Options for lightweight handles

I'm in the process of building my first cue and am using an old bar cue I had and it's a bit heavy in the butt. What are some lightweight woods I can use as a handle to lighten it up a bit?

I was thinking of laminating the handle with thin strips of two different types of wood. Maybe ash and maple?

I have also thought about drilling the butt out for a weight bolt and just leaving it empty, clearly that's done all the time and is the easier way but I need to build a handle for it either way so thought I would use this as a learning experience.

Thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated.

GBCues said:

That old bar cue probably has a hefty weight "bolt" near the end - I say "bolt" because they are often not threaded, just chunks of steel or iron glued into the end. Take care if you start drilling

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Nope, no big weights at the end. It was just the standard bumper screwed directly into the butt.

I should add that I believe the cue bocote, but not sure, maybe I'll post up a pick.

I have actually cut the butt up a little bit as I'm going to use the old handle portion as an extension. I think I've cut it in 3 spots so far and no sparks...yet :thumbup: