I'm only interested in installing tips. Not ferrules or anything more involved. Definitely not cues. I'm just wanting to upgrade from the primitive system I have now.
Looking for complete lathe set up for just shafts.
- Thread starter RickLafayette
- Start date
Just tips. I like the chinese mini lathes
I've seen quite a few wood lathes but they don't have the attachments for shafts and most of them are too short. They're more for hobbyists. I know the cue specific lathes (for building cues) can be pretty expensive and that's not what I'm looking for. There used to be a few on the market for shaft maintenance only but I don't see them around anymore.
Hightower has some basic setups that aren’t terribly expensive. Have you looked there?
A small metal lathe from harbor freight would be a cheap consideration.
I'll check with Hightower. I live near HF. Their lathes weren't long enough for shafts, at least the ones I saw.
Not sure a lathe for woodturning would work for anything cue related. There usually is not a through bore big enough, even on the largest of lathes. My main lathe is a 3hp model with a 25" swing, but you couldn't put a cue stick in it as the spindle on one end has a handwheel with a hole in the center of apx 3/8". Most have morse tapers of #2 or #3.
I'm looking at the Mid-America cue lathes but, unfortunately, Todd's shop has been flooded by Hurricane Helene and he's going to be out of commission for a few weeks.
Did you want to do tips or shafts?
Made this over ten years ago for tipsView attachment 781900
shafts
You don't need a long bed to do tips
Rick, 10 years ago I was in the same position; just wanted to do tips. Chris talked me out of a smaller lathe and into a Mid Size lathe. Fast forward to today and I have finished 3 CF shafts and numerous tips and ferrules. Replacing a ferrule is not much more work than a tip, when you get the experience for both. I’ll say this again, because I ignored this when I started woodworking for a hobby; buy your last table saw first. Applies to cue lathes too. Good luck with your eventual choice.
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
I agree with Tom above. Like you I had a DIY to just work on the shafts. So glad I upgraded to the Mid-America. The longer bed will give you more versatility for setup positioning for different repairs and cleaning, plus working with one-piece cues. I find it very common for people needing ferrule repair when they bring a cue in for just a tip replacement. With the right equipment you can take care of the ferrule as easily as tip in no time. You won't have to turn anyone away and you can double your money.
Mid america is nice. Last time I ordered one it took 3 months. If you just want to do tips I like the chinese minilathe. It has a big enough thru hole and you could make threaded tenons for your ferrules. For shafts I had a wood lathe that worked well. Both of those you have to diy a little and if you change your mind later probably sell them for what they cost