3/8-10 pin install with pilot.

[Poolbawls]

When I look at the picture that Bob Dz posted, regarding 3/8-10 pins. It’s obvious to me that the modified pin is superior. Has anybody ever installed one with a pilot like pictured? I’ve installed phenolic inserts on both sides of the joint. What are your thoughts or experience with such an approach? I’ve searched, but haven’t been able to identify anybody ever doing this.

 

[Michael Webb]

When I look at the picture that Bob Dz posted, regarding 3/8-10 pins. It’s obvious to me that the modified pin is superior. Has anybody ever installed one with a pilot like pictured? I’ve installed phenolic inserts on both sides of the joint. What are your thoughts or experience with such an approach? I’ve searched, but haven’t been able to identify anybody ever doing this.

View attachment 856551

Like everything. It's a personal touch. There are some Cue makers doing Radial joint screws and having the pilot countersink.
Some like your picture doing the 3/8x10.
It looks nice but if the pilot on the shaft isn't touching the inside of the walls on the Butt to give the appearance of a COMPRESSION FIT,
It's not doing diddly

 

[Chopdoc]

if the pilot on the shaft isn't touching the inside of the walls on the Butt to give the appearance of a COMPRESSION FIT,
It's not doing diddly

Yup.

 

[Sheldon]

Seems redundant with this type of pin if it's done properly.

 

[Poolbawls]

I completely agree with all responses. This will be the only 3/8-10 modified pin with pilot I do. I always liked Tim Scruggs 5/16-14 pins with pilots and thought I’d try it with a 3/8 pin. My pilot does contact the inside walls of the butt, but like mentioned it’s redundant.
After posting, I did find a maker who utilizes a pilot with radial pins. There was a mention with Peri cues, that the added surface area enhanced feedback. I’m not that good of a pool player to make that type of assessment. I have a couple of flat faced 3/8” cues being finished, and I’ll see if I can tell the difference. My thinking is that if they’re not identical, aside from the pin, it will be difficult to assess the feedback from one to the other. Thanks for the responses. I’m where a lot of you were 20-25 years ago or longer. I come here to search, read and try things in my shop before I post.

Cheers

 

[JoeyInCali]

I like em flat face

 

[Poolbawls]

I like em flat face

I like that!!

 

[boogieman]

I like em flat face

Showoff.

Damn that's some fine looking work!

 

[RidgeRaider]

I like em flat face

Agreed.

Although I am an extremely amateur cue maker, I've experimented with a piloted 3/8-10 and didn't feel it had anything to offer over a flat face, if anything it felt like it took away from the typical big pin flat face hit.

I like the pilot on the 5/16-14 pins I do though, little extra strength if it were to fall or get bent I suppose.

 

[Murray Tucker]

A long, long time ago I did piloted 3/8. It was due to my equipment at the time making it necessary to work between centers. Once I gained a bit of knowledge made some machinery modifications I abandoned it.

 

[Dbex6505]

A long, long time ago I did piloted 3/8. It was due to my equipment at the time making it necessary to work between centers. Once I gained a bit of knowledge made some machinery modifications I abandoned it.

Hey Murray I just acquired one of your cues and was wondering if you could tell me if the joint and buttcap is ivory?

 

[Dave38]

I do ALOT of cue repair and have been for about 29 yrs. I will say, from my experiences, A pilot does NOTHING. I say that with conviction as I have Never come across a cue that has a pilot, that actually contacts the sides of the recess for a perfect alignment. Have had some that contacted....but the contact prevent either a full seating, or it skewed the shaft to be a crooked fit......not even Uni-loc predators have contact. If a custom cue did have a compression fit at conception...(in productions cues, that's NEVER) ....as time goes by, that changes to either too tight to get it to bottom out due to materials expanding, or the brass has worn and therefore there is no contact. So whats the point? As far as the 3/8x10 Modified....If done right, the flat minor is the pilot, if you will, and will provide proper alignment as you screw it on.... no pilot needed.
dave