I've made a couple cues with what I would call a "solid" joint, meaning there is no wood going through the joint material. I've done one with juma and another with deer antler. On the juma, I bored a shallow pilot arounf .630 if I remember right and I did the same with the antler, but I made the antler joint taller. My question is, when you put on a solid joint, is the pilot needed? I made the pilot hole about .250 deep, so the joint would have more strength. The deer antler joint is the best I've done, and its my playing cue for the time being. The juma joint cue also turned out great and was my playing cue until I made the other one, lol. (See a pattern? Lol). Any input or tips are appreciated. Thanks!
Joe
Joe