Lathe Specs

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I have always wanted to build cues. I know this is not something you just jump into, and I have a long road ahead of me. I know I will need multiple lathes, but first I need to buy a main lathe. I have an idea of what I need to buy (I think). I would just like to get some professional input. I believe I need a metal lathe with a 1.5” through bore spindle, a taper attachment, and at least 36” between centers. What other specs do I need to consider? Are there certain brands that are better for making cues? How many horsepower do I need? :confused:
 
WOW, talk about a loaded question; the depths of which are daunting.
I can give you the long version or the short version. Since I need to get to my shop soon, you'll get the short for now.

You don't need 1.5" thru spindle. 1.375" will do nicely. Actually, I prefer it.
36" btwn centers is a nice number but only if it has matching carriage travel. 36" is enough room to hold the cue but if your carriage travel is only 26-28", you won't be able to cut the entire cue in one pass.

Have you had any experience with machining? Even before buying the machine, I'd suggest that you get some formal education on machine tool operation.

You don't need multiple machines. Think quality, not quantity. I'd much rather build just 2-3 exceptional playing instruments per year than 25-50 POS cues.

If all you ever intend to do is build a few cues every now and then, you might want to consider the cue-specific machines, though you'll still need knowledge.
Why is everyone afraid to go to school? I mean, that's where the knowledge is.
Anyway, Chris Hightower builds cue-specific machinery and it is some of the best available. All you need do is to look at what the majority of the CMs on this site have in their arsenal.
Whether you go cue-specific or metal lathe is a personal choice. It all depends on what you ultimately want to do.
 
> One thing that I see people overlooking when assessing a lathe is how long the spindle is. On smaller lathes,such as the 12" x 36" this won't be a problem. On a slightly larger lathe like a 14" x 40-48",the length of the spindle may be too LONG for you to be able to run a whole shaft/butt thru there. This will force you to do everything (pin installs,joint facing,etc) out in front of the chuck with a steady rest/bearing/collet system or a bearing with a Hightower or similar chuck inserted into the steady rest.

The bigger the spindle hole is,the more likely this scenario is. Tommy D.
 
I was in your position not too long ago. I knew absolutely nothing about cue making, but I searched, sought, meditated, and pondered...... I started with a small 7x10 mini lathe and went to town. I practiced on all my cues, and even did a couple friends cues. I bought all the cue making dvd's books, asked questions, and befriended many cue makers. As I got better and more confident, I bought a Clausing 12x36 and now I am making cues. I have a Grizzly wood lathe and a nice, roomy shop.

I actually had previous wood working experience, and I am also very familiar with construction and home building, so my familiarity with tools helped. You need to search, and search, and search, and the answers will come to you. It is really about how much endurance you have to reach your goal. Good Luck.
 
I have very little experience with machining. I do, however, have a good carpentry and physics baclground. I have a friend who has owned and operated a machine shop for over 20 years and another friend who builds custom cabinets. I have been bouncing ideas off both of them for months. I am going to the metal shop in the morning to get some experience using a lathe before I actually buy one. Thank you to all who have replied. I believe I will need all the help I can get.
 
Very first thing...I HIGHLY recommend getting Chris Hightowers cuebuilding book. It will answer many of the questions you have...and save you time & money. Read it cover to cover before you purchase anything.:wink:
 
Varney Cues said:
Very first thing...I HIGHLY recommend getting Chris Hightowers cuebuilding book. It will answer many of the questions you have...and save you time & money. Read it cover to cover before you purchase anything.:wink:
Click to expand...

Yep ... Varney is absolutely correct!.

Chris Hightower's book about cue making is the very first thing you should buy.
His basic cue building DVD would be a good second purchase.
After reading thru the book and watching the DVD you will have a good understanding of what it is all about.
I have been making cues for about 10 years now and it is the same book I started out with.

If you see it is just not for you then you can recover most of the cost of the book and DVD by selling it right here on AZ.
 
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