I'm looking to start making cues just wondering if you guys could share some equipment suggestions. I worked for Mali for a few years before joining the USMC and I've been itching to get back to make my own cues. Any help will be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance
Looking to start making cues
- Thread starter bigchase
- Start date
How to get started in cuebuilding
There have been a number of threads about this in the past. I would suggest reviewing them and then asking any specific questions you may have.
Getting into cuemaking
Where do I start to become a cuemaker?
Want to start making some cues
Machines needed to start building cues?
There have been a number of threads about this in the past. I would suggest reviewing them and then asking any specific questions you may have.
Getting into cuemaking
Where do I start to become a cuemaker?
Want to start making some cues
Machines needed to start building cues?
I don't mean to derail but this a good example of the right way to respond when a frequently asked question is posted.
Far too often are posts like the OP's met with "use the search function" or some other much more snide and condescending response that does nothing but make people feel uncomfortable.
Nice job on the links ElBeau and its nice to see someone go out of their way to help another member with the search feature.
Yes, I agree, Beau was being particularly helpful in providing links to past posts.
However, those that don't go to that length and merely say to 'use the search function'
aren't being "snide and condescending". They are being helpful as well.
All of the info pertaining to cue-building and repair is already in the data-base.
Most newbies don't know that but are grateful when handed the keys to the library.
At the end of the day, we're not required to do the inquirer's homework for them.
Spoon-feeding only provides instant gratification, no long-term education.
If you truly want to learn, you need to know where to start.
Searching the data-base is a good place to do that.
HTHs, KJ
Bishop, I am glad to see I am not the only one that will speak up on here. I have had many people PM me and say these same things but would never post it. Anyways, what Beau did was try to be helpful but not spoon feed anyone. He just showed him where he could obtain the info he was looking for. The OP still has to do his own reading and research. Not everyone that comes on here knows there has been a ton of threads on this. The search function is also not so easy to use sometimes depending on what your looking for. I actually sometimes go to Google and search on AZ that way.
Yeah I'm not picking on the search function crowd but more the ones that are ugly about it.
I'm a regular and pretty well versed in cue making, as I gathered my equipment it took a great deal of time to learn the jargon, cue speak and dig through oddly titled and misleading threads via the search function.
Its not as simple as just using the search feature. I got a lot of great info out of threads posted for other reasons altogether.
EB did a good job with some obvious threads that clearly showed up because the title matched the search but it would be nice if I could have made a post and been linked to some of the better buried posts remembered by the regulars.
This forum just isn't built to maximize the search function.
Most places like the IAP, Knife makers, Pipemakers forums have organized libraries and databases that are designed to be search friendly. I would kill for a cue making forum built like those places.
Enigmaticul
Banned
If you have any questions feel free to ask me via a pm. I was crucified for asking "free" advice and instructions. Few people actually gavel a answer. Most just sent me towards the holy books and the search function. If you have the funds yea but the books but if you are on a budget it kinda sucks. Soon on YouTube I will launch a channel that describes step by step how to build a cue ( simple cue) but still a cue you can be proud of building.
looking to start
Well the old saying that there is no thing as a dumb question, doesn't always apply at AZ. In this case the gentleman(even if he was a Marine) came on, gave us some background, told us specifically what he wanted to do and why. And guess what, he got a civil answer.
Usually the short go use search answers are for questions that are so far off base that
you just don't know how to answer them.
Also, can you imagine GM calling up Ford and going, man I just can't get clear coat
to lay right. How do you do it.
To be honest when I get together with other cuemakers, one topic that usually comes up is some of the hair brained answers/advice that is given on AZ.
Don't get me wrong, there is good info mixed in with it, but with FREE advice, you often get what you paid for. The trick is knowing enough to separate the BS, from the guouge.
For Bigchase, I'd go back to my time at Mali and go thru the process they used.
If you have an idea of how you want to build/ assemble your cues, equipment choices
become easier. Come up with a list of machine requirements and you will be able to make an educated choice.
Well the old saying that there is no thing as a dumb question, doesn't always apply at AZ. In this case the gentleman(even if he was a Marine) came on, gave us some background, told us specifically what he wanted to do and why. And guess what, he got a civil answer.
Usually the short go use search answers are for questions that are so far off base that
you just don't know how to answer them.
Also, can you imagine GM calling up Ford and going, man I just can't get clear coat
to lay right. How do you do it.
To be honest when I get together with other cuemakers, one topic that usually comes up is some of the hair brained answers/advice that is given on AZ.
Don't get me wrong, there is good info mixed in with it, but with FREE advice, you often get what you paid for. The trick is knowing enough to separate the BS, from the guouge.
For Bigchase, I'd go back to my time at Mali and go thru the process they used.
If you have an idea of how you want to build/ assemble your cues, equipment choices
become easier. Come up with a list of machine requirements and you will be able to make an educated choice.
RBC
Deceased
Bishop
I hear and understand you. And yes, it would be nice if this forum was actually setup to help others become cue makers. Unfortunately, that's not really even what this forum was intended to do.
I was around way back when there was no "Ask the Cue Maker" section. When it was created, at least from what I can recall as it was a long time ago, it was intended to be a place where customers who were interested in cues to ask questions of those who make them. It was supposed to be a place that brought cue makers and cue buyers together as well as educated the pool playing public about the wonderful world of cues.
For as long as I can remember, there were always lots of guys that wanted to make custom cues. Not that long ago, it was not easy to get started. The ones who were already doing it were not very forth coming with information. Most often they viewed new comers as competition in a very small market. Not only that, but they were typically building cues for a hobby, and would let their cues go for way to cheap which made it much harder for those doing it for a living to get by. But, if you really had the desire and the drive to do it, you searched, and read, and studied until you could try things. Then, when you attempts failed, you adjusted things and tried again, and again until you got it where you wanted it to be.
Being successful at building cues is not an easy task. The trouble is that you can be doing it wrong for at least a few years before you realize it, and by then the fixes would be overwhelming. I couldn't tell you how many people have brought cues to us to fix that were cues they just bought off the new "up and comer" on AZ. Many of those cues were never fixed as the issues were just too great and the cues were not worth fixing. With almost zero exceptions, those "up and comers" soon disappeared and were replaced by the next one in line. It's almost unfair to the new guy to give him information knowing that if he doesn't have the passion and desire to work hard at finding out how he wants do it, then he is most likely destined to fade away.
Me personally, I love to help others build great cues. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to do so, so I can't help as much as I would like. I mean, it's a Saturday and the only reason I'm here typing is because it's lunch time and I'm taking a break. So, if I'm going to spend my valuable time helping someone, it will only be after they've demonstrated that passion and desire. Not just because they can ask a question on an open forum. I mean, some of the things asked are very surprising. It would be like someone who wanted to be a Nascar driver asking why they all just drive in a circle, and why they always turn left.
So, I applaud all those who want to build cues. It can be very frustrating and very emotionally rewarding. It is very seldom financially rewarding. I encourage them to go out work at becoming a cue maker. It may not be the easiest way to get there, but it's certainly the best way to get there.
Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
You weren't crucified for asking for free advise. You were crucified for being an idiot. You were told to use the search function, then proceeded to cry wolf. You got called out on begging for free tools and supplies. You got called out on trying to show off a butchered cue repair. How many times does one need to be shown the error of his ways before he admits his screw up? You've thrown out there that your tip/ferrule is patent pending. Have you even filed paperwork yet? I'm guessing not due to you being a broke ass.
The search function works well, you just gotta known what you're looking for first. If you don't know what you're looking for, then you're in the wrong place. I've asked zero questions on here about how to do something because everything you need/want to know is already here. If your search terms don't bring anything back, go to Google and and search. Still nothing? Well maybe that's the wrong term to search for. So don't do what you did and beg for the answer, change your search terms and see if the results come up. I'd be willing to bet that if you'd actually try and apply yourself to wanting to learn rather than being spoon fed more people would help you.
I came close to making a thread at one point to ask how to do something. In the process of trying to type my question out, I questioned the term I was trying ask about. Went back to Google, re-tried my search and guess what, I found my answer. Came back here to AZB, searched for that term and found plenty of information to fulfill my need. Didn't waste anyone else's time, and I actually learned a great deal more than I would have if I would of just asked my question. Knowledge can only be found, not given.
Yes this has evolved into a Ask the Cue Maker how to become a cue maker forum but I guess at this point it is what it is. I think just about everyone agrees that nobody should just be given the answers. If you think about it, cue making is pretty wide open with info compared to other things. I remember a thread Pete T was involved with and he even showed pictures of most of his points process and how it was done. Never expected that but was very cool to see.
I think what some of us is saying is that you don't have to rude or condescending to let them know to use their brain a little. Royce I have never seen you get ugly or act like your better than anyone else with anything you have put on here. If you agree with what's being said or not, your always polite and professional. I think some of us could and should learn from that.
Might as well make that sticky.
First of all, thank you for your service. The Red Dog Marines saved my ass in Salerno so I will always have a soft spot for Marines. I do have some olive burl I brought back from there, though!
I don't have any advice to help you get started building cues, but maybe a few words to consider. Don't cheap out on materials & adhesives. If you can't afford the best stuff, then save until you can. Avoid doing thick, gaudy rings and inlays, and long joints & buttcaps. Nothing looks more silly or cheap than a cue made from low grade wood and loaded with goofy inlays that look dumb & make no sense, and has fat ring packs with elongated collars. Don't neglect the bumper, either. Countersink it deep enough that it looks clean & elegant, rather than like a big rubber nipple afterthought. Last but not least, get a very fine tip pen to sign your cues. Even a pretty cue can be turned to junk by signing with a sharpie or adding some kind of big, goofy logo. These are the most obvious & common mistakes made by newbs & many of them never grow out of it, but instead gripe & complain that nobody buys their cues. Let your wife or girlfriend (or both) give their honest opinions on aesthetics, because you may be so proud of your work that you are blind to how ugly it is.
Good luck to you with your endeavor. Hopefully it goes as you want it to.
RBC
Deceased
Donnie
Thanks for the compliments. I really do work hard to make sure I'm more of a positive influence on the universe than a negative one. Thanks for noticing.
Of course, you're right about the being ugly part too. We need more kindness these days. Life is hard enough as it is. What was that my Mama used to tell me, "if you don't have anything nice to say, the just don't say anything at all".
Shoot Straight!
Royce
I am guilty of sometimes suggesting that the OP "use the search function". I agree with everything above that has been said, but I wanted to add that using the search function, you can go back 8-10 years and get input from many more skilled cuemakers than are here now. Some of the old guys have quit making cues, don't have the time nor inclination to reiterate what they have typed before, or they may now be making cues for the angels.
The other thing, touched on by others, is try it first. Then you can come here and say "I wanted to do this. Here's what I did and it didn't turn out the way I expected. What can I do to get to my stated goal?" That approach will net you the absolute best advice you could hope for.
Chris Hightower's book, DVD's and Joe Barringer's DVD's are a wealth of information as well and can show you that there is more than one way to "skin that cat".
My 2 cents,
Gary
The other thing, touched on by others, is try it first. Then you can come here and say "I wanted to do this. Here's what I did and it didn't turn out the way I expected. What can I do to get to my stated goal?" That approach will net you the absolute best advice you could hope for.
Chris Hightower's book, DVD's and Joe Barringer's DVD's are a wealth of information as well and can show you that there is more than one way to "skin that cat".
My 2 cents,
Gary
I don't have any additional advice that is not already here. Hell, honestly I couldn't have offered what everyone else already has.
With that being said.... ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ the above quote by qbilder is just funny as hell.