Hints on Shaping Cane,
and Tie Lengths

• To get consistent results and an accurate reading of the shape contour, it is most important that you shape the same way each time.



• All of our tie length suggestions assume the use of 47mm tubes. If you use a different tube length, you may want to make the appropriate adjustment.



• Many of our tips (Joshua and Sara)have fairly narrow throats and bellies, and therefore we feel that you may be better off tying these on the short side to give yourself enough width in the throat and belly.



• If you do not measure tie length, but tie the cane on as long as is consistent with maintaining a tight seal, we suggest that initially you try either Joshua +4, Caleb, Caleb +2, or possibly Ruth.



• Please note that our tie length suggestions are by no means firm ones. There are so many variables involved in shaping cane that it is entirely possible, maybe even likely, that two people using the same tip will get a different shape (i.e. the throat on one may be wider that the throat on the other, the belly could be narrower, etc.). Therefore, to get satisfactory results you may find yourself tying on longer or shorter that we have suggested.



• The actual cane dimensions from any shaper tip can be affected by:


1. Type of tool used to shape the cane (reed knife, industrial single edge razor blade, single edge shaving blade, Exacto blade, etc).


2. Whether or not you use an easel before folding cane.


3. How tightly cane fits between ears of the shapes.


4. Whether or not you angle over the sides of the tip while shaping. (If you do, we suggest you try the Joshua +4, Caleb +2,or Ruth).


5. Type of shaper handle.


6. Radius of cane.


7. How long the cane has been soaked.


8. Type of gouge.


9. Whether you shape with one ear resting on a table, or hold the ear with your thumb and index finger.



• It follows from the above that the tip dimensions given are mainly useful as a relative guide to actual cane dimensions, not an absolute one (e.g. taking all the variables into account, shaped cane from a Joshua +4 tip will be wider at the top than shaped cane from a Sara tip).



• Whichever tip you use, we recommend you experiment with various tie lengths to see if there is an optimal one for you.



• We offer a variety of contours, so if you can't get one of our tips to work for you within the one-month trial period, send it back for a refund or exchange.