Cue building...let's talk about tools!

[qbilder]

Thanks! Yes, I'll be calling Hightower today to talk about it. My thought was there are other things I'd like to do with it other than simply cue work, and those really would require a great deal of precision in metal, but I think it makes more sense to have a dedicated machine with all the support and knowledge that goes with it, and to bring in a much smaller metal lathe for the other stuff (if I ever get around to it). I thought a double duty machine made sense, but when I see what I'd really need to do it, it doesn't make much sense to me anymore. When I quite my job to start my own company, I lost my access to mills and lathes, and I guess I just miss having them around.

This cue (and every other cue I have made) was done on what others would call "toy" machines. I wouldn't dare try persuading you to go that route, as it's totally a personal choice. I'm only showing that either way is viable, and that the "toy" myth is completely ignorant. There's nothing toy about them. In fact, they are generally based on jewelers machinery, which requires precision, not robustness.

 

[john coloccia]

This cue (and every other cue I have made) was done on what others would call "toy" machines. I wouldn't dare try persuading you to go that route, as it's totally a personal choice. I'm only showing that either way is viable, and that the "toy" myth is completely ignorant. There's nothing toy about them. In fact, they are generally based on jewelers machinery, which requires precision, not robustness.

Just to be clear, I never called them "toy" machines. I'm not sure how you got that impression. I just don't think it's capable of doing the non-cue related metal work I have in mind. The smaller metal lathe I used to have access to wasn't even capable of doing the work. I'm not talking about just facing off some metal joint collars. I need to do serious, precision boring, threading and broaching in steel. However good that machine is, please believe me that it's just simply not up to the task. It's obvious to me that I really need two separate, reasonable lathes to cover the ground I want to cover, instead of one truly monstrous lathe that's probably serious overkill for both tasks! Ya'll have convinced me!

 

[Texas Carom Club]

will any of the cheaper hightower lathes be suited for making a cue?
as far as length, goes

will any of the mirco cue smith lathes be able to turn a full length butt or shaft? seperately of course

just curious if theres a cheaper option to get started other than the deluxe

 

[john coloccia]

I have several lathes in my shop. If I could have only one. It would be this one. http://www.google.com/url?

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=.../G9730&usg=AFQjCNG5IWOrPW7RiiFevmrEV6_DSt0_IA

I have a a few cue lathes and other metal lathes. This 13X40 is the most versatile. mine is a earlier and very beat up version of the grizzly shown above. I would dearly miss my South Bend heavy ten and my Deluxe Cuesmith if I sold them though.

Welcome to the addiction!

Larry

Special thanks to Larry for taking a bit of extra time with me today.

 

[qbilder]

Just to be clear, I never called them "toy" machines. I'm not sure how you got that impression. I just don't think it's capable of doing the non-cue related metal work I have in mind. The smaller metal lathe I used to have access to wasn't even capable of doing the work. I'm not talking about just facing off some metal joint collars. I need to do serious, precision boring, threading and broaching in steel. However good that machine is, please believe me that it's just simply not up to the task. It's obvious to me that I really need two separate, reasonable lathes to cover the ground I want to cover, instead of one truly monstrous lathe that's probably serious overkill for both tasks! Ya'll have convinced me!

I never said you did. I was vaguely referencing a common misconception that seems to come up every time there's a thread like this. Somebody always tries convincing a guy that he needs big, heavy machines to make a pool cue. I am only proving the other side of the debate, which is that the large machines aren't at all necessary.

Now for the metal work you describe, you'll need metalworking equipment. And to be fair, a 13x40 will do everything you describe plus be more than capable of cue work, especially if equipped with good taper bars. I think a 13x40 set up with one of those Deco-Cue bars would be ideal for somebody who wanted to make a few cues plus have the capability of heavy machining. It's all about options and choosing what is best for you.

 

[john coloccia]

I never said you did. I was vaguely referencing a common misconception that seems to come up every time there's a thread like this. Somebody always tries convincing a guy that he needs big, heavy machines to make a pool cue. I am only proving the other side of the debate, which is that the large machines aren't at all necessary.

Now for the metal work you describe, you'll need metalworking equipment. And to be fair, a 13x40 will do everything you describe plus be more than capable of cue work, especially if equipped with good taper bars. I think a 13x40 set up with one of those Deco-Cue bars would be ideal for somebody who wanted to make a few cues plus have the capability of heavy machining. It's all about options and choosing what is best for you.

Unfortunately, my workshop is already pretty packed solid. There's just simply no room for a monster metal lathe, or I would consider it. Here's a shot from the captain's chair, i.e. my electronics workbench. :grin:

I just recently removed the spray booth too...a little cramped for guitar work, but downright roomy for spraying long, thin sticks. I still have the explosion proof fan, so no biggie building a new one if the spirit moved me. I needed to rebuild the baffle on it anyway. I completely screwed it up the first time and ended up with some funny airflow patterns.

 

[qbilder]

Looks like you need a bigger shop! With cues comes lots & lots of wood, phenolics, etc. that will need stored.

 

[JoeyInCali]

Unfortunately, my workshop is already pretty packed solid. There's just simply no room for a monster metal lathe, or I would consider it. Here's a shot from the captain's chair, i.e. my electronics workbench. :grin:

I just recently removed the spray booth too...a little cramped for guitar work, but downright roomy for spraying long, thin sticks. I still have the explosion proof fan, so no biggie building a new one if the spirit moved me. I needed to rebuild the baffle on it anyway. I completely screwed it up the first time and ended up with some funny airflow patterns.

Looks like you HAVE NO CHOICE then.
Cue Lathe it is.

 

[pescadoman]

Unfortunately, my workshop is already pretty packed solid. There's just simply no room for a monster metal lathe, or I would consider it. Here's a shot from the captain's chair, i.e. my electronics workbench. :grin:

I just recently removed the spray booth too...a little cramped for guitar work, but downright roomy for spraying long, thin sticks. I still have the explosion proof fan, so no biggie building a new one if the spirit moved me. I needed to rebuild the baffle on it anyway. I completely screwed it up the first time and ended up with some funny airflow patterns.

This makes my shop look HUGE

 

[rhinobywilhite]

Unfortunately, my workshop is already pretty packed solid. There's just simply no room for a monster metal lathe, or I would consider it. Here's a shot from the captain's chair, i.e. my electronics workbench. :grin:

I just recently removed the spray booth too...a little cramped for guitar work, but downright roomy for spraying long, thin sticks. I still have the explosion proof fan, so no biggie building a new one if the spirit moved me. I needed to rebuild the baffle on it anyway. I completely screwed it up the first time and ended up with some funny airflow patterns.

It is too late. You, my friend have an addiction. Shipping some of that stuff to me should help you to get well.

 

[conetip]

I have had my router 2 weeks now. Time flies. My son downloaded Autodesk360 and has been using that to design a propeller for his model planes. It uses HSMworks and all is free for start up companies and students. I am just amazed how someone with no cnc experience can use a cad program and make code and not crash the machine. The down side is that XYZ home is not very accurate at all. So when it is turned off, even though it remembers the coordinates of the last work piece, as the home is not correct it is not in the right position. It is up to 0.3mm out of position, in either X or Y, but last night was within 0.05mm. He has made a Maple propeller on Sunday already. It is a test before he makes a carbon fibre prop.

 

[john coloccia]

Well, thanks guys....

I'm now just a little bit poorer, and Hightower's just a little bit richer. Hope you're satisfied.

:thumbup: