You are most welcome. There is another way to do this that isn't quite as complicated as turning down the center of the rod on a lathe; however, it would require a special kind of solder and flux that may be even more difficult to find than the heat shrink.

There is a special low temperature, high strength solder called "Sta-Brite" that will work on aluminum if you have the proper flux. If you can find the aluminum tubing that will slide over the rod that your wand is made of, and you can get the heat shrink off without damaging it, make the new tips and solder them in place with the "Sta-Brite" solder. You will need a propane or MAPP torch to do this.

Once that is done, then put the heat shrink back onto the rod or put on new heat shrink. It's a lot of trouble, so I would go with the epoxy or superglue.

Rannie Raymundo in Manila also makes very nice wands and he showed us several pictures here a few years ago

Hi karnak,
Consider a pair of drumsticks - just a fun 2-3 day project of spray cans of paint and a spray can of varnish, say maybe 2-4 coats for each can. looks cool enough and to make it corny, use a silver pen and sign your name on it and then spray varnish it over. This might be a fun way to getting into more substantial wands while you digest all the awesome wand suggestions given above and recover from some of the sticker shock of these wands.
I'm lucky to own a few of the wands (even a couple of Harry Potter wands from the WB website-yep, I said it) mentioned here and one of my favorites is from Moonlight because it is gaffed.
Good Luck. now I'm going to my 7-11 for some wands!

oh, one more thing, wands do not always have to be that iconic black shaft and white tips, my opinion. A rather straight branch with a knot near the bottom and a little work makes for a very magical wand!

Michael at Moonlight Magic does great work. You can see them at the RnT2 website.

The way your wand is made often is determined by what you are planning to do with it. For example, a wand for the ring on the stick requires that there be no protrusions on it.

BTW, when getting drumsticks, look for timbale sticks and/or "rock knockers." These don't require any alteration, just paint, if you even want to do that.

Gazzo uses multiple layers of electrical tape so the wand will hold together if it breaks during a performance.

Last year I got the people at Owen Magic Supreme to make me a custom wand: 16" ebony with sterling silver tips. It's the wand I've always wanted, a real classic style. A little expensive for some, perhaps, but well worth it for the individuality and the timeless look and feel, and it will last a lifetime. Highly recommended.

G

G… How have you been, I have not seen you in a while. The CM Cups are still loved; did you find the piece you were looking for?

Take care,
Bruce

I have several wands from many different makers including Porper and Rannie. The one I find myself using most often when strolling came with the Pheonix cups. I didn't care for the cups, but man I love that wand. I also love my Tabman wand with .38 shells on the tips.

Hi Bruce,

Fine thanks, and you? Oh man, have I found the pieces!

Best

G

I may have to consult with Mr. Zagorsky about a custom wand. He is a very skilled machinist, mechanic and woodworker.

Every time I hold the wand he made for me, I feel confident and in control...I think that's the sign of a brilliant wand...

My preferance by far are the wands made by Thomas Wayne. His stuff is a work of art. Most of them are done in exotic hardwoods, some with silver tips some even with mastadon ivory. His stuff is totally custom so you can get them made however you want.
A nuber of years ago he made a wand, I believe it was for Bill Malone, that had small rings of Comedy/Tragedy masks near each tip (all inlay work) I saw one that he made later on that made me laugh, it was exactly the same, except the masks were all tragedy.

<sigh> I'd love a TW wand! His work is exquisite! Google "Jurassic Lizard Cue" and prepare to be stunned!

By the cue or the comments?

Wow... yea that's impressive!

-Lee

http://www.outofsleight.com