I am looking at a blank with the tip size being listed at #9.

Can anyone tell me how I can determine the I.D of that tip?

Thank you,

The tiptop measurements generally refer to the ID of the tiptop mounting tube, in 64ths. If there is a second number following it, that is the outside diameter of the ceramic ring in the tiptop.

............

On my tip top gauge it say that a
# nine tube us a 3.6 tube












3

A #9 tip is 3.6 mm, well actually 3.5719, industry standard rounds things to the tenth. Your gauge is metric and standard. Most suppliers list only the x/64th sizing, industry standard is to just list the numerator. In this case 9. If you dig into factory specs both the x/64th sizing and the the mm sizing is listed.

When you order a blank most suppliers will size a tip to your blank if you ask. Despite the blank's specs there can be variations same with the tips themselves. If I cannot get a tip sized to the blank I always order three tips. The size it should be and a half size up and down. The cost of the extra tips is no more than shipping if you have to order again. Last blank I ordered was sized as it should be. The tips ran close to a half size small. Had to up size by half to fit the blank.

David,
As others have said, tip sizes are measured in 64/th of an inch. i.e. a #9 tip is 9/64th of an inch.

Here is a conversion chart that illustrates fractions of an inch as well as decimal and metric equivalents.

[www.onlinemetals.com]

If the chart is not handy, just take 9 and divide it by 64 to give you the decimal equivalent of 3.5719

Just take the chart that I posted, print it out and hang it in a convenient place close to where you wrap rods for easy consideration.

Take care

Thanks everyone.