Lengths of First Cut?

B

bobalouiecda

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I just picked up about 40 board foot of at least two inch thick purpleheart. It was 14' 3" long by 17" wide. I cut it to about 70 inch and two 51 inch lengths to get it in my truck. For future use what lengths would you recommend cutting beside 18 inch by 1.5 square. I have been collecting wood for a few years and most is not cut to smaller sizes except the material I have bought from individuals here and on ebay and from other cue material sources.
I just thought some longer pieces might be good to have on hand for possible one piece butt merry widows?
My new Cuesmith Deluxe should be here very soon, so I will be ready for turning. Thanks for your help. Bob H.
 
Purple Heart

bobalouiecda said:
I just picked up about 40 board foot of at least two inch thick purpleheart. It was 14' 3" long by 17" wide. I cut it to about 70 inch and two 51 inch lengths to get it in my truck. For future use what lengths would you recommend cutting beside 18 inch by 1.5 square. I have been collecting wood for a few years and most is not cut to smaller sizes except the material I have bought from individuals here and on ebay and from other cue material sources.
I just thought some longer pieces might be good to have on hand for possible one piece butt merry widows?
My new Cuesmith Deluxe should be here very soon, so I will be ready for turning. Thanks for your help. Bob H.
Click to expand...

If it was me I would look at the figure first. If I could get some full size blanks with nice figuring I would cut 60" by 1 1/2. I would cut some for shafts and full length cores 1" by 30" which showed straight grain. Nice area of Idaho that you are from. Good luck..
 
Thanks Qmaker

The material is not very figured. Tight straight grain from what I can see so far. Very dark purple. Why would you leave any piece 60 inches long unless you were unsure how it would later be needed? I was guessing some 30-32s? Thanks again, Bob
 
bobalouiecda said:
The material is not very figured. Tight straight grain from what I can see so far. Very dark purple. Why would you leave any piece 60 inches long unless you were unsure how it would later be needed? I was guessing some 30-32s? Thanks again, Bob
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I would also go with 32 inch pieces that are 1.5 square, but I would also turn it round to 3.5 or 4 and wax the ends. This will allow more even drying, easier storage, and it will allow you to turn out any movement as you make you cuts over time.

JIMO
 
When I have big boards to cut from I cut forearms and butt sleeves separately. For shafts go 1" by 30"
 
When you buy squares, they usually are 18". IMO, this is so you can do a 12"-12.5" forearm and a butt sleeve of around 4" and a little extra to shift the cuts to allow the figure to be in the forearm better and also any small defects to be cutout and not affect overall forearm length. With a board size, you can pick and choose what figure you want in which piece, as what doesn't end in a forearm will be a butt sleeve, or point stock, or inlay stock. I usually will run a board thru a thickness planer first on the 2 wide sides so you can see the figure nice and clear then Take your time and plot out your cuts to get the best figure you can into the forearm parts or into 30" long pieces for one piece butts or get the straightest grain for shafts. It all depends on how much time you want to spend on cutting, and what you expect to use the pieces for. Happy cutting..
Dave
 
Thanks For the Help

I am looking forward to a day of cutting and planing. I will have more than I need if anyone is short on purpleheart. Would trade for a variety. I have plenty of Maple. I have been on the lookout for more tulipwood. Thanks again, Bob
 
With bobs point jig I can get 2 full cues out of an 18" square 1.5x1.5

best 60$ I ever spent. I made it back in 2 or 3 cues.
 
Hi Bob

This must be why you called.

First off are you cutting with a band saw or Table saw? The band saw kicks up less dust and cuts thinner. More finished product :)


I'd start by marking lengths to see how to fit as many 30", 18" and 13" in each board. If you have extra make the 30" pieces longer. 5" squares can be used for butts. If you use your table saw and the board is 17" I'd rip 9 squares at 1.5". You should have 2 3/8" left to cut 1" squares.
With the band saw you can cut 9 squares and might have enough left to cut 3 shaft or core pieces out of what's left.

Take your time and mark out every inch before you cut. Don't forget to add the width of the blade. If you want call me before you cut.
 
Purple Heart

bobalouiecda said:
The material is not very figured. Tight straight grain from what I can see so far. Very dark purple. Why would you leave any piece 60 inches long unless you were unsure how it would later be needed? I was guessing some 30-32s? Thanks again, Bob
Click to expand...

OOOPS, Sorry meant to say 30". Must of been thinking of 1 piece cues.
Chalk it up to a "senior moment". Good luck, Bob
 
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