Assembling A joint thoughts

[jokers_wild96]

So in a few days I'll be assembling an a joint for a cue. I've done plenty to know how to do them so this isn't that post. But this morning on my drive to work, I pondered the question. Can you run the tenon the other way into the handle of the cue. I know the traditional way of running the tenon into the forearm but is there any reason it cant be done the other way. What's your thoughts and experience if you've done it that way.

 

[Dave38]

When I do an A joint (I usually do a full length core instead) I always make the tenon on the forearm and insert it to the handle. Especially if there is going to be a wrap, as I will then drill a small hole in the handle for excess glue relief and it gets covered by the wrap.

 

[SSDiver2112]

I usually have the tenon on the forearm and into the handle. It can go the other way if you need to move the balance point. builder's preference I would say.

 

[ratcues]

I do it both ways, depending on the cue.

 

[Chopdoc]

I usually have the tenon on the forearm and into the handle. It can go the other way if you need to move the balance point. builder's preference I would say.

As far as altering balance point etc, it does not even have to be at the traditional location. Many ways to skin this cat, including other types of joinery.

Like on this Adam cue. Would this still be called an "A" joint though?

 

[DeeDeeCues]

I stopped turning the tenon on either piece of wood after about my fourth cue. If I don't do a full core I build a separate tenon and thread both ends, leaving an unthreaded section in the center for alignment purposes.

 

[JoeyInCali]

So in a few days I'll be assembling an a joint for a cue. I've done plenty to know how to do them so this isn't that post. But this morning on my drive to work, I pondered the question. Can you run the tenon the other way into the handle of the cue. I know the traditional way of running the tenon into the forearm but is there any reason it cant be done the other way. What's your thoughts and experience if you've done it that way.

If the forearm has points, it makes sense to do it on the forearm.
If it has no points ( specially if it's cored) you can tenon to the handle.
I use a 14"+ core and go to the handle

 

[Chopdoc]

I just came across this and was reminded of the finger joints I have seen in some cues.

 

[ratcues]

I just came across this and was reminded of the finger joints I have seen in some cues.

Viking uses finger joints for the A Joint.

 

[Chopdoc]

Viking uses finger joints for the A Joint.

Yes, I have seen that.

And Joss did a long time ago.

I am wondering if anybody has ever used any kind of expanding tenon or expanding "fingers" in a cue. Might be a lot of effort for little or no advantage. But mechanical joinery surely is better than just adhesives. No? For example, threading parts.

 

[ratcues]

I've cut apart and reassembled 100s of cues. I've seen some pretty interesting A joints and a couple that challenge everything I think I know about cue construction. Conclusion? There is no secret sauce. It does have influence on the overall feel of a cue but, not as much as I once thought.