Alternatives to talc

[fpfanatic5]

Are there any safe alternatives to talc for use on rubber sacs? Is the blue "chalk" used on cues actually talc? Thanks.

[Richard]

The blue chalk contains talc but also has other stuff in it. You can find talc at billiard shops or, failing that, at online vendors who sell the ingredients used in making one's own cosmetics.

 

The only safe alternative I can recommend is powdered graphite, which is used as a dry, water-repellent lubricant where freezing is a concern. You can get it at some hardware stores and at some auto parts stores.

[fpfanatic5]

Thanks Richard.

[Fazby]

For powdered graphite, you copuld try a hobby shop that carried model railroad stuff. Kadee makes a product called "Grease 'em" which is powdered graphite in plastic tube (for control). Only three or four bucks, tops.

 

Beware, they may tempt you with a model rail set....

[Ray-Vigo]

I read that powdered graphite oxidizes certain aluminum alloys. Is that true?

[psfred]

The big white block of powdery stuff you put on your hands to make the cue slide easily is talc, available at any place that sells billiards supplies, probably your local WalMart.

 

Certainly any billiards supplier will have it, as will just about any local pool hall or bar with a pool table.

 

Don't use baby powder, there is oil in the talc.

 

Peter

[eckiethump]

Is it not chak you, you use for billirads cues ? calcium carbonate with additives colouring). This is differant from talc, which is mined in eastern europe IIRC, and is the softest of the mineral solids, very dangerous, the dust when mining, as it is so fine. Chalk is basically lime, when used in building mortars and in it's oxidised state, with water in contact would not I imagine, be a very good thing for pens.

 

This is something I queried, quite a whle ago and never received a satisfactory answer, so the above is just given, with my limited knowledge.

 

If you continue to have problems geting it, drop me a PM, I'll send some to you, I got mine from a local diving shop.

 

et

[Fox in the Stars]

My hardware store carries little tubes of powdered graphite (like a small tube of medicinal cream might come in; you can kind of puff with it, although if you aim it down it can disgorge huge amounts in one squeeze so be careful). They're at the key-cutting desk, and it's sold to lubricate sticky locks.

[OldGriz]

As Richard pointed out, YES, there is an alternative...

But since you are going to be buying sacs and other stuff to do your repairs, why not just buy some talc from your supplier at the same time

I get just about everything I need from Giovanni at Tryphon

[Bill D]

As Richard pointed out, YES, there is an alternative...

But since you are going to be buying sacs and other stuff to do your repairs, why not just buy some talc from your supplier at the same time

I get just about everything I need from Giovanni at Tryphon

 

I'll second Tom's excellent suggestion

 

Bill

[Johnny Appleseed]

Is it not chak you, you use for billirads cues ? calcium carbonate with additives colouring). This is differant from talc, which is mined in eastern europe IIRC, and is the softest of the mineral solids, very dangerous, the dust when mining, as it is so fine. Chalk is basically lime, when used in building mortars and in it's oxidised state, with water in contact would not I imagine, be a very good thing for pens.

As I understand it. . .

 

Chalk is used on the tip of billiard cues to increase friction of the tip of the cue on the ball.

 

Talc is used, as mentioned above, on your hands to let the pool cue slide more easily through your hand.

 

You do not want to use the pool-cue chalk.

 

John

 

[fpfanatic5]

Ok, thanks a lot everyone. That cleared everything up. Talc at Walmart or Powdered Graphite at the hardware store. Got it.

[Johnny Appleseed]

Ok, thanks a lot everyone. That cleared everything up. Talc at Walmart or Powdered Graphite at the hardware store. Got it.

 

 

But make sure that Talc is only Talc - which is why there were recommendations to go to a billiard supply, or order it from one of the online pen repair vendors. Talc "powder" that sells at drug stores usually has other additives like perfumes and anti-caking agents that can cause problems for pens. Avoid it.

 

John

[Fox in the Stars]

Slight tangent re: graphite, is it ever safe to apply graphite from a pencil, like on hard parts (say, barrel threads) with the tip of a soft, good-quality artist pencil? At Dick Blick I've seen them as soft as 9B.

[jmkeuning]

As Richard pointed out, YES, there is an alternative...

But since you are going to be buying sacs and other stuff to do your repairs, why not just buy some talc from your supplier at the same time

I get just about everything I need from Giovanni at Tryphon

 

I'll second Tom's excellent suggestion

 

Bill

 

third

 

[Gerry]

Or from Martin at Wood Bin. I've used his for years (the one container I mean). No connection, just a satisfied customer...

 

Gerry

[eckiethump]

Is it not chak you, you use for billirads cues ? calcium carbonate with additives colouring). This is differant from talc, which is mined in eastern europe IIRC, and is the softest of the mineral solids, very dangerous, the dust when mining, as it is so fine. Chalk is basically lime, when used in building mortars and in it's oxidised state, with water in contact would not I imagine, be a very good thing for pens.

As I understand it. . .

 

Chalk is used on the tip of billiard cues to increase friction of the tip of the cue on the ball.

 

Talc is used, as mentioned above, on your hands to let the pool cue slide more easily through your hand.

 

You do not want to use the pool-cue chalk.

 

John

 

I never knew that, which might exlpain why I am so hopeless at Snooker/Billiards

 

et

[LESNPAM]

Or from Martin at Wood Bin. I've used his for years (the one container I mean). No connection, just a satisfied customer...

 

Gerry

HI

IVE ALWAYS USED FRENCH CHALK

REGARDS

LES

 

[Possum Hill]

You can get eight pounds of talc for $10.95 + shipping from Shoup Mfg., Talc

 

If you want graphite, it's $3.99/lb in pound bottles. Shoup Mfg., Graphite

[MarcShiman]

How about weight lifting / gymnasts "chalk"? Is this something different than what is in the pool halls?