Joint question

[macguy]

As far as joints go and all the different screws, do some cue makers just want something different or exotic sounding? With the radial, uni-loc, G10 and so on are any really that much better, if at all, then just a 5/16 x 18 flat faced joint? It has plenty of wood to wood contact, with the finer thread a more secure connection and not a jam connection as you get with a larger thread. All machinery and engines are assembled with finer threaded screws and bolts. Do cue makers just shy away from that joint because it is often associated with cheaper low end and import cues? Even mounting the screw in the shaft makes more sense then in the butt, although you almost never see it. Is what most cue makers do really what they believe in or do many just follow the crowd? The G 10 discussion has me thinking. It could be the answer to a good joint may not be that complicated.

 

[Sheldon]

As with much about cues, joints and joint pins are sometimes given way more importance than they deserve.
If you have a good fitting joint of almost any configuration, you would be very hard-pressed to notice much of a difference between one and another if you didn't know exactly what was there. With the exception of a heavy metal joint, which does seem to deaden the cue slightly. (IMO)
The reason I personally like Radial pins, is that they are very precise, and unlike the 5/16 pin and insert setup there is very little slop in the threads. This is why most 5/16 jointed cues are piloted, so that the shaft will fit the butt precisely.

 

[JoeyInCali]

The best joint come from Jamaica.
I like radial pins like Sheldon as well.
I just had some ss and titanium radials made .

 

[macguy]

The best joint come from Jamaica.
I like radial pins like Sheldon as well.
I just had some ss and titanium radials made .

I like the radial myself for the same reasons as Sheldon. You say you had some made, if I may, may ask who made them for you? I am now needing to order some more. The last time I bought some I bought quite a few and have not ordered any in a while.
Thanks

 

[cueman]

I use the 5/16 pin with flat face because it give a crisper hit than the 3/8" pins IMO. My shafts and butts will all fit each other so I do use inserts with threads that match the pin fairly close. I use brass and phenolic inserts. I have built a few cues with 3/8" pins but really like the hit of the 5/16 flat faced joint so it is what I have stuck with.
Chris
www.hightowercues.com

 

[Cue Crazy]

I aggree with sheldon, The 18's are tricky. I am going to try some 14's I have to see if the coarser threads will help some. Think I am going to grind a pilot on one as well to see what results that produces for me in centering. The 5/16 do seem to provide a little crisper hit, and is what I prefer. The 3/8 are too flat of a hit for me, except for My break cue. Sheldons other point that the joint material It'self makes more impact on the hit is correct,that is why I prefer the steel joints. Not everyone requires the same hit as me, therefore I need to produce several types to provide for, and match the buyer needs as well. Greg