experience before cuemaking lesson?

NineBallNut

NineBallNut

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I have a big interest in cues and have thought of getting into cue repair, and possible eventual cue making. I have access to a friends Mid size Cue Smith lathe and get out thier to do repairs and such. I am interested in learning a lot more. After using the lathe and viewing the information here and other places, I am sure I want to pursue this further.

My question is, What experience level should one have before going to a cuemakers shop and taking some lessons. I ask because I dont want to waste anyones time, and I don't want to plop a chunk of money down and find out I have no clue of things you should have known which would inhibit my learning fully.

I have no past woodworking or machining experience. So i am a beginner.
I have Chris's book and have read over it a few times. Problem is if I don't put that info into hands on I can't fully grasp it. This is why I want to take a lesson. I feel I could learn more by being shown and doing it.

Thanks for any responses,
Rob
 
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Way to go Rob! I was going to ask that question myself. I have some basic machinery right now and have started tinkering around with stuff. I would eventually like to get some lessons from a cuemaker but have only spoke to one cuemaker about that so far. Whatever info you guys have would be of help to me as well.

Thanks Rob and everyone else too!
Dave
 
NineBallNut said:
My question is, What experience level should one have before going to a cuemakers shop and taking some lessons.
Rob
Click to expand...


The best thing you can do is to buy Chris Hightower's book on cuemaking.
Read it cover to cover writing down every question you have about what you read but do not understand.

Then you will be ready and well prepared to learn from a cuemaker in his shop.

One other thing ... when you are using equipment in another cuemakers shop leave it clean and ready for the next use.
Replace any parts you break or materials you use.
Clean the equipment and areas you havent used.
If you do this you will be a most welcome guest.

Willee
 
My two cents

I would suggest go ahead and take the lessons. That is if you have looked into how much actually buying the equipment is going to cost and how much time its going to take AND after that you still still want to do it.

I also wouldnt put to much time into those books and videos. I think it will be easier for the cuemaker and better for you if your not going into it with "how to's" aleady in your head. Its just easier to start with a blank page. Then buy the books and videos after you have a solid foundation from the cue maker.

Good luck, I did it a few years back and I dont regret one minute or dollar spent.
 
Hi Rob,
One of the best things that you can do for yourself before you begin
on this path is to take a class in machine tool operation. Maybe you have
a community college near you or career center or trade school where you
could take some evening classes and get some tutored, hands on instruction.
Reading books is good, and you'll be doing plenty of that, but taking the classes will be the equivalent of a crash course in 9-ball with Johnny Archer.
Once you've had sufficient 'hands on', your host cuemaker may even let you
run HIS equipment.

KJ
 
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