another lathe question

[Burns]

Im thinking of getting a lathe for repair work. I want to do mainly tips and ferules. I dont have much to spend on a lathe, and was looking at the harbor freight. Aside from the support I would have to make for the joint end of the shaft, what else would I need to get going? I want to be able to thread ferule material as well. Also would I be able to use it to make a house cue into a 2 piece cue witha joint? what would I need to do that?

 

[JoeyInCali]

You can do threaded ferrules using a 5/16 18 compression die from Unique.

To be able to make straight two-piece cues, you will need a much bigger metal lathe. Bigger spindle hole and at least 36 between centers.

 

[Burns]

so I couldnt use a cue repair lathe to make a 2 piece cue? even if it says it can do joint work?

 

[Varney Cues]

so I couldnt use a cue repair lathe to make a 2 piece cue? even if it says it can do joint work?

You can build sneakies using the Cue Companion 3 from Unique Products. It will allow you to build joints & buttcaps. Keep in mind though that it will not turn the sections down as it has no router or taper bar option. You'll have to use the butts & shafts as you get them...or sand them...which I don't recommend.:wink:

 

[JoeyInCali]

You can build sneakies using the Cue Companion 3 from Unique Products. :

Good luck in getting the collar down to a thousandth in runout.
Heck, why don't you send me a Hardinge 5-c collet closer lathe?
I'll trade you a truckload of Sharpies.

 

[JoeyInCali]

so I couldnt use a cue repair lathe to make a 2 piece cue? even if it says it can do joint work?

You can as long as the spindle hole fits the butt.

 

[tsp&b]

It depends

so I couldnt use a cue repair lathe to make a 2 piece cue? even if it says it can do joint work?

The answer to your question depends on the type of repair lathe you are working with. I would recommend that you contact the person who made the lathe and ask them.

 

[cueman]

so I couldnt use a cue repair lathe to make a 2 piece cue? even if it says it can do joint work?

If a cue repair lathe supplier says the lathe will do joint work then it should do it. But your orginal question was about the Harbor Freight lathes. They make some really large metal lathes that will do the joint work without much modifying. But the mini lathe which most are inquiring about has some draw backs and will not do the joint work.

 

[Burns]

thanks for all the responses. Im looking to get what I want as cheap as possible. I was considering the harbor freight mini lathe, but in the end it may be worth it to spend a bit more and get something that I could make a sneaky on. Im only looking to do this as a hobby, so if it will get the job done even if it takes a little longer thats fine with me.