"Jack Stein" wrote: Not that they're too long but to shape the tip you need
the end of the
shaft open. (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Consider holding the big end at the spindle, and supporting the small end in
some kind of a steady rest. It could be home made, out of plywood, using
roller blade wheels. Since it is a dedicated application, you may be able
to get by with minimal or no adjustments.