Custom Cues - Joint Limitations?

N

nbates

Registered
Heya folks.

I'm curious to know if there are limitations on what types of joints you can put on a custom cue.

I currently have 2 Lucasi cues and shafts with Uni-Loc joints, and a Predator break cue with Uni-Loc joints as well. I have yet to come across a custom cue in the Wanted/For-Sale forum that has this type of joint.

The reason I ask is because I would be afraid to buy a custom cue and then need a new shaft somewhere down the line that I would have to re-learn. I like the concept of using say, a z2, and if it ever gets damaged and needs to be replaced, I can replace it with an identical shaft that does not need to be custom made.

Lastly, is it feasible to purchase a used custom cue and have the joint replaced with another type/size? I would hate to have to rip apart a good cue to do something like this, but I would like as much of my equipment as possible to be "standard."

Thank you all for your time.
 
This should be telling you that not all CMs feel that the Uni-Loc is the be-all & end-all of cue joints. Some like it, most don't.
One reason that it thrives in the production-cue arena is for the reason you eluded to; interchangeability.

I would think that you could have just about any joint/pin of your choice from a Custom CM as long as you inform him well in advance of him handing you your new cue. Let him know up-front and most will try to accommodate you.

Not to bash your 'flair' in writing style but not many of us are noted for 'ripping apart' a cue. If it's your cue then you can do what you want with it.
If you have a Pro CM or Ctec do the conversion, there's not likely to be much 'ripping apart'. It's somewhat akin to referring to a doctor as a butcher.
 
Thank you for the info, KJ.

I do suppose "ripping apart" a cue is a bit strong and insensitive :embarrassed2: . I must have used the term because I would be afraid to have a perfect custom go under the knife, and would worry about it if I liked it that much.

I don't know anything about cars, but I would still worry about mine if something major had to be done to it, even if the mechanics had done it easily 1000 times before for other cars.

I do appreciate you taking the time to look at my post an offering some advice. I only became serious about billiards in December, so I have a lot to learn, and appreciate anyone that can help.
 
As KJ pointed out there are not many custom cue makers designing their cues around the Uni-Loc joint pin.
My preference was for the larger 3/8" size pin with a flat face joint.
I used the Uni-Lock mainly for Jump Break cues that needed a quick release for the butt/forearm joint.

I do understand where you are coming from.
You have good equipment that you like and do not want to start over by replacing it with something else.
Also ...having interchangeability with the shafts and using shafts like Predator and OB1 will save you some money later when you need to replace them.

Any cue maker can use whatever pin you want in a cue they are making for you.
They can also make the joint any diameter you need to make it compatible with the shafts you now have.
This is exactly what custom cue work is all about.
Dont expect "off the shelf" production cue prices, quality work takes time and time is money.
In the long run you will have much better value and quality in your equipment.

Shop around with some of the cue makers here and see what you can work out.

Willee
 
well my opinion is to not accomodate your old shafts to fit a new cue. You should try the CMs cues to see how thy hit compared to yours. If you like the hit better with a 3/8 x 10 joint if that what he normally uses, problem solved. It will be worth it in the long run if you like the hit better, you can always have a sneaky pete or plain jane done with a uni-loc to accomodate those shafts at a later time. JMO
 
Maybe you should consider the notion that an experienced cuemaker knows more about mechanics than the marketers of Uniloc?
 
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