Lathe Question

mooseman

mooseman

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
This could be an openended question.

I am considering the top 3 cue building lathes....Porper, Hightower, and Unique. What are the pros/cons of each machine? I'm sure that each is better at somethings. If they were the same price and cost isn't a factor which would you choose???? Looking for value for money. Are there any objective reviews covering all three????

Would it be better to purchase a repair lathe to "DABBLE" with? I want to start maintaining shafts and replacing tips/ferrules for personal use and expand from there (repair to cue building). I am looking for flexibility and expandibility without wasting money. Of course resell value could be a factor if things didn't pan out.
 
mooseman said:
This could be an openended question.

I am considering the top 3 cue building lathes....Porper, Hightower, and Unique. What are the pros/cons of each machine? I'm sure that each is better at somethings. If they were the same price and cost isn't a factor which would you choose???? Looking for value for money. Are there any objective reviews covering all three????

Would it be better to purchase a repair lathe to "DABBLE" with? I want to start maintaining shafts and replacing tips/ferrules for personal use and expand from there (repair to cue building). I am looking for flexibility and expandibility without wasting money. Of course resell value could be a factor if things didn't pan out.
Click to expand...

I have no experience with the porper or Unique products. I have been doing business with Chris Hightower for over 10 years. Chris's equipment does exactly what Chris says it will do. Plus Chris is always available to help in any way he can. You should give Chris and the others a call.
 
lathes

I pesonally have a hightower deluxe am very satisfied with what i have been able to do with it so far, I also like the fack that it is made right here in the US I can't speak for unique but I know porper farmed thers out to china a few years back. just my .02
 
Why not get the small hightower repair lathe to start? If you do want to someday build cues from scratch you may want to go a full sized lathe from Chris, or even a metal lathe. But for now your investment is minimal, and the lathe is very good for shaftwork, and many other repair tasks. If you build cues you can never have too many lathes. I have three metal lathes and a wood lathe. And at times I am wanting another! A lot of valuable time is spent setting up a machine to do a certain task with very close tolerances. Once we set it up, something comes up that either will require a teardown to do, or have another lathe that we can jump on to do the task, then proceed with the first set up. Time is money eventually, no matter how much we love the job! S you will always need that small lathe ... trust me!
 
I have never used the porper or the unique so cant say much about these 2. I have the cueman deluxe and it is a great machine just as the others have stated. If you have any interest in building cues in the future then spend the extra cash and get the deluxe instead of a repair lathe. The last thing you want to do is buy a repair lathe then want to build a cue. Its better to have the machine and not use it than the other way around IMO.....Dave
 
mooseman said:
This could be an openended question.

I am considering the top 3 cue building lathes....Porper, Hightower, and Unique. What are the pros/cons of each machine? I'm sure that each is better at somethings. If they were the same price and cost isn't a factor which would you choose???? Looking for value for money. Are there any objective reviews covering all three????

Would it be better to purchase a repair lathe to "DABBLE" with? I want to start maintaining shafts and replacing tips/ferrules for personal use and expand from there (repair to cue building). I am looking for flexibility and expandibility without wasting money. Of course resell value could be a factor if things didn't pan out.
Click to expand...

Well, none of those you mention are "building" lathes in my opinion, but not at all because of quality. They are all made to be decent repair lathes at a reasonable price, and they all achieve that.

You have to ask yourself what you want to do with it immediately and how good it needs to be at those tasks. I've seen a zillion guys that want to "get into" repair or cue making with $1000. I will clue you in... that ain't happenin.

So... do you want to do tips? Ferrules? Wraps? Shafts? Actually build cues? What is most important from the start? Are you wanting to do these tasks in one place, or be mobile? Are you wanting the same machine to be able to build cues too?
 
If all you want to do is Tips Ferrules and shafts purchase the lathe on ebay. It is a cross between a Hightower and Unique's lathe for $500. Well below $1000. This way if you find out that you don't like cue repairs, you havn't lost much. The problem, I think is that you will find out that you LOVE it and then you will want something bigger. I wouldnt mess around with uniques cue companion because the cue monster in practically the same machine on steroids at $3000. Much better and you will be able to do more with it. My personal choice would be to purchase a Delux cue lathe from Chris Hightower at about $2000 without the taper attachment. I saw a used Delux on ebay go for $1800 last month. It has a great re-sale value in case you decide that this hobby isnt for you. Chris Hightower is an exceptional person to work with. His machines will do exactaly what he sayes it will do. I would also suggest you purchase his book: From Trees, To Tips, To Trade show and a couple of videos for $150. He will also give you a $50 gift credit towards the purchase of a lathe. This is a very worth wild investment towards this subject.
Just my .02
 
If all you want to do is Tips Ferrules and shafts purchase the lathe on ebay. It is a cross between a Hightower and Unique's lathe for $500. Well below $1000. This way if you find out that you don't like cue repairs, you havn't lost much. The problem, I think is that you will find out that you LOVE it and then you will want something bigger. I wouldnt mess around with uniques cue companion because the cue monster in practically the same machine on steroids at $3000. Much better and you will be able to do more with it. My personal choice would be to purchase a Delux cue lathe from Chris Hightower at about $2000 without the taper attachment. I saw a used Delux on ebay go for $1800 last month. It has a great re-sale value in case you decide that this hobby isnt for you. Chris Hightower is an exceptional person to work with. His machines will do exactaly what he sayes it will do. I would also suggest you purchase his book: From Trees, To Tips, To Trade show and a couple of videos for $150. He will also give you a $50 gift credit towards the purchase of a lathe. This is a very worth wild investment towards this subject.
Just my .02
 
PetreeCues said:
Well, none of those you mention are "building" lathes in my opinion, but not at all because of quality. They are all made to be decent repair lathes at a reasonable price, and they all achieve that.

You have to ask yourself what you want to do with it immediately and how good it needs to be at those tasks. I've seen a zillion guys that want to "get into" repair or cue making with $1000. I will clue you in... that ain't happenin.

So... do you want to do tips? Ferrules? Wraps? Shafts? Actually build cues? What is most important from the start? Are you wanting to do these tasks in one place, or be mobile? Are you wanting the same machine to be able to build cues too?
Click to expand...

I believe I would like to get into cue building eventually. I just don't have the room where I currently live to establish a good workshop. This means I will probably be using my garage.

At this time I would like to maintain cues and perform minor repairs. I understand the need to have multiple lathes or equipment eventually. I have looked at some of the mini metal lathes that are probably suitable for use now with modification. I understand most cuemakers are using the larger lathes for building cues. Not sure if the standard is to just stick with the Hightower or similar.

I have seen Sugartree's shop and he uses both the Porper and Deluxe Cuesmith depending on job. He has praises for both. I have seen Wes Hunter's shop and he uses standard equipment for the most part.

As is it looks like everyone is recommending the Hightower lathes. I will eventually go that way because of the turnkey aspect. At this time I may lean towards a minilathe with modification for doing shaft and tip work. Or I will go with one of the Hightower repair lathes since they are similarly priced for performing repairs.

Things that make you go HMMMMMM.......
 
IMO , use Hightower for cue building , not include taper bar

and use Unique taper shaper to cue butt and shaft

that will do anything exception inlay:D
 
Adonisy said:
IMO , use Hightower for cue building , not include taper bar

and use Unique taper shaper to cue butt and shaft

that will do anything exception inlay:D
Click to expand...
This is actually pretty good advice. Tapering on your main lathe shuts you down as you twittle your thumbs waiting to finish a tapering pass. Having a separate tapering machine is great. I do build a tapering machine for $2800, but at this time will only ship freight which is expensive $300 to $500 or pick up, as UPS has not managed to deliver one yet without messing something up. I have not been pushing the machine even though I use mine day in and day out for a couple of years now, because of this extra hassle. Uniques tapering machine will do the job and is much cheaper to ship as it is a good bit lighter.
Chris
www.cuesmith.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
 
cueman said:
This is actually pretty good advice. Tapering on your main lathe shuts you down as you twittle your thumbs waiting to finish a tapering pass. Having a separate tapering machine is great. I do build a tapering machine for $2800, but at this time will only ship freight which is expensive $300 to $500 or pick up, as UPS has not managed to deliver one yet without messing something up. I have not been pushing the machine even though I use mine day in and day out for a couple of years now, because of this extra hassle. Uniques tapering machine will do the job and is much cheaper to ship as it is a good bit lighter.
Chris
www.cuesmith.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
Click to expand...

Which is the best way of doing this economically amongst the 4 Hightower lathes on the website? I'm kind of leaning towards the MID-SIZE CUE SMITH with Sliding Headstock but confused about the options required for cue building ie Internet Special for $1395.

http://www.cuesmith.com/index.php?menu1=menu_lathes&page=cue_lathe_mid_size
 
mooseman said:
Which is the best way of doing this economically amongst the 4 Hightower lathes on the website? I'm kind of leaning towards the MID-SIZE CUE SMITH with Sliding Headstock but confused about the options required for cue building ie Internet Special for $1395.

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

Mooseman....I am not Cueman , but I can help a lil here. If you have the resources, go with his biggest machine. I owned one of his full size machines, which is the same a the deluxe, except it has a smaller bore hole in the Headstock, and no taperbars, router, powerfeed ( He could tell you all the differences )......, it worked great but had a few limitations. Like having to do all the butt work between centers, instead of being able to chuck them up for more accuracy.You can upgrade his machines, but it is more expensive to piece mill the upgrades. The deluxe will do everything you need, and Chris will not only stand behind his product, but a Phonecall will give you the support you need as well. I can tell you this....he is just as much available after the sale as he is before....You will be very pleased. As a person , I have alot of confidence in Chris....if he thinks you would be better served with someone else machine he will tell you , and Not push you into his machine just for his income. He proved that by the post above, and he very much is the same speaking with him in person/phone.

Good luck on your quest! I too am just starting out, though I am a month or two ahead of you.....and I can tell you there are 3-4 on here that will give you years of education, if you seek them out. Chris hightower is one such fellow ;) I would tell you the others, but if they want you to know they will contact you....Most likely by PM, as they dont tend to want to offer their knowledge and love for the art to just anyone, esp. when so many have bitten them in the rear after helping out.

GOOD LUCK FRIEND :)
 
Here's my opinion, and realize that I have a vested interest because of where I work. I have heard nothing but good comments on both Unique Products and with Hightower's products.

That being said, I worked with the Proper Model B all weekend at a local tourney. This was the first time that Muellers went mobile with the cue repair since there was a local guy that did it for years. I work on big Clausing lathes all day long so when I went to the B lathe, it felt like a toy. Once I got on location, I found it to be very accurate, quiet, stable, and easy to use. My confidence in it grew within the first few minutes. It is can be used for repairs as well as building cues. It is built for the long haul.

Each machine has its advantages and disadvantages. I know there are things that I would like to change on the Model B. Pick the machine best suited to you and what you plan on doing with it. I personally do not think you can make a bad choice with any of the three you mentioned.
 
mooseman said:
Which is the best way of doing this economically amongst the 4 Hightower lathes on the website? I'm kind of leaning towards the MID-SIZE CUE SMITH with Sliding Headstock but confused about the options required for cue building ie Internet Special for $1395.

http://www.cuesmith.com/index.php?menu1=menu_lathes&page=cue_lathe_mid_size
Click to expand...
The midsize is limited on how easy shafts are to turn from scratch. It is not set up for taper bars so all tapering has to be done either by offsetting the tailstock or dialing in all the numbers. The only way to create a pro taper from a dowel would be to dial in all the numbers which is tedious to say the least.
On the other hand you can add a powerfeed, Router and 60 degree live center for $385 and you can offset your tailstock and turn butts from scratch easily. Some of the joint and butt work would be easier on the deluxe, but definitely can be done on the midsize. It will just be slower on that type of thing. If you are willing to buy your shaft blanks turned to final sanding size the Midsize will get you by, but you will always wish you had bought the full blown Deluxe if cue building is your goal.
Chris
www.cuesmith.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
 
cueman said:
The midsize is limited on how easy shafts are to turn from scratch. It is not set up for taper bars so all tapering has to be done either by offsetting the tailstock or dialing in all the numbers. The only way to create a pro taper from a dowel would be to dial in all the numbers which is tedious to say the least.
On the other hand you can add a powerfeed, Router and 60 degree live center for $385 and you can offset your tailstock and turn butts from scratch easily. Some of the joint and butt work would be easier on the deluxe, but definitely can be done on the midsize. It will just be slower on that type of thing. If you are willing to buy your shaft blanks turned to final sanding size the Midsize will get you by, but you will always wish you had bought the full blown Deluxe if cue building is your goal.
Chris
www.cuesmith.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
Click to expand...




Chris just curious, But why can't the midsize be setup with taper bars? Does It have to do with the center height and spring loading the slide, since you can't stack 2 slides like the deluxe, and would'nt be able to dial in the depth, If you only used the one that was spring loaded? If so could risers for the headstock and tailstock solve the problem, and bring the center up where it needs to be?



BTW to the poster, I also have a deluxe, and It will more then handle most repair work & can build cues as well. A little more money maybe, so depends on what someone wants to spend, but they are a great versatile lathe for a small shop, and you would not be as limited on repairs as some cuelathes that are strickly for tips and such.
I try not to bother Chris anymore unless I have to, or I'm ordering, now that I've learned most of the ropes with these machines, but there was a time where I emailed him more then most could stand for, and He took alot of time out to explain and help Me. I aggree with the other poster, He definatly went beyond customer service, and even helped me with My own ideas, and supplying his thoughts & a few parts to me, when he could have just tried to sell me something of his instead to do the same job. He's a straight shooter and standup guy from what I have seen, and will work with you in just about whatever way you decide to go. Buying a lathe from him was the best thing I could have done, because I gained so much more then just the equipment.
I tipped and cleaned shafts with minimal tools for many years before meeting up with him, and afterwards It started me off in a whole new direction, taking me to a whole other level in what all work I could handle and take on Myself. I use to always get people wanting me to do what seemed like major repairs at the times when I only did tips & shafts. Now there's very little in repair work that comes My way & I can't handle, unless I decide not to for some reason. Alot of people here have alot to do with what level I'm at now also, but back then he had alot of patients, and took the time to answer most all of My questions no matter how dumb they must have sounded at the time:D Good Luck with the repair work.

Greg
 
I don't have any input on the other products mentioned here, but I am a Cueman user. I completeley agree with Greg's (and everyone else's) comments about Cueman Billiards products and support. No need to repeat all the details again, just great equipment and outstanding customer service.
 
I appreciate all the input. After the positive reviews, I will probably go with one the Hightower lathes. It's going to either be the Deluxe or Midsize lathe. While I would like to outfit myself with all the equipment (image of Tim Allen the Toolman) I am practical. I want the repair/ maintenance capabilities immediately and will eventually get into cue building. This is more for personal gratification versus making a living.

First though I think I'm going to purchase the book and videos to see what I am letting myself in for. I am fortunate that Eric Crisp of Sugartree Cues is located locally and I can pick his brain as needed.

Again thanks to everyone......
 
I also have the Cueman Deluxe Lathe. It works great for repairs and cue building. Chris will go the extra mile to make you a happy customer and he is great to deal with.
 
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