I'd like to first comment on what Tom said about, "following the grain". This is very true. You should center drill based on 'following the grain'. This is absolutely necessary when you have grain run-off. Grain run-off usually occurs in lower grade and/or less expensive shaft wood squares. When you have to 'follow the grain' you have shafts turning off center, hopping along on your lathe while you're turning them true. They'll be out of round for several cuts until you cut the run-off out of the square. Now, if this is your cup of tea, hey go for it.
I like to think in terms of dollars and sense. My time is worth so much and the less of my time I can use for what I like to term 'busy work', the more time I can spend in more productive areas. For example, I'd much rather spend $8 or $10 for a shaft and get straight grain than buy $4 or $6 shafts with run-off that I have to correct. The extra two or five dollars spent saves me hours of my time (following the grain) which is certainly worth more than I save buying lower priced wood. Some think just the opposite and that's fine. My time is better spent in 100% productive areas moving forward. Cue building is hard enough without having to correct what can be purchased correctly by paying a few dollars more. We have to utilize our time in the most productive areas. Chasing the grain, is in my opinion, a waste of my time when I can cut a straight grained shaft directly in the center without having to figure out where to center drill each stick individually. But hey, that's just me.
And then there is nothing wrong with buying $4 or $6 shafts if you're building sneaky petes, converting house cues or just beginning. Some cue makers have been doing this for 10 years and insist on buying the least expensive shafts and making them better by following the grain. Once again, if the results end in a quality shaft, you've done your job. I just think my time is better spend in other areas.
I'd like to comment next on Tony's post and thank him for the plug. We all learn by our mistakes and this forum can be invaluable when people stay on topic and put their inner hostilities aside for the better of the community as a whole.
As far as letting the "flaming begin", I'd like to think we're all past that and many of us realize that 'flame wars' do nothing to serve the community as a whole. They take an otherwise useful topic and dilute it with unnecessary nonsense aside from being counter productive. Focusing on the positives of playing pool and building cues is so much more fun and engaging. By avoiding the flaming, perhaps many other established cue makers will participate without fear of reprisal or being flamed themselves. There is no reason we can't all just get along and no I'm not quoting Rodney King. :grin:
In the past few threads which I've participated, they've stayed on topic, great information was exchanged and opinions were respected. It's really not all that difficult. We have to tame this and avoid the wild, wild west approach.
In the spirit of good dialogue, intelligent conversation and exchanging opinions in a productive manner, I hope many of you can agree.
