Cue storage

[ultramafic]

Why is the general advice (at least that I have seen) to store a cue vertically rather than horizontally? Assuming it is a proper case and such, and nothing is pressing down on it or anything, and everything else being equal, what difference does it make whether it is in a case and oriented vertically or horizontally? Can someone who is really in the know on such matters explain this to me? Thanks!

 

[jfred0826]

Wood is strongest, or able to accept the greatest load without noticeable distortion, along the long axis of the grain. Conversely, wood will flex or distort most easily when force is applied perpendicular to the long axis of the grain. Cue shafts are cut along the long axis of the grain.

Gravity is a relentless enemy of wood.

If your cue is fully supported along its entire length, I suppose it would be better to store it horizontally. However, unless the tubes of your case are perfectly formed to the curvature of your cue, then it is not fully supported.

Also, it is important to understand the powerful effect of changing moisture content on wood.

Custom woodworkers, cabinet and furniture builders, etc, are familiar with the work of Dr. Gene Wengert. Do a search for him if you want to really understand the properties of wood.

Joe

 

[Mike in MN]

Wood is strongest, or able to accept the greatest load without noticeable distortion, along the long axis of the grain. Conversely, wood will flex or distort most easily when force is applied perpendicular to the long axis of the grain. Cue shafts are cut along the long axis of the grain.

Gravity is a relentless enemy of wood.

If your cue is fully supported along its entire length, I suppose it would be better to store it horizontally. However, unless the tubes of your case are perfectly formed to the curvature of your cue, then it is not fully supported.

Also, it is important to understand the powerful effect of changing moisture content on wood.

Custom woodworkers, cabinet and furniture builders, etc, are familiar with the work of Dr. Gene Wengert. Do a search for him is you want to really understand the properties of wood.

Joe

That's some insightful stuff, Joe. Rep for you. To the OP, I've always been taught that storing your cues in the case vertically was sufficiently supportive. Just make sure you've got yourself a good case that doesn't allow for a lot of movement, and you're doing just fine.

 

[ultramafic]

To the OP, I've always been taught that storing your cues in the case vertically was sufficiently supportive. Just make sure you've got yourself a good case that doesn't allow for a lot of movement, and you're doing just fine.

Did you mean horizontally?

 

[LAlouie]

To add to joe's beautiful explanation,,,,for the very reasons he has mentioned, avoid the tube style cases like whitten, and any cases that press the cue/shafts together like the old george hard cases(fellinni-type). Neither supports a cue along it's full length.

There are "porper-type" cases that are built with snug hollows that support your shafts and butt along their full length, but I do not know which ones. Soft cases with lots of padding also support the length of your cue in any position, vertical and horizontal. Also, it is more critical to store your cue properly if you don't play often or expect to store your cue for extend periods. If you use your cue a lot, play regularly, then I wouldn't be so concerned.