Many thanks Bill.

I have a set of Fox cups with a shrapnel wound from a USO performance in WWII. Wouldn't trade those for a brand new set of Sherwoods.

My son once asked why I keep these around, they are damaged.

As I recall I was speechless.

Absolutely! I have a set of Andy Comic cups that I got at a convention - they have been literally around the world with the busker who sold them to me, and they look it. I wouldn't trade them for anything... well, Sherwoods???? Hmmmmmm...

I traded my Mercury wand away because even after camfering the edges I was beating the crud out of my cups. Too bad cus it's the perfect weight for Vernon/ Mora vanish. I use a timbale stick now . Not as heavy but it works and is fairly easy on the cups.

Mine is on order- does anyone know of a rubber tip that could solve this problem???

If there is a hardware store locally, take the wand down to the store with you and ask the clerk to help you find some suitable tips for it. There are lots of different plastic or rubber tips that can solve the problem.

There is a liquid rubberized plastic substance in a can or jar that you could dip the wand into. It harden when exposed to the air. Unfortunately, I don't know what it is called.

That would be Dip and Grip http://www.repair-it-all.com/dipandgrip.html

There is also some liquid electrical insulation available.

Thanks, guys. I will look into that...