Hi,
I'm glad you like the case, it's always good to hear!
That style came about because I was asked to build a 2x3 square case, so I gave it a go and liked how it turned out. The idea for the detachable strap came from Jive Ong, he wanted a case that looked like something from the past. I was going to post pictures from the when Jive posted them but they don't show up anymore. I will try and find some pictures of it and post them on this thread for you. On Jives case the straps for the detachable pocket had keepers sewn onto the case to keep in a little more secure so I wouldn't slide around to much.
They may be a little longer than some cases, but are about the same as some of the others. The body should be right around 33 inches and I never know how long of a cue someone will be using so I try to build something that will fit most any cue. I use a inch oak piece in the bottom and top to nail the leather to the wood. I could probably get by with a thinner piece of wood but them I would take the chance of one of the tacks coming through one side or the other of the wood and it would show poking up underneath the leather. I use about a half inch of padding on the bottom and top so the cues won't get banged around but the wood on the bottom if the case gets slammed down on the ground. So both of those things add a little to the length to the case.
I agree that most of the weight comes from the thick leather and the tubes are a little heaver than the interiors like JB uses. I try and build my cases a little heavy duty mainly because I would like them to last a long time and also it keeps me from having to do a bunch of repairs.
I have been trying to come up with a really good 1x2 case but it's still in the works. I like to sew the back panels on the cases instead of rivets but that limits me on the 1x2 because I can't fit my hand inside of the to sew the saddle stitch that closes up the back. The one Jimmy posted in the top of the thread is probably my best way of working around that but that has a few drawbacks of it's own.
Thanks for asking and if you have anymore questions just ask away.
Rusty
Quote:
Originally Posted by runscott
In keeping with the forum rule of one thread per case maker, I'm posting here, despite the fact that this thread quickly became a cluster f**k and definitely is not a fair one for Rusty's cases to be reviewed.
I would love to hear from Rusty regarding his thoughts on case-making - what makes his unique, why they are built the way they are (especially the non-tooled ones like the one I'm posting).
I just picked this one up through the 'For Sale' section here, as it is EXACTLY what I was looking for in a cue case - color, design, 2x3 (as opposed to 2x4), and old-school construction/look. I searched for examples of other Rusty Melton 'hustler-style' cases, and the design features (no straps, no tooling) and color could not be improved on for my needs. I have seen very long predicted wait times and I did not want to wait and did not want to take a chance on losing this case.
What I love about it: design, color, removable pockets, butt holder takes larger butts, super-protective, stands up, handles on end and on case body.
I'm not crazy about it being 2+ inches longer than other cases, or it's heaviness, but those trade-offs are worth it. There seems to be a couple of inches of reinforcement at both top and bottom, as opposed to the hollow top that many cases have. I'm sure the heaviness is mostly due to the thick leather. Since John Barton has already posted in this thread concerning protection offered by cases, I will mention that my every day 2x4 case for the last 14 years has been his Instroke 'Nature' case. It is light and I have never had any issues with protection - it's a great case. I'm not sure I'm moving to this one for everyday use, but it's possible. I won't be getting rid of either.
I bet he could make a phenomenal 1x2 case with minimal tooling ala the A.E. Schmidt in 'The Hustler'.
edited to add: the leather pocket and chalk-holder are not shown, but they are A+ quality. The pocket has two straps that go around each side of the handle to hold it on - a great idea that I had not seen before in cases.
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