Are You Capable Of Building A Heavy Version KW Shaft?

[Bavafongoul]

For most of this year, I have tried to get a heavier version KW shaft because most are lighter than I require. Typically 3.4-3.7 ozs is what KW shafts seem to average and I want a 4 oz. shaft or very close. I have a Barnhart KW shaft that weighs 3.81 ozs (12.85mm). There’s a eBay listing for a 4.3 oz. KW shaft but it’s a modified 3/8x10 pin so heavier KW shafts can be built. I just haven’t found anyone to tackle building a shaft that can meet my specs. 12.75mm, 1/2” ferrule, 4 ozs. or heavier ( 29” or 29.5” length). Cory Barnhart comes close so I have a 29.5” KW shaft (12.85mm) from Cory that weighs 3.81 ozs. I just want a little thinner shaft (12.75mm), 15-16” pro taper and a tad bit heavier.

I posted months ago I found a cue maker that was confident they could build it so I ordered 2 KW shafts (3/8x10 and 3/8x11). I just learned the 1st shaft missed the weight by .4 ozs and it’s doubtful the 2nd shaft is any different, so back to the search again and I know this can be done if the builder has the right wood to use. Well, if you are up to the challenge, reach out and let me know. Send me a PM or post on this thread but don’t try to persuade me a heavier version KW shaft is not needed. I want a KW shaft has to match my orig. maple shafts’ weight.

Thanks for reading my thread and offering any suggestions about a qualified cue maker confident enough to tackle building me a KW shaft. I thought I had found a prominent cue maker interested and capable of building me what I want but it just didn’t work out despite their initial confidence months ago. Obladi Oblada……you either get what you want or settle for less…….I am just not inclined, nor willing, to do that.

 

[boogieman]

For most of this year, I have tried to get a heavier version KW shaft because most are lighter than I require. Typically 3.4-3.7 ozs is what KW shafts seem to average and I want a 4 oz. shaft or very close. I have a Barnhart KW shaft that weighs 3.81 ozs (12.85mm). There’s a eBay listing for a 4.3 oz. KW shaft but it’s a modified 3/8x10 pin so heavier KW shafts can be built. I just haven’t found anyone to tackle building a shaft that can meet my specs. 12.75mm, 1/2” ferrule, 4 ozs. or heavier ( 29” or 29.5” length). Cory Barnhart comes close so I have a 29.5” KW shaft (12.85mm) from Cory that weighs 3.81 ozs. I just want a little thinner shaft (12.75mm), 15-16” pro taper and a tad bit heavier.

I posted months ago I found a cue maker that was confident they could build it so I ordered 2 KW shafts (3/8x10 and 3/8x11). I just learned the 1st shaft missed the weight by .4 ozs and it’s doubtful the 2nd shaft is any different, so back to the search again and I know this can be done if the builder has the right wood to use. Well, if you are up to the challenge, reach out and let me know. Send me a PM or post on this thread but don’t try to persuade me a heavier version KW shaft is not needed. I want a KW shaft has to match my orig. maple shafts’ weight.

Thanks for reading my thread and offering any suggestions about a qualified cue maker confident enough to tackle building me a KW shaft. I thought I had found a prominent cue maker interested and capable of building me what I want but it just didn’t work out despite their initial confidence months ago. Obladi Oblada……you either get what you want or settle for less…….I am just not inclined, nor willing, to do that.

Dang, that sucks. Sorry to hear that it missed the weight.

 

[jokers_wild96]

Not sure how this will go but have you thought about adding a small weight through the threads to get your half oz of weight. Or if your looking for an overall weight add a half oz to the weights in the butt.

 

[Chopdoc]

Sorry to hear they didn't make the weight.

I had suggested talking to Pechauer about their black ice infused break shaft. The infusion process makes the shaft heavier.

LINK

Average shaft weight of 6.4 oz

6.4 is pretty heavy to start with.

The thought is to use the infused wood, then roast it.

I have no idea how the processes would work together, but starting with a shaft that is 6.4 ounces sounds like a heck of a starting point.

I remember you responded to my idea, so you saw it, but I don't remember if you ever spoke to Pechauer about it.

I am very curious to see where this adventure ends up, and sure would never really know if you were not so damned determined, so keep it up.

If nothing else the drama makes for a heck of a story. But you may tap into something beyond just the weight that nobody thought of as you push this. Never know, it could have broader importance than just your unique desire.

 

[bdcues]

For most of this year, I have tried to get a heavier version KW shaft because most are lighter than I require. Typically 3.4-3.7 ozs is what KW shafts seem to average and I want a 4 oz. shaft or very close. I have a Barnhart KW shaft that weighs 3.81 ozs (12.85mm). There’s a eBay listing for a 4.3 oz. KW shaft but it’s a modified 3/8x10 pin so heavier KW shafts can be built. I just haven’t found anyone to tackle building a shaft that can meet my specs. 12.75mm, 1/2” ferrule, 4 ozs. or heavier ( 29” or 29.5” length). Cory Barnhart comes close so I have a 29.5” KW shaft (12.85mm) from Cory that weighs 3.81 ozs. I just want a little thinner shaft (12.75mm), 15-16” pro taper and a tad bit heavier.

I posted months ago I found a cue maker that was confident they could build it so I ordered 2 KW shafts (3/8x10 and 3/8x11). I just learned the 1st shaft missed the weight by .4 ozs and it’s doubtful the 2nd shaft is any different, so back to the search again and I know this can be done if the builder has the right wood to use. Well, if you are up to the challenge, reach out and let me know. Send me a PM or post on this thread but don’t try to persuade me a heavier version KW shaft is not needed. I want a KW shaft has to match my orig. maple shafts’ weight.

Thanks for reading my thread and offering any suggestions about a qualified cue maker confident enough to tackle building me a KW shaft. I thought I had found a prominent cue maker interested and capable of building me what I want but it just didn’t work out despite their initial confidence months ago. Obladi Oblada……you either get what you want or settle for less…….I am just not inclined, nor willing, to do that.

I can make you a kielwood shaft at whatever weight you want. bob_danielson@hotmail.com or 5093929015.

 

[Bavafongoul]

I can make you a kielwood shaft at whatever weight you want. bob_danielson@hotmail.com or 5093929015.

Thank you…unfortunately I committed my order for two KW shafts last night to someone else.
Your skills are admittedly among the best of your cue making peers. I previously thought that
my previous order placed several months ago was going to be successful but I was mistaken.

If the Kielwood shafts I’ve ordered do not turn out satisfactory, rest assured I will be in touch. At
this moment, the timing of your offer me to build a couple of heavier version LW shafts is ill timed
otherwise I’d be calling to discuss what I want made. Thanks again for being willing to assist me.

 

[Bavafongoul]

Sorry to hear they didn't make the weight.

I had suggested talking to Pechauer about their black ice infused break shaft. The infusion process makes the shaft heavier.

LINK


6.4 is pretty heavy to start with.

The thought is to use the infused wood, then roast it.

I have no idea how the processes would work together, but starting with a shaft that is 6.4 ounces sounds like a heck of a starting point.

I remember you responded to my idea, so you saw it, but I don't remember if you ever spoke to Pechauer about it.

I am very curious to see where this adventure ends up, and sure would never really know if you were not so damned determined, so keep it up.

If nothing else the drama makes for a heck of a story. But you may tap into something beyond just the weight that nobody thought of as you push this. Never know, it could have broader importance than just your unique desire.

Thank you for your post. I know a lot of folks must think I have some aberrant minded views about cues. Heck, they could be correct. But I fervently believe in what I’ve preached for decades. Find out what works best for you and stick with it. So I strive to avoid deviating much In my approach to pool cues.

What has been interesting is the different opinions I’ve encountered from cue makers I contacted to tackle this, as well as a long list of other Azers that either think I’m whistling Dixie or don’t know my ass from my elbow about pool cues.

So far very few cue makers have indicated they can build a KW shaft over 4 ozs. without having to add weight to the shaft and it doesn’t need to be 13mm diameter or a 30” length either. I’ve ordered 12.75mm shafts and 29” length with a 5/8” ferrule. The cue maker didn’t hesitate the slightest at what I wanted him to build. And the best part is he’s has already built shafts like I want made. I never got around to speaking with Pechauer because I had placed an order with a different cue maker this past April for two KW shafts.

I only started this new thread after learning they weren’t able to build what I wanted and the 1st of the KW shafts they were making weighed 3.6 ozs.which is around the average weight of most KW shafts (3.4-3.7 ozs.). My Barnhart KW is 3.8 ozs which is my minimum shaft weight but I want 4 ozs or heavier to match my cues original maple shafts.

I am truly astonished at the differing cue maker opinions I encountered about building a heavier version KW shaft. It literally became contradictory views about what is doable and what isn’t. However, a heavier KW shaft can be made but requires adding weight towards the collar. And the ways of adding weight also differed by cue maker. I never believed adding weight should be necessary but I don’t build pool cues either. So when a cue maker tells me I’ve already built KW shafts even heavier than what you want without having to add weight to the shaft, then I’m all ears.

Pechauer is a talented cue maker and I like his workmanship. Not crazy about his standard cue joint but 3/8x10 and 3/8x11 wouldn’t be difficult for him to build. It was just bad timing because I resumed my cue maker search just the other day after starting this thread. I have a hunch that my golden rule about shaft and butt weight ratios will get adopted by some folks and they’re in store for a pleasant surprise. The balance on your cue couldn’t be any better.

When the shafts are finished, I’ll report back on the results. I think that heavier version KW shafts will perform better and the front end mass on those shafts will be lighter just like other KW shafts. But everyone has different tastes and opinions when it comes to pool cues. I failed on my last two searches for a Hercek flat ivory cue and Cortland Linen (white w/blk spec). This time I think I am going to be successful because I find giving up a very distasteful strategy.

Thanks for being interested in this thread and let’s see how it turns out. My hope is it increases interest in & popularity of KW shafts. And it would be amazing if more folks tried this and reported my golden rule for pool cues holds true.

 

[SSDiver2112]

Glad you found someone to get the job done. Definitely possible with the right wood.

Just finished this one. 12.75mm, 0.850" joint, 29” long. Right at 4oz.

 

[Bavafongoul]

Glad you found someone to get the job done. Definitely possible with the right wood.

Just finished this one. 12.75mm, 0.850" joint, 29” long. Right at 4oz.

View attachment 840983

That’s absolutely spot on and exactly what I am looking for. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll have you and Mr. Daniel son in the wings. Having just made what I am looking for certainly grabs my attention.

To be perfectly fair though, the person that’s making 2 KW shafts for me has made several weighing 4.2 & 4.3 ozs 29” length. So at this moment, I am feeling more optimistic I am going to finally be successful getting heavier KW shafts.

Thank you for sharing your skills and you built a dandy KW shaft.

 

[bdcues]

Thank you for your post. I know a lot of folks must think I have some aberrant minded views about cues. Heck, they could be correct. But I fervently believe in what I’ve preached for decades. Find out what works best for you and stick with it. So I strive to avoid deviating much In my approach to pool cues.

What has been interesting is the different opinions I’ve encountered from cue makers I contacted to tackle this, as well as a long list of other Azers that either think I’m whistling Dixie or don’t know my ass from my elbow about pool cues.

So far very few cue makers have indicated they can build a KW shaft over 4 ozs. without having to add weight to the shaft and it doesn’t need to be 13mm diameter or a 30” length either. I’ve ordered 12.75mm shafts and 29” length with a 5/8” ferrule. The cue maker didn’t hesitate the slightest at what I wanted him to build. And the best part is he’s has already built shafts like I want made. I never got around to speaking with Pechauer because I had placed an order with a different cue maker this past April for two KW shafts.

I only started this new thread after learning they weren’t able to build what I wanted and the 1st of the KW shafts they were making weighed 3.6 ozs.which is around the average weight of most KW shafts (3.4-3.7 ozs.). My Barnhart KW is 3.8 ozs which is my minimum shaft weight but I want 4 ozs or heavier to match my cues original maple shafts.

I am truly astonished at the differing cue maker opinions I encountered about building a heavier version KW shaft. It literally became contradictory views about what is doable and what isn’t. However, a heavier KW shaft can be made but requires adding weight towards the collar. And the ways of adding weight also differed by cue maker. I never believed adding weight should be necessary but I don’t build pool cues either. So when a cue maker tells me I’ve already built KW shafts even heavier than what you want without having to add weight to the shaft, then I’m all ears.

Pechauer is a talented cue maker and I like his workmanship. Not crazy about his standard cue joint but 3/8x10 and 3/8x11 wouldn’t be difficult for him to build. It was just bad timing because I resumed my cue maker search just the other day after starting this thread. I have a hunch that my golden rule about shaft and butt weight ratios will get adopted by some folks and they’re in store for a pleasant surprise. The balance on your cue couldn’t be any better.

When the shafts are finished, I’ll report back on the results. I think that heavier version KW shafts will perform better and the front end mass on those shafts will be lighter just like other KW shafts. But everyone has different tastes and opinions when it comes to pool cues. I failed on my last two searches for a Hercek flat ivory cue and Cortland Linen (white w/blk spec). This time I think I am going to be successful because I find giving up a very distasteful strategy.

Thanks for being interested in this thread and let’s see how it turns out. My hope is it increases interest in & popularity of KW shafts. And it would be amazing if more folks tried this and reported my golden rule for pool cues holds true.

To clarify a couple of items above - A 4.0oz Kielwood shaft weighs exactly as much as a 4.0oz regular Maple shaft so the frontal mass on the Kielwood will not be less than the regular Maple.... it will be exactly the same. One advantage of Kielwood is the lighter weight while being slightly stiffer than regular Maple but if the total shaft weight is the same than the advantage is simply being stiffer. I add weight to all my shafts that weigh less than 3.6oz and can make them any weight desired. I do have a dowel now that would make a 4.4oz 12.75mm non inserted shaft. With any of the inserts you would be looking over 4.6oz. The advantage of taking a lighter shaft to start and adding weight is that now you actually do have less frontal mass compared to a heavier shaft with no weight and the added weight does not negatively impact playability.

The reason kielwood is lighter is the lower moisture content, 4% compared to 8% and higher. That's twice as much water weight or more. And while there is over a 2oz spread in regular Maple shaft weights the same is true in Kielwood, the Kielwood is just lighter due to less moisture and no free sugars which are baked out during the process. This lack of free sugars, to me, is the most important aspect of Kielwood, then the added stiffness due to the change in cell structure, then the lighter forward mass.

 

[Bavafongoul]

Thanks…..I’m pals with Bob Owens and he took the time to explain the torrefication process and the option of coring the shaft and using an insert and the need for reintroducing moisture. I appreciate your thorough explanation about your approach to the construction process.

This is just my preference but I’d like to avoid having to add weight to the shaft unless it was unavoidable to reach my target weight. Frankly, I’d likely just settle for a little lighter KW shaft than what I hope to get before doing that. At this time, I’m anticipating my cues will be started this week and it shouldn’t be long before I can report how this turns out.

There is only 1 KW shaft in my case right now and only fits one cue. It’s why I want 2 more so all the cues can use one.