I'm Learning How to distinguish handmade

[Jammer]

Hopefully I won't break the rules here, not mentioning any cuemaker by name or brand. In learning I have been shown how a handmade cue has razor sharp points. How are points done on other cues. Are they painted or stamped? I have a new cue that I paid good money for, the outer black points are obviously wider black and 5 inner points that are very sharp? The points are all even. The emblem below the linen is out lined in a thicker black line and black emblem surrounding amother of pearl star. Are the wider lines painted? They are similar to outlines on cheaper cues. Thanks

 

[PoppaSaun]

You can't really tell 'handmade' from production. Most of these 'handmade' cues are built on CNC machines just like the production cues.

As for the points, it could be decals, or it could be a cnc-cut pocket that a cnc-cut inlay is inserted into.

The razor-sharp points without the rounded outline use a technique called 'splicing' where 90deg. pieces of wood/veneers are inserted into angled cuts in the base wood.

Splicing is easy, if it is a half-splice (four individual points). Full-splice (butt piece is solid, one piece of wood cut to have four points on the end) is more difficult. Both are time consuming.

 

[Jammer]

Learning

Thanks, I can see what you mean. They probably are splices, the wood is different grain. Everything is cut evenly and I can see the lines between the sharp points.The windows in the butt are definitely different wood.

 

[PoppaSaun]

Thanks, I can see what you mean. They probably are splices, the wood is different grain. Everything is cut evenly and I can see the lines between the sharp points.The windows in the butt are definitely different wood.

If the very outer black has a rounded tip, it is NOT spliced, it is inlaid.