Help with recommended lathe.

["Q" Protectors]

Here's my scenario. Looking for a resonable priced lathe that would have all of the features for cue repair. I also would like to dabble in possibly even making a cue or two for myself. Not looking to go into "cue making" but would like to be able to produce one with the equipment I purchase, just maybe not the most efficient at making one. Would need to have a mountable lathe rest, angle bar capable, etc. Any recomendations on types that are good for the money would help. I'm kind of new at this whole thing but a fairly good hobbyist. There are so many different types of "cue repair" and "cue building" lathes, and I just don't know what has the things I might need to kind of mix up both for a reasonable price. Any help would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks guys,
ChrisM

 

[radge69]

The most recommended is the Hightower Deluxe, and with good reason. Do a search and you will find numerous threads about the subject.

 

[cueman]

If space and budget is a consideration, then the Mid Size Cue Smith Cue Builders Special with taper bars, power feed and router would be a good alternative and is hundreds of dollars less than the Deluxe.

http://www.cuesmith.com/index.php?menu1=menu_lathes&page=cue_lathe_mid_size

 

["Q" Protectors]

If space and budget is a consideration, then the Mid Size Cue Smith Cue Builders Special with taper bars, power feed and router would be a good alternative and is hundreds of dollars less than the Deluxe.

http://www.cuesmith.com/index.php?menu1=menu_lathes&page=cue_lathe_mid_size

If I were willing to spend the extra and had the space, would you say that the deluxe can do more?

 

[ELBeau]

If space and budget is a consideration, then the Mid Size Cue Smith Cue Builders Special with taper bars, power feed and router would be a good alternative and is hundreds of dollars less than the Deluxe.

http://www.cuesmith.com/index.php?menu1=menu_lathes&page=cue_lathe_mid_size

I didn't realize you were offerning a midsized cuemaker's lathe now, although that certainly makes sense. Nice offering.

 

[qbilder]

Go for the Deluxe. The extra bed length and rear chuck alone is worth it. Get the tail stock upgrade, too. If I lost my shop today and had to start all over, i'd buy a Deluxe, a nice band saw, & a belt sander. With those 3 machines I could build the same exact cues I build now. It wouldn't be like having separate work stations, but the machines would be capable.

 

[cueman]

If I were willing to spend the extra and had the space, would you say that the deluxe can do more?

It can do a little more and a few things easier.

 

[mortuarymike-nv]

Here's my scenario. Looking for a resonable priced lathe that would have all of the features for cue repair. I also would like to dabble in possibly even making a cue or two for myself. Not looking to go into "cue making" but would like to be able to produce one with the equipment I purchase, just maybe not the most efficient at making one. Would need to have a mountable lathe rest, angle bar capable, etc. Any recomendations on types that are good for the money would help. I'm kind of new at this whole thing but a fairly good hobbyist. There are so many different types of "cue repair" and "cue building" lathes, and I just don't know what has the things I might need to kind of mix up both for a reasonable price. Any help would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks guys,
ChrisM

i have a cuesmith/ hightower cue lathe for tips and ferrules . the business transactions that i have had with chris over the years is nothing less of A+++++++++. 100% all the way. just saying
i think a visit to a custom cue makers shop / factory might be wise.
in helping you figure out how big of lathe you really want.
the right tooling can cost just as much as a lathe or more.
i would be interested in the choice you make and why.
custermer support is a biggie worth big bucks
happy lathe hunting good luck
mike