Cue maker apprenticeship?

4.0x3.48 said:
I'm interested in learning the art of cue making. I love seeing some of the fantastic work, and reading through some of the processes involved with turning some wood into a beautiful piece of work. I know cue makers are very particular and protective of their trade. Is it possible for someone with no cue making experience to get involved with a cue maker? Perhaps something like an apprenticeship program? Work for cheap in exchange for some knowledge and basic experience/exposure? Take out trash, sweep, clean, etc., for the opportunuity to see and learn some of the basics of cue making? I'm in Dallas btw, if anyone is looking for a free helper for a few hours a week. :grin: Thanks for reading.
Click to expand...

For $50K cash up front, I'll sell you my shop equipment and teach you how to use it, before you move it out of my building.
 
I meet 40x3.48 today. Having him in a full time cuemakers shop would be an asset to both parties. This would not be a one way exchange of info here. I look forward to seeing some of Chris' first cues.

Larry
 
Thanks Larry! I totally enjoyed getting the chance to talk with you and hang out at your shop today! I can't thank you enough for the invite. I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can. If my cue has a fraction of the quality that yours do Larry, I'd be proud! Thanks again, for the Sunday afternoon as well as the compliments!
 
Well, after a few books, lots of interwebing, talking to a few great people, and setting up a few basic tools, I gonna start playing with some scrap wood. I'm headed to Wood World this afternoon to have a look around. Thanks again to everyone! I'm looking forward to learning something new!
 
Thanks for your help too Chris. Anything I have at my shop you ever need you are weclome to it.
 
ridinda9 said:
what if George Balabushka had taken this attitude with Pete Tascarella ?
That's all I'm sayin' . . . .
Click to expand...
I never heard of George teaching anyone how to make cues. I could be wrong, but I thought Pete just bought his equipment after he passed away.
 
cueman said:
I never heard of George teaching anyone how to make cues. I could be wrong, but I thought Pete just bought his equipment after he passed away.
Click to expand...

I believe you're right Chris. And besides, nothing against George, but I don't believe he ever made a set of points on his own. He either bought them from Burton or Gus or used Titlist. Pete builds his own stuff AFAIK.
 
4.0x3.48 said:
Well, after a few books, lots of interwebing, talking to a few great people, and setting up a few basic tools, I gonna start playing with some scrap wood. I'm headed to Wood World this afternoon to have a look around. Thanks again to everyone! I'm looking forward to learning something new!
Click to expand...

With your background, that is the best way to learn,IMHO. I look forward to seeing your progress. If there is anything I can help with, just ask!

Larry
 
cueman said:
I never heard of George teaching anyone how to make cues. I could be wrong, but I thought Pete just bought his equipment after he passed away.
Click to expand...

He would stop working as soon as somebody walked into the shop :)

Mario
 
4.0x3.48 said:
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. I appriciate everyones ideas and suggestions. My desire to learn more about cue making comes from more of a hobby level interest, as opposed to a career. I am actually a machinist myself, and have been running a prototype machine shop for the last 12 years. So, with that said, I also understand why a tradesmen would be proctective of their processes, and concerned with the liability of letting someone around potentially dangerous equipment. I will keep reading the forums, and learing as much as I can from some of the skilled folks on the board. Im planning on swinging by the local library to pick up a book or two on the subject, as well as buying a couple chunks of wood that I wouldn't mind throwing away. :p I can only inagine that wood acts much different than a billet of 7075 or titanium. I do have a C-axis lathe, 5 axis mill, and a MasterCAM certification, so with all that I should be able to make some kind of chips...

Thanks again for everyone's time, and thanks to the folks that PM'ed me on my question. Also, I live in Richardson, not very far from Anna...(hint hint)! :grin:
Click to expand...

PM me. Bill Stroud-Josswest
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top