Making your own cue

cubswin said:
~sitting here wondering why poolsleuth finds the fact that some makers use prathers parts something to get his panties in bunch about....after all why would prather sell parts if they weren't being used...damn that logic~
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Well I hope you want an honest answer from my perspective. I consider Cuemaker an Artform, and many Cuemakers to me are artists who start with RAW MATERIAL, a Shop Full of Machinery, and take those RAW MATERIAL & TOOLS and CREATE Functional Art (that being a Great Playing, Great Looking Cue).


If some Cuemaker are giving customers the impression they are Scratch Builder, and ONLY PART Assemblers this is wrong to me. They are not builders, but Parts, or Components ASSEMBLERS.

As it is akin in my mind to comparing the works of a Great Painter who start with a Blank Canvass, and Oil or Water Colors, compared with someone who Paints by Numbers, filling in Outlines with Paints.

Was not until several months ago did I realize that anyone could purchased Pre Fabricated Cue Butt Sections & Forearm Sections complete with Points, and Colored Veneers. Than assemble these component into a Cue.

Maybe I have an appreciation for what I call real art, & artists as my 88 y/o neighbor is a man who can turn a block of BASSWOOD into what looks like a Living Bird of any Species with his hands, hand tools, and paint and brush.

Part of my appreciation for these Artists is I am mostly a KLUTZ, who armed with Wood, Tool, or an Artists Brush could never create much of anything except Scrap Wood Suitable for Kindling to start a Fire....
 
Was not until several months ago did I realize that anyone could purchased Pre Fabricated Cue Butt Sections & Forearm Sections complete with Points, and Colored Veneers. Than assemble these component into a Cue.



You knew that?
And you call me a Keyboard Commando for mentioning it?
What is your agenda Bruce?
You wanted me to name names I knew who bought them and sold them as cues?
If you have half the brain a man of your age should have, you knew full well I couldn't do that.
Why don't you call Prather? And I dare you to put their names here.
Lemme see how fast those makers get on your arse.
Then you can stop stalking me.
Put me in your ignore list.
Do that Poolsleuth FKA Bruce De Lis.
 
~laughing~ so you've been harassing Joey because you thought that would somehow get you a answer about cuemakers you don't want to purchase cues from?

And with your logic some of the all time great cue's wouldn't be art. Could've sworn you had in your name last week that you wanted a balabushka. Which probably would have had a Spain blank. Some of the most sought after cues in the world were made with someone elses blanks. Doesn't mean it isn't a good or even great cue. And that the "assembler" isn't very very talented in the parts they do make.
 
PoolSleuth said:
Well I hope you want an honest answer from my perspective. I consider Cuemaker an Artform, and many Cuemakers to me are artists who start with RAW MATERIAL, a Shop Full of Machinery, and take those RAW MATERIAL & TOOLS and CREATE Functional Art (that being a Great Playing, Great Looking Cue).


If some Cuemaker are giving customers the impression they are Scratch Builder, and ONLY PART Assemblers this is wrong to me. They are not builders, but Parts, or Components ASSEMBLERS.

As it is akin in my mind to comparing the works of a Great Painter who start with a Blank Canvass, and Oil or Water Colors, compared with someone who Paints by Numbers, filling in Outlines with Paints.

Was not until several months ago did I realize that anyone could purchased Pre Fabricated Cue Butt Sections & Forearm Sections complete with Points, and Colored Veneers. Than assemble these component into a Cue.

Maybe I have an appreciation for what I call real art, & artists as my 88 y/o neighbor is a man who can turn a block of BASSWOOD into what looks like a Living Bird of any Species with his hands, hand tools, and paint and brush.

Part of my appreciation for these Artists is I am mostly a KLUTZ, who armed with Wood, Tool, or an Artists Brush could never create much of anything except Scrap Wood Suitable for Kindling to start a Fire....
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I don't understand why does it matter to you so much?! It is a fact that some cuemakers choose to take that path... others choose to walk the hard way and learn the process as they evolve as craftsmen... to each his own I guess...

Don't see anything wrong with what Joey posted here...

Hadjcues
 
PoolSleuth said:
Well I hope you want an honest answer from my perspective. I consider Cuemaker an Artform, and many Cuemakers to me are artists who start with RAW MATERIAL, a Shop Full of Machinery, and take those RAW MATERIAL & TOOLS and CREATE Functional Art (that being a Great Playing, Great Looking Cue).


If some Cuemaker are giving customers the impression they are Scratch Builder, and ONLY PART Assemblers this is wrong to me. They are not builders, but Parts, or Components ASSEMBLERS.

As it is akin in my mind to comparing the works of a Great Painter who start with a Blank Canvass, and Oil or Water Colors, compared with someone who Paints by Numbers, filling in Outlines with Paints.

Was not until several months ago did I realize that anyone could purchased Pre Fabricated Cue Butt Sections & Forearm Sections complete with Points, and Colored Veneers. Than assemble these component into a Cue.

Maybe I have an appreciation for what I call real art, & artists as my 88 y/o neighbor is a man who can turn a block of BASSWOOD into what looks like a Living Bird of any Species with his hands, hand tools, and paint and brush.

Part of my appreciation for these Artists is I am mostly a KLUTZ, who armed with Wood, Tool, or an Artists Brush could never create much of anything except Scrap Wood Suitable for Kindling to start a Fire....
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I agree with you and this is what cuecrafting is all about. Your post is also what a cue crafting enthusiast agrees with. Thus you are talking about pieces that come from "and your rule applies to" experienced cuecraftsmen.

I suggest then that with such parameters that it will be safer for you to be very careful when considering a purchase from a relatively new cuemaker who pumps out these 4-6 point veneered cues and sneaky pete's. I think that it is just common sense that can guide you.

Here is some info for you.
Higher level cuecraftsmen have stashed (5+ years) wood and have learned to select the proper piece to use from sifting through his pile and closely observing them. Remember, the wood parts used all come from huge trees so they needed to be aged and processed (time element) then slowly trimmed down close to useable dimensions before they're even considered being used in ones work and time consuming creation.

The level of craftsmanship that goes into these pieces require years of practice. Having been a machinist doesn't guarantee an "express" way in reaching this level. Wood and its relation to the other associated materials used in cuecrafting requires a different level of intellectual approach.

Those who've used pre-made parts may have different reasons for doing such and these may possibly be some reasons:
1. For educational purposes.
2. Cut down on capital expense (machinery)
3. To speed up the possibility of saving enough to buy the equipment needed.
4. To be able to offer these level cues while ageing and preparing his raw material stock.
5. Then there's- To heck with it, lower capital and training expense and higher profit margin. Or, my reputation still can't command what I think my time is worth in producing such level cues.
 
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I agree with Edwin... some cuemakers have their own reasons for doing so...
takes years to master the art.. I myself am Kinda surprised to see new cuemakers, less than a year or so experience - turning out 4 pt V spliced w/ veneered cues... some prolly do it on pre-set up equipment or cue lathe... some with high level inlays... I guess it all depends also on the availability of machinery and stuff...
 
Ok, i dont have a clue on how to actually build a cue, but if you had the right equipment and spent sometime learning from a cue builder, i think even Gomer Pyle could make a sneaky pete lol.

Now i came upon HighTowers website and looked at the cue machines he has for sale and basically some of the machines come with layouts you can put into the machines and have cut outa of the wood, and the machine can also cut the exotic woods you are using for inlays,veneers and designs too.

So its basically a case of having enough money to buy the right equipment, and woods and parts, and basically anyone could turn out a high quality looking cue, and they might have been making cues for only a couple of months.

dave
 
StormHotRod300 said:
Ok, i dont have a clue on how to actually build a cue, but if you had the right equipment and spent sometime learning from a cue builder, i think even Gomer Pyle could make a sneaky pete lol.

Now i came upon HighTowers website and looked at the cue machines he has for sale and basically some of the machines come with layouts you can put into the machines and have cut outa of the wood, and the machine can also cut the exotic woods you are using for inlays,veneers and designs too.

So its basically a case of having enough money to buy the right equipment, and woods and parts,and basically anyone could turn out a high quality looking cue, and they might have been making cues for only a couple of months.

dave
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A cue is a tool of function. A quality cue is a tool expected to function at a higher level of performance demand and beauty. It should bring a higher degree of confidence, satisfaction and pride to the owner.

See my sig.
 
hadjcues said:
I agree with Edwin... some cuemakers have their own reasons for doing so...
takes years to master the art.. I myself am Kinda surprised to see new cuemakers, less than a year or so experience - turning out 4 pt V spliced w/ veneered cues... some prolly do it on pre-set up equipment or cue lathe... some with high level inlays... I guess it all depends also on the availability of machinery and stuff...
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Exactly.
If one assembler can't make his own v-pointed blanks, I wouldn't expect his points to be even close to being even.
Heck, those blanks don't even look that hot coming in.
Bruce took my post and made a mountain of it. Then he lists more sources.:rolleyes: Then he says he found out months ago these blanks were available. Great. But he branded my posting as talking trash. OK, that's IDIOTIC. What freakin' trash? I'm not selling cues here and did not badmouth a maker.
I SUGGESTED to the original poster buying blanks from Prather is an option.
I don't expect the poor guy to buy a mill and cnc machine if he wanted to make cues with points and/or inlays. And I mentioned several makers buys these blanks. Bruce then has a constipation.
Bruce a day or two ago had Looking for A Balabushka in his signature and suddenly he took it out.
Why Bruce? B/c you found out Bushka bought blanks from Spain?
Btw, I do not know of ONE cuemaker who commands high respect and uses Prather blanks. Not ONE. Mostly hacks.
I've come across two assemblers here who assembled a few Prather blanks into cues. One had a few friend buy those blanks as well.
 
Bandido,

Oh i know exactly what you mean.

I just found it interesting that if you had the money, and bought CNC machines and lathe's and all this stuff, and learned how to build a cue from a reputable builder.

That you could just use these machines and turn out high quality looking cues, when the person has only been making cues for a couple months.

Instead of going through the process like Bludworth or Gilbert does for example.

And yes the cue maybe high quality looking but plays like junk. Or it looks like junk and plays like a dream lol. Funny how that happens every now n then.

dave
 
StormHotRod300 said:
Bandido,

Oh i know exactly what you mean.

I just found it interesting that if you had the money, and bought CNC machines and lathe's and all this stuff, and learned how to build a cue from a reputable builder.

That you could just use these machines and turn out high quality looking cues, when the person has only been making cues for a couple months.

Instead of going through the process like Bludworth or Gilbert does for example.

And yes the cue maybe high quality looking but plays like junk. Or it looks like junk and plays like a dream lol. Funny how that happens every now n then.

dave
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I understand where you're coming from but you seem to have forgotten a real life occurance. This is in no way a disrespect to the person that I will refer to. I view his experience as a lesson for craftsmen, wannabe-craftsmen and the consumers.

Just recall the story OK. Pro-player that even worked under a prominent production cue manufacturer and was also claimed as a student of one of our very own. He had the resources to equipt himself with hi-tech machinery.....I'm glad he's earning a lot at what he's doing now. God bless him for having been instrumental in that prestigious tour.
 
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bandido said:
I agree with you and this is what cuecrafting is all about. Your post is also what a cue crafting enthusiast agrees with. Thus you are talking about pieces that come from "and your rule applies to" experienced cuecraftsmen.

I suggest then that with such parameters that it will be safer for you to be very careful when considering a purchase from a relatively new cuemaker who pumps out these 4-6 point veneered cues and sneaky pete's. I think that it is just common sense that can guide you.

Here is some info for you.
Higher level cuecraftsmen have stashed (5+ years) wood and have learned to select the proper piece to use from sifting through his pile and closely observing them. Remember, the wood parts used all come from huge trees so they needed to be aged and processed (time element) then slowly trimmed down close to useable dimensions before they're even considered being used in ones work and time consuming creation.

The level of craftsmanship that goes into these pieces require years of practice. Having been a machinist doesn't guarantee an "express" way in reaching this level. Wood and its relation to the other associated materials used in cuecrafting requires a different level of intellectual approach.

Those who've used pre-made parts may have different reasons for doing such and these may possibly be some reasons:
1. For educational purposes.
2. Cut down on capital expense (machinery)
3. To speed up the possibility of saving enough to buy the equipment needed.
4. To be able to offer these level cues while ageing and preparing his raw material stock.
5. Then there's- To heck with it, lower capital and training expense and higher profit margin. Or, my reputation still can't command what I think my time is worth in producing such level cues.
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Well I am glad someone agrees with part of my reasoning...:D

BTW bandido nice New Web-site.....
 
the scorpion said:
How easy is it to make your own cue from scratch and what type of materials and machines do you need as I have seen some of the cues on here and I would really love to design and make my own.
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Here is one way to get what you want ....

Take a weeks vacation and come on down to Corpus Christi, Texas.
There is a lot for your family to do and see here and while they are out enjoying the local attractions you can be in my shop making your cue and learning first hand the answers to your questions.
A cue you made yourself will have a lot more value than the money you spend making it.

It would go something like this:

Mon ... Design and rough up of cue and shaft.
Tue ... Making parts, assembly and gluing.
Wed ... Inlay and finial butt tapering
Thur ... Fitting shaft, sanding and finishing.
Fri ... buff out and ready for action.
 
hadjcues said:
I agree with Edwin... some cuemakers have their own reasons for doing so...
takes years to master the art.. I myself am Kinda surprised to see new cuemakers, less than a year or so experience - turning out 4 pt V spliced w/ veneered cues... some prolly do it on pre-set up equipment or cue lathe... some with high level inlays... I guess it all depends also on the availability of machinery and stuff...
Click to expand...

Dont use the term "Master" lightly.
There are really only a handfull of true master cuemakers alive today.

How long does it take someone to learn how to make a basic cue?

It really depends on the equipment, access to information, and most of all the persons apptitude and skills.
I am talking a solid well made basic cue here with a wrap and perhaps even some veneered points, not a $10,000 cue decked out in 300 ivory inlays, silver, rubys and emeralds.
Cuemaking, contrary to popular opinion is not hard to learn or do.
Not today.
However, people are different and what some can learn it in a month others may take years to get it.
If you have never tried cuemaking then you have no real idea of how hard or easy it really is.
Dont discount the skills of a cuemaker just because he has only been making cues for a year or two.
If you can not hold a cue in your hands, shoot with it a while, and judge for yourself its quality then YOU need to learn more about what makes one cue better than another.
 
JoeyInCali said:
Btw, I do not know of ONE cuemaker who commands high respect and uses Prather blanks. Not ONE. Mostly hacks.
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Uhhhh .... perhaps Prather?
I think he uses them.

Joey, it aint so much what you use as it is what you end up with.
Can you understand what I am saying here?

I certinaly understand the concept of garbage in equals garbage out but Prather's forearms are not garbage.
 
Willeecue your the man !!!!!!!

Well I have read this entire thread and may I say WOW WOW WOW I have been researching cue making and makers for over 8 years I am just now ready to start making cues BUT BUT BUT what Willeecue just said about going to his shop and makeing a cue was GREAT I CAN THINK BACK TO A TIME WHEN NO ONE WOULD SPEEK OF HOW THEY DID WHAT .I'v been a custom cabinet maker and furniture builder for over 20 years and have had a lot of help but this cue building bit is very different ... way to go WILLEECUE you really are a class act .....Ray
 
bandido said:
A cue is a tool of function. A quality cue is a tool expected to function at a higher level of performance demand and beauty. It should bring a higher degree of confidence, satisfaction and pride to the owner.
Click to expand...


TAP, TAP, TAP!!! Well said.

Gene
 
Go to School

the scorpion said:
How easy is it to make your own cue from scratch and what type of materials and machines do you need as I have seen some of the cues on here and I would really love to design and make my own.
Click to expand...

Buy cuebuilding videos/books - that on the market - and study. Or check out Dieckman website http://www.cuemaker.com and get in shop/on hand teaching.
 
JoeyInCali said:
Exactly.
Btw, I do not know of ONE cuemaker who commands high respect and uses Prather blanks. Not ONE. Mostly hacks.
.
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This is because Jeff will not tell who buys from him. I think you would be very surprised if you could see who really gets blanks from Prather. I will not say who I know that uses them, but believe me you would be surprised. One who has passed on already is Verl Horn. I don't think I would put him in the "Hack" category. Another is myself and you can place me in that category if you wish. I still have about 5 or 6 Prather blanks I have had around for many years as well as Spain and Titlist blanks. I will use any of those if someone wants that color and will pay what I want for the cue. If they want another color I will make them from scratch and make the points longer. The Spain blanks will not go in anything under $3000 so don't flood me with emails asking to buy the blanks.
Chris
www.cuesmith.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
 
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