cranky Shelia. I think I will have a cold one and put a lottery on. Gid day for Australia regards Walter Riley. Aka Wally
S O. Oh! dear I showed this comment to my wife and it reminded her of something that happened many years ago. We had had a little tiff, she was washing the pots, I turned to wipe my cue down prior to going out to play a match and the wedding ring was threaded on it. We are still married.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach Yip you know that feeling. I never won the lottery by way. But I did have a cold one and will have another for you and your good lady tomorrow New Year’s Eve Ps I am out the dog house. Gid day from Oz Wally and have a great new year
Old Chinese saying: A wife who puts husband in doghouse may find him in cat-house.
newjerseybt Am to big for a cat house my gut would get stuck and that would allow the wife to beat me on the backside and I won’t be able to run 🤗. Sometime it’s just good to go with flo for a few day and get out of solitary confinement.
Hi mr.barry thank you for the video,
I just bought my first cue and i have questions if you have the time to answer I really appreciate it ,
Why i have to press the tip over night ?
Should i use different grade of grit ( rough - medium- fine) or just the
One piece shaper tool should be fine ?
Does the wooden clamp hurt the shaft ?
Thanks again coach
lion. If you use an impact adhesive to stick the tip on it will probably be best to clamp it overnight, however, with the modern super glues it is not necessary and the tip will be ready for use in a few minutes. Shaping the tip often requires different grades of abrasives, use the shaping tool to start with and then finish it off with slightly finer grades. There are several types of clamps on the market, which ever one you choose to use please be a little careful until you are confident with what you are doing.
This has been super useful, why do u need to compress the tip before placing it on the cue? Will that improve it somehow?
Iceman. Elkmaster tips can be a little variable in texture, I like to compress them ensuring more consistency.