Any SW Ohio Cuemakers looking for an apprentice?
- Thread starter CroweCues
- Start date
..........
i agree i may be a bit ahead of the curve. But it is just that, art. Having the opportunity to learn under someone is something i think a lot miss out on. the man that showed me how to run machines is someone i look up to even today. to me, its about more than just learning how to put wood together, if that makes since.
i agree i may be a bit ahead of the curve. But it is just that, art. Having the opportunity to learn under someone is something i think a lot miss out on. the man that showed me how to run machines is someone i look up to even today. to me, its about more than just learning how to put wood together, if that makes since.
You have to ask yourself, what does a cuemaker have to gain by helping someone else become a cuemaker? He only has possible loss and nothing to gain. He teaches you so that you can compete with him in his own market. As well there is the whole issue of liabilities if you were to get hurt in his shop.
If this was always true, then there would never be mentor/apprentice relationships in the cue making industry.
As we know, that is simply not the case.
Keep looking, OP. There are good people out there that are both willing to help you learn, and do enough business to where they could use the help around the shop.
I'm not saying that it doesn't happen or that there are no possibilities. I am just saying that it is a hard sell because there are very few benefits to the mentor.
I agree, this is one of the ideas that comes to mind to help.
I will keep in touch for sure, would love to stop in and chat when given the chance.
When I apprenticed, I brought in repairs AND sales to my mentor ( cues and materials ) .
I cleaned the shop, turned woods round, turned shafts, cut corners of square stock, got out and got jigs/parts made when needed, shop for wood and materials, then cleaned the shop some more . Did not get paid a dime. My mentor did pay for dinner 90% of the time.
Nowadays, you might PAY to be an apprentice .
Never hurt your mentor's business after you go on your own. Don't be in his neck of the woods if he does repairs . If you are, don't take repairs .
My mentor passed away and he still took care of me .
How did you guys address the liability issue?
Trust . I was never going to sue him and he knew that .
I had a full time job and a very good insurance .
The funny thing is , the whole thing really started when he had an accident with his table saw . He could not use his left hand for a while and he needed to make a bunch of ferrules for the BCA show.
I already had some machining education from a local college .
I made the ferrules and did my understudy after that for two years.
Interesting story Joey, thanks for sharing. You were fortunate you were given that opportunity. I am with KJ on this one though , besides.. with the amount of info floating around on the net there isnt many secrets left. As a Machinist I would just buy a lathe and dive in. Which ever way the Op goes best of luck and enjoy the craft.
Interesting story Joey, thanks for sharing. You were fortunate you were given that opportunity. I am with KJ on this one though , besides.. with the amount of info floating around on the net there isnt many secrets left. As a Machinist I would just buy a lathe and dive in. To the OP Which ever way you go best of luck and enjoy the craft.
True that .
Last edited:
Let me say it this way and this is no reflection on the OP...
There are many guys out there who are looking to "apprentice". Their definition of "apprentice" is to learn from a master or someone, all that they can be taught so that they can go off on their own and turn $50 worth of wood into a $1000 cue.
Their definition is that you are the teacher for their sole use and purpose - it's not about helping out or learning a trade but simply to gain the knowledge from a fool stupid enough to teach them so that they can go off on their own. That's their attitude and definition.
Now, that may sound like a generalization but over the years we've gotten hundreds of requests to apprentice with us and 99% were for the above purpose.
Additionally, to apprentice you would need to find someone who is capable of paying you a weekly salary on a regular basis; like a real job and the truth is there are few makers who can afford that. And, for you to work ("apprentice") part time, it's difficult to find a maker willing to take you on your schedule.
There are many guys out there who are looking to "apprentice". Their definition of "apprentice" is to learn from a master or someone, all that they can be taught so that they can go off on their own and turn $50 worth of wood into a $1000 cue.
Their definition is that you are the teacher for their sole use and purpose - it's not about helping out or learning a trade but simply to gain the knowledge from a fool stupid enough to teach them so that they can go off on their own. That's their attitude and definition.
Now, that may sound like a generalization but over the years we've gotten hundreds of requests to apprentice with us and 99% were for the above purpose.
Additionally, to apprentice you would need to find someone who is capable of paying you a weekly salary on a regular basis; like a real job and the truth is there are few makers who can afford that. And, for you to work ("apprentice") part time, it's difficult to find a maker willing to take you on your schedule.
There you have it... Joey cuts corners in his cuemaking process. Shame on you.
Nice story, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for this joey, all you listed is what i would expect to be doing as an apprentice. what seems like easy work is in fact lessons to be learned. as for competition, i do not plan on staying in the SW ohio area at all. Due to circumstances, im relocating to the area for some time but dont plan on staying years on end.
I have received a message and it looks like i may have a cue maker interested in helping me out, just waiting to speak in more detail on the phone. It does have me really excited, and i can only hope that i can be as beneficial to him as he will to me.