micarta (again)

[pooldawg64]

Ok, used the search engine, read thru hundreds of post, went to alot of the provided links. All very interesting!! I understand (I think) the differences between paper based, mason, asbestos ( the good stuff??). My question is WHERE they find the "old" stuff. Do they go to buildings being demolished and or renovated? Where could I go and "find" a sheet/block/tube?? I don't want to start my fellow az'ers on a mad hunt thru dangerous enviorments trying to find thier on supply (just me!). I'm not trying to find some to make a fortune, I understan it is VERY desirable and cosly, I just want some for personal use!!!

 

[qbilder]

All I can give you is my opinion as a cuemaker and player. The old paper micarta (AKA ASBESTOS) is a fine material & plays nice. It's kind of ugly but it plays nice. It provides a mellow but firm feel that isn't as sharp feeling as ivory & some of the melamines. However, it's not any better than the stuff Mason offers. The stuff Mason has is virtually identical in feel and play, IMO, and much cheaper & easier to aquire. The only reason I could see anybody really having a legitimate need for the old stuff would be old guys with old cues who have played with this material forever & need to replace a component on their old cue. Otherwise, it serves as no other purpose except for being a mystical, nearly unattainable material. Point being, if you want the playability & feel associated with it, save yourself a lot of time & money and get some of Mason's micarta. The old stuff is only popular because it's not made anymore. People who swear by it most likely haven't tried the new stuff or else they have some & want to offload at premium prices. Find players & cue builders who have used enough of both to know the differences & ask them for opinions.