Cue lathe....

swami4u

swami4u

Banned
I have changed my mind on this project for now.
Im just going to go with a cue companion 3
and get started! thanks
 
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swami4u said:
So i have been looking on the market for a well built high end cue REPAIR lathe that can be UPGRADED to make cues in the future.

There are two ready made lathes i see for sale:

1: One used for repairs only (some can be upgraded a bit to do very basic building)

2: All in one lathe, which claims to be able to build a cue. Lots of add on $$$$...

After reading so many threads on these different lathes, they all seem to be good. But i feel @ around 3000.00 i can do better on my own....

So here is what i propose:

I will take suggestions from the builders on here about how this new lathe should be spec'd, also what they want in a new lathe.
I will, after spec's are decided, source the builders that can fabricate the
parts needed, for this new lathe
I will setup a website showing the build, including you tube vids....
I will photo document the first build in here, and also on the web site
I will only use people that can get the parts built/done in a professional timely manner.
I will build the first one, then sell others if the market needs.
I will focus about 100% of my time to this project over the next month or two
until done.
When/if the lathe is available, there will be no LONG waiting periods. I will not sell something that has a waiting time after payment of over 30 days... period. I will make sure i have the parts avaiable 100% before i sell a unit...
This lathe will use very good quality parts top to bottom, and will look/work like a professional unit.


So, please subscribe, and offer your suggestions on the perfect spec'd lathe for a starting cue builder. Im very detail orientated, If you suggest for example a perfect bed for this unit, please offer details, like metal used,
hardening requirements, ect ect........ details.....

Here is my requirements to start, im hoping many other ideas will come into play to make this unit the best we can make, within reason. We are not going to throw in 1200.00 chucks for example....lets make the cap on the unit 3500.00 to build.

Super chunky, sturdy unit. Lets spec it like a German would!
Accurate!
Unique way to achieve dead on, reliable tapering
Looking for a line of products that offer a very high quality product
for a bargain price. Chucks, steady rest, motors, ect ect....

Here is a example of what im talking about.....
I know its not a cue lathe,But my point is this. All you have to do is look at it to know its a quality product.....Everything is finished nice....
This is kinda what im shooting for in regards to fit and finish.
And of course, it has to work perfect for the job!

http://lanemfg.com/photos.aspx

Sadly, it seems this guy
A: is out of bizz.....Or B: Cant return phone calls.
People that run businesses like that should go broke...


Anyone that helps in design of this new lathe' can have one built through me
at around cost. We will all know what cost is, i keep detailed records, and
all details will be shared on this thread.. This is for people that put true effort
into my project. I will do all the leg work, just need the 'spec's' on what people want and need in a cue lathe.


With proper help, i vow to have this lathe up and running by the last day of January, but shooting for the end of the year.


So lets talk about the other offerings, and shortcomings, and fixes.
Click to expand...

Send Chris Hightower $3300 for his CueSmith Deluxe. Maybe you should buy some wood first?
 
My 2

Variable speed would be nice, also something that would hold a larger router 1/2" shank . There are so many choices out there and I'm sure one of the lathe builders would do a "custom job" if you could agree on some parameters......Just my 2 ....Oh...you really will need wood ...alot of wood:grin:
 
cuewould said:
Variable speed would be nice, also something that would hold a larger router 1/2" shank . There are so many choices out there and I'm sure one of the lathe builders would do a "custom job" if you could agree on some parameters......Just my 2 ....Oh...you really will need wood ...alot of wood:grin:
Click to expand...

yep, my minds made up.....no project for now!
 
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cuewould said:
Variable speed would be nice, also something that would hold a larger router 1/2" shank . There are so many choices out there and I'm sure one of the lathe builders would do a "custom job" if you could agree on some parameters......Just my 2 ....Oh...you really will need wood ...alot of wood:grin:
Click to expand...



Would variable speed with a digital rpm meter float ones boat?
 
yep and thats not expensive either...much rather a display of speed, hell its what I'm used to offshore.

I would also for sure LOVE to see a bigger spindle bore, WAY BIGGER say 2" at least..so as cues are not the only thing you can work on
 
I think everyone should start out doing repairs. Repairs are much more profitable, than cuemaking. It will also get you familiar with using a lathe. You will learn about the materials, that are used in the making of cues. You will need more than one lathe in the future, so your 1st purchase, should be a repair lathe. Then while you learn, you can earn enough money from your repairs, to buy what you need, to go to the next step...JER
 
Agree. I did repairs for years before even considering making a cue.

Also for the record the deluxe is so much more then you need to get started and it will never hurt you. Doesnt get much better out of the box. Imo.
 
dave sutton said:
Agree. I did repairs for years before even considering making a cue.

Also for the record the deluxe is so much more then you need to get started and it will never hurt you. Doesnt get much better out of the box. Imo.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice Dave and Blackheart cues.

I plan to start with repairs only.
 
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