What makes a good cue maker a GREAT cue maker?

What makes a great cue maker

It does not matter what tools are used. I do not care if you made it with a pocketknife or a cnc lathe. All of these things are only tools in an artists hands.Cnc machining does not mean that you can make cues nor does not having one.I hear a lot of whining over people using cnc equipment and I am here to tell you get over yourselves.All a cnc does is allow repeat ability and improve accuracy. I have used both the end result is the same. The same goes for computer design it is a tool nothing more. It will not help you be creative it does what you tell it.I think being great at something requires perfection in your craft.As a machinist I know that so many people just make things good enough.They do not stretch themselves and strive to be the best. Having tools to do a job makes no one better or worse. I can give you a wrench and someone a ratchet and the job will turn out the same. Step out of the past and accept change gentlemen.
 
Well, I believe in the pedigree behind the master cue builders...and their apprentices...that follow...

The handed down trade secrets that are tried and true to the original build from the master's hands of his lifetime of self taught techniques and practices (successful innovations, and flawed efforts as a whole), that are handed down to the apprentice(s), all to create, yet, another masterpiece by the historical teachings of the elder master builder, of which the trade was handed to his friend, associate, and apprentice.

I guess I'm a bit old fashioned...

I love razor sharp points in every aspect of every cue that is built...this includes the points, veneers, boxes, miters, and inlays...and I hate to see glue lines within any area of the cue.

There are many great cue builders that are the first generation of their craft, and they also share the pedestal with many of the greatest cue builders...the genuine, craftsmanship design and artistic mentality to take a blank piece of wood, and turn it into a beautiful masterpiece of their own works, is similar to the guy who takes silence and with a guitar, turns it into the beautiful sound of music...yet, another artist, who takes a blank canvas and turns it into something beautiful and meaningful.
And in reference to the cue, beautiful and functional.
 
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DD Custom Cues said:
Do you realize there are very few cue makers doing inlays by hand nowadays. I've only heard of a couple and the ones I've heard of come from the Philippines.
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Check my signature. There is no CNC or Panto used in the production of these American made cues.

I'm not saying guys that use CNC build junk. I prefer not to have a CNC used in the production of my cues. Doesn't mean every one else has to think the same way.


best,

Justin
 
jhanso18 said:
Check my signature. There is no CNC or Panto used in the production of these American made cues.

I'm not saying guys that use CNC build junk. I prefer not to have a CNC used in the production of my cues. Doesn't mean every one else has to think the same way.


best,

Justin
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Just for clarification, you use no mechanical device to make your cues.
No taper bar, no mill, no lathe. How do you index your ring work.
In my opinion, a taper bar or indexer is no different than a pantograph.
They all use mechanical stops and guides to produce the end result.
Just like to hear you opinion.
 
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