How long does it take to make a custom cue.

markpatrick

markpatrick

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How long does it take from the time I order a custom cue from a cue maker and pay for it until it is built and delivered to me?

Just curious as to what the average time is from order to stick in hand?


:embarrassed2::embarrassed2::embarrassed2::embarrassed2:
 
markpatrick said:
How long does it take from the time I order a custom cue from a cue maker and pay for it until it is built and delivered to me?

Just curious as to what the average time is from order to stick in hand?


:embarrassed2::embarrassed2::embarrassed2::embarrassed2:
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I would say average 6 months with most. Faster for some and slower for others. Most would not make you pay for it in full in advance. Most would only require a deposit.
 
As I make cues somewhat different than most cuemakers my time frame depends on if you want something that is almost to size or if I am starting with a fresh board. The first may take a month to finish. A board that I just brought home from the wood store may take 2 years to dry, cut, glue up triangles and make into a finished cue. Something dry may take 4-6 months from the time I cut it into triangles till it is finished.
Unless you have something out of the ordinary for design, or tons of ivory, I seldom ask for a deposit.

Bob Danielson
www.bdcuesandcomix.com
 
Just to throw this out there for the sake of example, ordering a custom from me, built from scratch, will take 6mos. to a year and I make no bones about it.
Given the amount of work that I do for Seyberts, I have very little time to work on my own stuff. I'm currently working dbl. shifts and still can't keep up. Now either there's not enough of ME or there's not enough hrs in the day.
Take your pick.
One way that I try to address this issue is to have an inventory of my cues built in advance and on hand.
Seyberts carries a line of my cues, named the 45-series. They sell pretty well and I always have more of that series in process.
I have another series for Sey in the works called the RW series. These are cues built from the many different Rosewoods that this world has to offer.
I'd like to showcase these cues soon but my time is at a premium.

Building cues is my passion but Sey's work comes first and it pays the bills.
My money doesn't come from building.
There is however, a great deal of personal reward in what I do for Sey because my work goes all over the world. At any one time, there are 5-10 people that I'm going to make happy that day. That's a good feeling.

Addendum:
Now for the sake of a different perspective, I have a buddy (don't see him much anymore since he moved south) that would routinely build a cue in 24 hrs.
He'd buy wood from me that was good to go and have a 'finish-sand' grade shaft on hand for the cue. Then he'd go about gluing and cutting and in 24 hrs he's got the cue done & ready to deliver. I've seen some of these cues years later and I have to admit that they weren't too bad.
Now, if you want a cue done quickly, he's your guy.
It can be done, but is that really what you want?
 
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sounds like you need an Apprentice. a good old style wipping boy lol

KJ Cues said:
Just to throw this out there for the sake of example, ordering a custom from me, built from scratch, will take 6mos. to a year and I make no bones about it.
Given the amount of work that I do for Seyberts, I have very little time to work on my own stuff. I'm currently working dbl. shifts and still can't keep up. Now either there's not enough of ME or there's not enough hrs in the day.
Take your pick.
One way that I try to address this issue is to have an inventory of my cues built in advance and on hand.
Seyberts carries a line of my cues, named the 45-series. They sell pretty well and I always have more of that series in process.
I have another series for Sey in the works called the RW series. These are cues built from the many different Rosewoods that this world has to offer.
I'd like to showcase these cues soon but my time is at a premium.

Building cues is my passion but Sey's work comes first and it pays the bills.
My money doesn't come from building.
There is however, a great deal of personal reward in what I do for Sey because my work goes all over the world. At any one time, there are 5-10 people that I'm going to make happy that day. That's a good feeling.
Click to expand...
 
Actually, I don't think that would work, but cloning might.
You see, I can't take the time to show/teach somebody.
They either know it or they don't.
There are only a few of us on this site that work in or for, high-volume shops or dealerships. I believe that they are the only ones that could walk into my shop, take over my work-load and not miss a beat.
Cues ain't rocket surgery but they better be done right or you can plan on going on a Maple diet.
 
Working too hard?

Hi KJ - I'm not trying to be critical but maybe you guys need to raise your prices somewhat......Sounds like you are attempting to keep up a horrid pace.
 
clovis said:
Hi KJ - I'm not trying to be critical but maybe you guys need to raise your prices somewhat......Sounds like you are attempting to keep up a horrid pace.
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I have never had KJ do any work for me, but I know his reputation for quality work is well regarded.

I doubt raising his prices would affect his workload unless he was considerably more expensive than everyone else. Even then, there is always demand for the best.

Those who buy cues are on the other spectrum of the rich generally, but I once met a tax attorney who thought they would do exactly as you suggested.

He tripled his rates and INCREASED his desirability. It appears the rich get off on hiring the highest paid tax attorneys in Beverly Hills. 15 years ago, he was billing 600 dollars.........an hour.
 
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