lathe for cleaning and sanding shafts only

S

sbrownn

Registered
Did a search and found some threads but I am looking for a lathe for shaft cleaning and lightly sanding only. Do you think this one would be a good candidate?


I would plan on removing the non-driver chuck part of the lathe on the track. All my joint pins are 3/8 x 10 (either standard or modified) so would need a maintenance pin for that to fit the chuck if anyone has a source for that.

Ideas? Opinions?
 
sbrownn said:
Did a search and found some threads but I am looking for a lathe for shaft cleaning and lightly sanding only. Do you think this one would be a good candidate?


I would plan on removing the non-driver chuck part of the lathe on the track. All my joint pins are 3/8 x 10 (either standard or modified) so would need a maintenance pin for that to fit the chuck if anyone has a source for that.

Ideas? Opinions?
Click to expand...

No don't do it. I had the same idea, except I wanted to do tips and ferrules as well. Had it a day before sending it back. The chuck is tiny, speed control is bad, etc. overall small and cheap.

If all you want to do is spin the shaft for cleaning, then get the maintenance arbor and use your hand drill. Just hold the drill or secure it to a board if you prefer.

Through trial and lots of error I ended up building my own which eventually led to getting a Mid America cue lathe when I realized I wanted to go further. Beware...big money pit - https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/my-first-tip-install.530532/
 
Last edited:
After retiring in 2014, I knew I would have time to maintain my cues. Like you, I just wanted to clean and maybe change a tip. Long story short, I ended up with a mid size Cuesmith. Just finished my first CF cue; saved about $250 dollars over the cost of buying from a manufacturer. When I started woodworking many years ago, I was told to buy my last table saw first; same advice applies to pool cue lathes.
 
I don't think you'll be happy with that device. For starters, it's only about 12 inches long and you'll need about 30 inches between the chuck and the tailstock pin, so you'll have to purchase a new piece of 80/20 aluminum extrusion and fittings to extend it appropriately. That will bump up your investimet by $25 or so. Then, the motor has a max power input of 20V, there won't be enough torque to resist the friction of even a light touch of sandpaper. And the other drawbacks that others have pointed out.
You might check your local CraigsList or FB Market for a used wood lathe that has about 36 inches between centers. They can be had for $50-$100 sometimes. Then you'd still have to invest in maintenance drivers and perhaps some kind of chuck, but as a simple spinner or sanding station, they can be very useful
HTH
Gary
 
GBCues said:
I don't think you'll be happy with that device. For starters, it's only about 12 inches long and you'll need about 30 inches between the chuck and the tailstock pin, so you'll have to purchase a new piece of 80/20 aluminum extrusion and fittings to extend it appropriately. That will bump up your investimet by $25 or so. Then, the motor has a max power input of 20V, there won't be enough torque to resist the friction of even a light touch of sandpaper. And the other drawbacks that others have pointed out.
You might check your local CraigsList or FB Market for a used wood lathe that has about 36 inches between centers. They can be had for $50-$100 sometimes. Then you'd still have to invest in maintenance drivers and perhaps some kind of chuck, but as a simple spinner or sanding station, they can be very useful
HTH
Gary
Click to expand...
I got a HF wood lathe to clean and polish my shafts. Back then it was less than 100.00. Worked well for what I was using it for
 
Went online and was surprised at how many taig based lathes were made besides Hightower and Midamerica
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top