Cue storage question

Bamacues

Bamacues

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I have a question for those of you who have stored cues for a long time.

I recently bought a couple of high quality ATA approved aluminum cases for airline transport of cues. They are very well made, and the cues fit very snuggly into high density foam at the joint/butt. I am certain that in the short term, everything would be fine. My question is this:

The butts and shafts fit VERY snuggly into the foam, so there is some pressure on the cue from the ends. Over time, would this subtle squeezing pressure be enough to cause a butt or shaft to warp? I was thinking of putting away a few higher end cues in the cases for longer term storage when this thought crossed my mind.

Joe
 
I think it might...

Joe,

I've heard that pressure on the tip and buttcap, over time, can cause some issues. I've heard the same for those cases with the spring mechanism in them. When the case is sealed, there is a decent amount of pressure put on the cue...and "they" say that it could potentially cause the cue or shaft to warp (or, at least, it could assist in warpage). Of course..."they" say alot of things...so I'm not certain that it's gospel.

That said, I've never seen one that was warped, allegedly due to storage in a case like yours...but my personal opinion is...if it's possible, why risk it?

Just my 2 cents, before taxes.

Take care,

Mark (Rat)
 
I agree, I wouldn't want pressure on the shafts long term. The handle is probably too thick to warp with minor pressure.

I use the Porper 12 X 24's with joint protectors on the handles and shafts. They're not perfect but I like them for long term storage, plus they stack sideways.

Chris
 
i_maycotte said:
I have heard bad things about foam reacting with cue finishes as well...just something else to think about.
Click to expand...
Seems like someone also told me that the foam will scratch finishes. But that may be if you are taking them in and out a lot. :confused:
 
i_maycotte said:
I have heard bad things about foam reacting with cue finishes as well...just something else to think about.
Click to expand...

More than likely there is some cloth involved here....LOLz
________
 
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Any Pressure Will Cause Changes. Get A 12x4 And Leave It Standing. I've Been Told By Many Cuemakers To Keep Them That Way.

Think About It This Way, When A Cuemaker Is Making A Cue, It's Always Hanging Verticly, They Shaould Also Be Stored In The Same Manner.
 
Cue Storage

Bamacues said:
I have a question for those of you who have stored cues for a long time.

I recently bought a couple of high quality ATA approved aluminum cases for airline transport of cues. They are very well made, and the cues fit very snuggly into high density foam at the joint/butt. I am certain that in the short term, everything would be fine. My question is this:

The butts and shafts fit VERY snuggly into the foam, so there is some pressure on the cue from the ends. Over time, would this subtle squeezing pressure be enough to cause a butt or shaft to warp? I was thinking of putting away a few higher end cues in the cases for longer term storage when this thought crossed my mind.

Joe
Click to expand...

I hang all of my cues friction free. That means absolutely no side pressure or end pressure. I have made custom hangers for my cues using Delrin joint protectors, hooks and jewelers chain. I do not reccomend leaving cues in cases and/or lying down. I keep the cues stored at between 40 and 42 % humidity.
 
HIRUN526 said:
I hang all of my cues friction free. That means absolutely no side pressure or end pressure. I have made custom hangers for my cues using Delrin joint protectors, hooks and jewelers chain. I do not reccomend leaving cues in cases and/or lying down. I keep the cues stored at between 40 and 42 % humidity.
Click to expand...

Did you have a special cabinet made? What do you use for humidity control?
 
No pressure!! If you leave a cue under even the slightest force it can bend.
The cue needs to lie flat under its own weight, and try to keep the humidity and temperature under control as well.
 
For those who have issue with humidity, there are 2 products that have been long used by gun collectors in safes to control humidity.
Dri-Rod and Golden Rod where I personally have been using the golden rod the last 12 years.
Now my cues are stored in the gun safe where temperature and humidity are controlled.

Hope this provides another idea...
 
FAST_N_LOOSE said:
Any Pressure Will Cause Changes. Get A 12x4 And Leave It Standing. I've Been Told By Many Cuemakers To Keep Them That Way.

Think About It This Way, When A Cuemaker Is Making A Cue, It's Always Hanging Verticly, They Shaould Also Be Stored In The Same Manner.
Click to expand...

Marcus took the words right out of my mouth.....12x24 or whatever...if the case takes cues either butt or joint first...put the butt end in first.

also make sure the cases are straight up and down..not leaning in a corner...

btw...NEVER STORE CUES FLAT/HORIZONTALLY NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF CASE THEY ARE IN!!! they will warp....mean ol' mr. gravity works 24/7

dont believe me...try this...take a straight house cue and put it on your table or floor for a month, and dont move it at all....the cue can/will warp as soon as a week, and will definitely warp after a month...
 
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Cue Storage

Bamacues said:
Did you have a special cabinet made? What do you use for humidity control?
Click to expand...

I have a vault and use a dehumidifier. I built aluminum racks that look like the racks cuemakers use along with the added non friction hangers. The cues hang perfectly straight. If you have money invested in a collection do yourself a favor and hang the cues.
 
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Gun safe look super expensive, and they do wiegh a ton, but you can get a nice one that will hold a bunch of cues for $500 form any large sporting goods store. You can get a MAMMOTH one for $1000. Those are new prices too.
 
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