This question goes out to anyone who knows about making cues. I am interested in learning how to make custom cues. Im not in it for the money I am in it for the craftsmanship and the art. I am always looking at custom cue online at work and it is not because I am looking for a new cue it is because I admire the work that goes into them. I was just wondering how someone gets into making cues. Where can someone go to learn about wood and the tools that are necessary to make the inlays and points. Is there a book that I can read on the basics or is it better to take up an apprenticeship with a local cuemaker. I want to make it a hobby I dont really want to sell them to anyone, just want to make cues for myself that I can be proud of. Is there any website online that I can go to to learn the basics of the custom cue making process? Any information would be much appreciated
Making Custom Cues
- Thread starter NOSAJ03
- Start date
Arnot a local cuemaker in South florida has a cue making school but it costs 4000 and it is from 8 to 5 and that is a lot of money and time that I dont have. I want to learn gradually, something that I can pick up between work, school and playing. It is something that I hope to be able to do later on when I have gotten everything else out of the way. Something to fall back on
check out www.barringercues.com and look at "How to build a cue." section. It's pretty interesting reading and also has some photos to give visuals.
Zim
Zim
I have talked to Blud enough to know that there is a lot to making a great cue. Perhaps he could recommend someone who lives near you who would show you some things.
While books and videos have their place, IMO I dont see how a person could get the ability to make a cue as good as Blud, Ted, scruggs etc from reading a book.
Laura
While books and videos have their place, IMO I dont see how a person could get the ability to make a cue as good as Blud, Ted, scruggs etc from reading a book.
Laura
Bluewolf said:
You may have a point, Bluewolf. It's like saying if you want to learn how to play pool, buy this book and watch that video, but, as we all know, in order to get proficient, one must have hands-on experience and practice, practice, and practice.
I read a lot of posts about cue sticks, the components thereof, and it is a true art form if there ever was one.
What are the components of a good-hitting cue stick? Weight, tip, shaft, and butt, and each one of those features may differ from player to player as far as what works.
Some folks shudder when they think of paying a thousand bucks or more for a cue stick, but if you are lucky enough to be able to afford having a customized one made by someone like Blud, Ted, or Timmy, what you are really paying for is their expertise and wisdom, something that takes YEARS to attain. This is what separates them from those inexpensive overseas-shipped production cue sticks that have become so very popular as of late. You do get what you pay for (IMO).
Some pros are sponsored and actually compete with overseas production cues, but if you were to ask one of those sponsored pro players what would be their favorite cue stick, and if they are really HONEST about it, you may be surprised to hear what their preferences are. They always bring a large heavy cue case with them to the table, full of of their personal preferences.
Predator made a smart move when they gave their break cues for free to some pool players. It was a good business move (IMO).
ManlyShot
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I say find a local cue repairman. Watch him work. You'd be surprised what you learn from a repairman. You'd see how badly a ton of cues are made.NOSAJ03 said:
This is a great way if you want to learn gradually.
My opinion is, there is no money in cuemaking as a full-time job.
Jim Buss wrote 75% of new cuemakers go out of business within a few years. Either that or they quit after getting dillusioned that if they made pretty cues, they'd get rich.
I saw this decent looking cue one time at the repair shop. The cue was made by a former world class player who paid a big time cueamaker a ton of money for equipment and lessons. The cue was so crooked, it was funny. That cuemaker has now quit.
It'd be a great hobby though. That is if you want to give up a part of your garage and have money to buy lathe/lathes and mill.
Cuemaking equipment cost a lot of money.
IS that what it takes Blud? Man you should have said so earlier. HEHE
You are the greatest living cuemaker...wait...er...live or dead....uhhh...ever....is that enough? LOL
Actually I think that I have only seen one on eBay...maybe I'll go see if theres any on there right now.
Take care guys.
You are the greatest living cuemaker...wait...er...live or dead....uhhh...ever....is that enough? LOL
Actually I think that I have only seen one on eBay...maybe I'll go see if theres any on there right now.
Take care guys.