cue construction

D

Dman

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Good Morning
I am just starting my adventure in the cue building world. I have played my whole life and know what I like in how a cue feels and plays.

I am not as knowledgable in construction techniques. I do have some close contacts with my custom cuemaker and have watched some of the process.

My questions are as follows.

1. If you were starting out today with the knowledge you have now, would you purchase first, a full size metal lathe or start out on one of the "cue" lathes.

2. What cue construction Books or videos would you suggest for a "new" guy in this endevor.

I thank you all in advance for any information you may have for a player trying his hand at "crossing over"


thanks
DMan
 
Dman said:
Good Morning
I am just starting my adventure in the cue building world. I have played my whole life and know what I like in how a cue feels and plays.

I am not as knowledgable in construction techniques. I do have some close contacts with my custom cuemaker and have watched some of the process.

My questions are as follows.

1. If you were starting out today with the knowledge you have now, would you purchase first, a full size metal lathe or start out on one of the "cue" lathes.

2. What cue construction Books or videos would you suggest for a "new" guy in this endevor.

I thank you all in advance for any information you may have for a player trying his hand at "crossing over"


thanks
DMan
Click to expand...

I would definitly start with a Q lathe. They come with taper bars & most of the things you'll need, to get started. If it turns out that Qmaking is not what you thought it was, you can sell the lathe. They hold their value pretty well & are easy to sell. If you do become a Qmaker, you will need more than one lathe & then you can think about one of those big boys. I've said this before & it's worth repeating. THE biggest problem in Qmaking, is the health problem with painting. This stuff WILL kill you & you must have a safe, well ventalated area to paint. Painting in your garage with the window open, just won't cut it. As far as books & videos go, which ever Qlathe you go with, will come with one. The best book is Chris Hightower's. I'd be glad to share what little I know. Just e-mail me through my web site. GOOD LUCK...JER
 
My questions are as follows

1. If you were starting out today with the knowledge you have now, would you purchase first, a full size metal lathe or start out on one of the "cue" lathes.
If I was starting out today with the knowledge I have now I would with out a question, go with a metal lathe but you said you don't quite have the knowledge, in that case I would go with one of the cue ready lathes. I won't recommend one over the other as they all look very nice. I started with Chris's deluxe lathe, I still have it, don't do a whole lot on it but I wouldn't get rid of it. Comes in very handy. Chris has been very helpful over the years and has always seemed to have time for me. Great guy.

2. What cue construction Books or videos would you suggest for a "new" guy in this endevor.
Chris's book has a wealth of info.
Pretty Much everything Jer said

Jason
 
I know some of the process, and i have worked closely with 2 different custom cue makers on several cues I have had built, and have sat and talked with them about cue construction for hours. I just dont want to go off in the wrong direction and spend my money on a piece of equipment that in a year or so, will be collecting dust in a corner.
 
I went with the metal lathe

In fact I have three of them now, One bench lathe and a couple of bigger boys, they are great to work with, and do accurate work. But the first one was a bear to tool and get adapted to the job we intend for it. If I were to do it again I would go with Chris' Deluxe lathe. He saves you a lot of time by doing the setup for you and a lot of the planning and jig making. I still have tooling to make for my lathes. Of course accuracy and repeatability are easier on a metal lathe, but careful work with the deluxe will yield very nice results. And a slight mistake may not be as severe in consequence to the wood, or your fingers, with a lower power lathe. But it is still a dangerous occupation. Lungs do not tolerate most finishes, and even dust from wood and phenolic is severe! You need to invest in more than a shop vac to keep yourself safe! An explosion proof fan needs to move that clear finish well away from you and anyone else nearby. I have worked in mechanical and painting industries for 35 years, and I have learned to be very proactive about safety and hazardous materials!
 
I have both a large floor metal lathe and a Deluxe cueman. I got the metal lathe first then the deluxe later. I like them both for different reasons and use them for different things. I would suggest getting the cueman first. It will speed you along the building process as it is turn key. I agree with the other posts multiple machines are better and a lot easier. Definately be carefull of the dust and fumes from sanding and finishing..........Dave
 
teach

Dman said:
Good Morning
I am just starting my adventure in the cue building world. I have played my whole life and know what I like in how a cue feels and plays.

I am not as knowledgable in construction techniques. I do have some close contacts with my custom cuemaker and have watched some of the process.

My questions are as follows.

1. If you were starting out today with the knowledge you have now, would you purchase first, a full size metal lathe or start out on one of the "cue" lathes.

2. What cue construction Books or videos would you suggest for a "new" guy in this endevor.

I thank you all in advance for any information you may have for a player trying his hand at "crossing over"


thanks
DMan
Click to expand...
DMam, I teach cuemaking, here in Leakey, Texas, 130 miles west of the San Antonio air/port, and 15 miles north of Graner State Park.
numberss,
830-232-5991 home/office
830-796-1610 cell
Thanks
Leonard "BLUD" Bludworth
 
great replies. How about any of the dvd's such as the series from cue components? Seems like a lot of $ but there is alot of hours of instruction as well. Anyone seen these videos? Are they worth the $700 in you opinion? Just seems as though it would be easier to learn from viewing the process than reading about it. thanks for any opinions. Mick
 
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Thanks for all of your replies. Im sure I will be better able to make the right choice after all of your kind responses.
 
where?

Dman said:
Good Morning
I am just starting my adventure in the cue building world. I have played my whole life and know what I like in how a cue feels and plays.

I am not as knowledgable in construction techniques. I do have some close contacts with my custom cuemaker and have watched some of the process.

My questions are as follows.

1. If you were starting out today with the knowledge you have now, would you purchase first, a full size metal lathe or start out on one of the "cue" lathes.

2. What cue construction Books or videos would you suggest for a "new" guy in this endevor.

I thank you all in advance for any information you may have for a player trying his hand at "crossing over"


thanks
DMan
Click to expand...
Where the hell is Benbrook, Tx????
blud
 
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DMan,
We too have 2 deluxe cue smithes from Chris. They work great. We have been looking into others and have noticed Brian Swank is making several now that are catching our eye. Billiardbum is Jimmy Sickles here on AZ and if you would like , pm him and he can direct you to Mr. Swank. Really great guys and will help you out alot. They have really user friendly machines and are there to help if you need them. Their company is UNIQUE PRODUCTS and make some nice cue making items and machinery.
Either or , I would definately go with a Q lathe to start and will work better for you.
Jim
 
machinery

Dman said:
Thanks for all of your replies. Im sure I will be better able to make the right choice after all of your kind responses.
Click to expand...
Dman, Not only do I teach cuemaking I sell my own equipment.
CNC lathe's, CNC mills, Lathe's, and all sorts of things. Selll more than any one else, for cuemaking world wide.Another out fit claims they sell more, but not so.
blud
 
Dman said:
I know some of the process, and i have worked closely with 2 different custom cue makers on several cues I have had built, and have sat and talked with them about cue construction for hours. I just dont want to go off in the wrong direction and spend my money on a piece of equipment that in a year or so, will be collecting dust in a corner.
Click to expand...

Dman
JER said it - this obsession can kill you. So when you buy your lathe, you need to also buy some type of dust collection system for the lathe and a good mask for your self - 3M makes one that is disposable. Some of the woods you will be working can cause major health problems - you don't want the dust in your lungs. Then if you start spraying get a spray booth etc. I know too many cabinetmakers/gun stock makers who now suck their oxygen out of a tube --- sorry to be so blunt --- I just have some old sick friends.
Jack
www.johnmaddencues.com
 
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