Jorian, that's sad...Vancouver is a pretty large city, but it's true that real pool halls are dying off...I just posted an inquiry here...we'll see if I get any response. This a relatively new pool website, but more friendly than another I lurk only on...
http://www.onthebreaknews.com/PoolPages/showthread.php?t=730
Dave, will PM my home address. A great mailing tube for cues? PVC pipe...just cut it to length, use pvc caps taped on. Warning: This may take some time. Evren & family will be arriving here on Friday...looking forward to meeting my honorary Turkish grandkids.
We probably won't be going to Salem until after the visit. I'll let John select the tip...he's good, worry not.
On factory cues, which your is...perfect grain match @ the joint is rare. As long as it screws together firmly, and rolls straight? I woldn't worry about it. Oh...do you have a case for your cue? If not, I could pick one up for you...cheap (around $10) Tube cases work well..
Later, if you get into the game again? I'd think about sending the stick to a good cuemaker like Sheldon...have the joint redone with brown reinforcement rings around both butt & shaft. then perhaps a radial pin joint. let him clean it all up. Of course, this would result in the highest cost dufferin around, but it would shoot like a dream. Also would be cool as all get-out...a great "Sneaky Pete". The reason I suggest the reinforcement is because my break cue, a joint like yours, is not long for the world...the wood beginning to mushroom a bit where the woods meet. Since I paid only $25 for it, I'll probably choose replacement over repair.