Joint materials/ effects

TwoRailDave

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have a cue that I bought where someone replaced the joint with an undersized radial joint. It doesn’t hit as well as I’d like but I love the balance, look, and everything else about it. I know the hit is mostly the tip, ferrule, shaft taper, and a combination of other factors. I know there are cuemakers that feel like the joint so long as it’s installed well, is not a significant factor when it comes to hit. I’ve hit with a lot of cues and have played for over 20 years, currently at a 650 level and I believe there is a difference when it comes to feel and joint materials. I’m asking those with experience, what materials can I plug the shaft and butt with before installing the pin in the butt and threads in the shaft that will give me a great hit with lots of feel. Right now, I’m thinking about ebonite or maple. Maybe phenolic? I want more feedback than it currently has. It just feels dead compared to the other 4 radial butts that I have tried it on with A B testing. It has to be radial as that is what my shafts are. I’m thinking a brass radial pin. Please help with any input. I’m needing to get this figured out in the next few days. Thank-you!
 
Undersized Radial joint? Do you mean Radial pin?
I would say you are overthinking this.
What would you use to plug the butt and shaft with if you were to install a new brass radial pin in the butt and change a shaft with a brass insert from 5/15x14 to radial? Thanks
 
What would you use to plug the butt and shaft with if you were to install a new brass radial pin in the butt and change a shaft with a brass insert from 5/15x14 to radial? Thanks
I like a material that doesn't move as those plugs have fairly thin walls. So Hydex 202 or paper micarta.
 
I like the hit of McDermotts and other wood to wood big pin cues. I’m not sure if installing a plug of maple would produce a similar feel but I’m now wondering if durability of a maple plug would be an issue even if I’m careful.
 
You are totally overthinking this. If you think that a plug of some magical material will let your cue play like a McDermott, you don't really understand how a cue is made and how the different materials interact with each other.
If you absolutely want to change the pin, by all means do so. Weigh the pin you take out and install a pin that's close to the same weight. Let the cuemaker worry about all the details.
 
You are totally overthinking this. If you think that a plug of some magical material will let your cue play like a McDermott, you don't really understand how a cue is made and how the different materials interact with each other.
If you absolutely want to change the pin, by all means do so. Weigh the pin you take out and install a pin that's close to the same weight. Let the cuemaker worry about all the details.
Exact reason why I deleted my post.
Just a waste of time but I wish him good luck.
 
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