Mobile Cue Repair:

Iowa Cues

Iowa Cues

Registered
Hi ALL,

First time poster. I've read quite a few of the posts here and have to say, the community seems very nice.

I have a few quick questions for you. I am interested in purchasing a lathe. The lathe will be mounted in a trailer. The purpose is for offering basic cue repairs including tip replacements, joint repair, wrap replacements, cleaning up shafts, and ferrule work. I also would like to try making my own cues for fun in the future. I've been looking at several lathes (cue companion by Unique Products and the deluxe cue smith by Cue Man). Both seem to be nicely made with the features and options I can grow into with. What are your thoughts regarding these products being used in a trailer? Any concerns regarding vibration? If you had to choose one of these two products, which would you prefer? Or, do you have another product in mind?

Here's a link to see the trailer I plan on mounting the lathe in. CLICK HERE I ordered this trailer with an extra 12 inches of head room. Trailer dimensions are 6' x 14'. I constructed the interior myself. It will also be used to help market Dominiak Custom Cues which I recently became a distributor for. The big red pump in the trailer will be removed.:cool:
 
Last edited:
Iowa Cues said:
Hi ALL,

First time poster. I've read quite a few of the posts here and have to say, the community seems very nice.

I have a few quick questions for you. I am interested in purchasing a lathe. The lathe will be mounted in a trailer. The purpose is for offering basic cue repairs including tip replacements, joint repair, wrap replacements, cleaning up shafts, and ferrule work. I also would like to try making my own cues for fun in the future. I've been looking at several lathes (cue companion by Unique Products and the deluxe cue smith by Cue Man). Both seem to be nicely made with the features and options I can grow into with. What are your thoughts regarding these products being used in a trailer? Any concerns regarding vibration? If you had to choose one of these two products, which would you prefer? Or, do you have another product in mind?

Here's a link to see the trailer I plan on mounting the lathe in. CLICK HERE I ordered this trailer with an extra 12 inches of head room. Trailer dimensions are 6' x 14'. I constructed the interior myself. It will also be used to help market Dominiak Custom Cues which I recently became a distributor for. The big red pump in the trailer will be removed.:cool:
Click to expand...

Cuesmith Deluxe. My question is why the mobility? If you plan on going to events plan on paying a booth fee. Parking that outside an event would probably PO alot of other vendors including the ones that set up the pool tables for events. I think it would also limit your traffic as most players won't go outside to get their cue repaired when it can be done inside.
 
bob_bushka said:
Cuesmith Deluxe. My question is why the mobility? If you plan on going to events plan on paying a booth fee. Parking that outside an event would probably PO alot of other vendors including the ones that set up the pool tables for events. I think it would also limit your traffic as most players won't go outside to get their cue repaired when it can be done inside.
Click to expand...

Hi bob, thanks for the reply.

Solid point regarding going to shows.

I already have this trailer that isn't being used much anymore in my business. I was thinking of using that space as my shop to get going with until I build my mega shed for my hobbies.

I am also thinking of servicing the local APA tournaments and local bars that would need cues serviced. Several sports bars here have over 10 tables and they don't service cues. Certainly parking in the parking lot would draw attention to my sevices, not to mention, the new Dominiak cues I have in stock to sell. I know bar cues are cheap, like $15 per cue, but the tips are dirt cheap. I need to do more market research regarding that though to see if it would be worth my time.

I was leaning towards the Cueman lathe as well. I can always move it out of the trailer, when I get situated with my shed, should this mobile idea not pan out.
 
mobile

If you are considering a traveling set up you may want to look at something like what I have built.
I have a set of carts that I am going to be selling as soon as i get new ones built. Here are the pictures.
cart1_JPG.jpg

cart2_JPG.jpg

cart3_JPG.jpg


I would have done a couple of things differently weight is a major one. I only have a single axle trailer so weight is kind of an issue for me.
Give me a call I can offer some ideas you may not have thought of. My number is on my site.

John
 
RocketQ:

Thanks for your thoughts! You caused me to contact a company I sell equipment for regarding making a square stock, stainless steel sub frame to mount a bench top on and insert a tool chest in. They have no problems making me one for a couple hundred bucks! Very cool!:grin:
 
Iowa Cues said:
Hi ALL,

First time poster. I've read quite a few of the posts here and have to say, the community seems very nice.

I have a few quick questions for you. I am interested in purchasing a lathe. The lathe will be mounted in a trailer. The purpose is for offering basic cue repairs including tip replacements, joint repair, wrap replacements, cleaning up shafts, and ferrule work. I also would like to try making my own cues for fun in the future. I've been looking at several lathes (cue companion by Unique Products and the deluxe cue smith by Cue Man). Both seem to be nicely made with the features and options I can grow into with. What are your thoughts regarding these products being used in a trailer? Any concerns regarding vibration? If you had to choose one of these two products, which would you prefer? Or, do you have another product in mind?

Here's a link to see the trailer I plan on mounting the lathe in. CLICK HERE I ordered this trailer with an extra 12 inches of head room. Trailer dimensions are 6' x 14'. I constructed the interior myself. It will also be used to help market Dominiak Custom Cues which I recently became a distributor for. The big red pump in the trailer will be removed.:cool:
Click to expand...

This has nothing to do with your question but the topic reminded me of something I had forgotten.

Joe Piccone, a south Florida cue maker had a shop mounted inside a bus at one time if I remember right.

Anyone else remember this also or am I thinking of someone else?
 
That's a pretty kick ass setup there! Two things I want to caution you on.

1. Lojack that bad boy. I am sure you have seen the horror stories on here of people who had had their trailers stolen. Tiger, D&D, and Joe Blackburn.

2. Don't keep any customer's cues in it. Take all the customer's cues with you each night unless you want to assume the risk of replacing them.

Again, that's a sweet setup.
 
Iowa Cues said:
Hi bob, thanks for the reply.

Solid point regarding going to shows.

I already have this trailer that isn't being used much anymore in my business. I was thinking of using that space as my shop to get going with until I build my mega shed for my hobbies.

I am also thinking of servicing the local APA tournaments and local bars that would need cues serviced. Several sports bars here have over 10 tables and they don't service cues. Certainly parking in the parking lot would draw attention to my sevices, not to mention, the new Dominiak cues I have in stock to sell. I know bar cues are cheap, like $15 per cue, but the tips are dirt cheap. I need to do more market research regarding that though to see if it would be worth my time.

I was leaning towards the Cueman lathe as well. I can always move it out of the trailer, when I get situated with my shed, should this mobile idea not pan out.
Click to expand...

My recommendation is contact a couple of those sports bars that have alot of league players and tell the owner you will grease them 20% for checking the cue in and out to the customer. Simply post a list of your services and provide a few work tags to the bar. Maybe make them up a shaft holder to put behind the bar. It works for me and I charge going rate for everything but I end up promoing some tips and shaft cleanings for the owner and about 1/2 price to his employees. Saves me alot of headaches though. I just stop in every other day pick up my work and bring it back. The bar pays me and the customer pays the bar. I get paid by the bar when I bring in the finished product. Make sure your work tag has a place for the customers phone number so you can contact them if you have questions.
 
Thanks for the kind words JBcases and the suggestions regarding securing the trailer have already been taken to heart.

Bob, great suggestions. Right now I'm focusing on aquiring a Honda generator and cabinet to mount on the nose of the trailer. I also am looking at heating the trailer with LP. I am pretty close to identifying what's needed to sum up the trailer.
 
I was just wondering if your puting the horse before the cart?? have you ever done cue repair? I would master basic cue repair before taking on a customers cue to work on. Someone thats never done cue repair is not going to just start up some day there is a learning curve like in anything i wouldnt suggest taking on customer work til you have some exprience other wise you may end up buying a customer a new shaft or even a cue.

I was not trying to be offensive just offering a suggestion I realize everyone needs to start somewhere my suggestion would be start out this season doing some basic work from home go out and get a few jobs say first off cleaning and waxing shafts then a few tips and then move on to ferule work heres what ill do to help you get started i have some dvds on cue repair post your address or pm me ill send the 3 dvds on me free of charge to try and help you get started good luck....Lee
 
brianna187 said:
I was just wondering if your puting the horse before the cart?? have you ever done cue repair? I would master basic cue repair before taking on a customers cue to work on. Someone thats never done cue repair is not going to just start up some day there is a learning curve like in anything i wouldnt suggest taking on customer work til you have some exprience other wise you may end up buying a customer a new shaft or even a cue.

I was not trying to be offensive just offering a suggestion I realize everyone needs to start somewhere my suggestion would be start out this season doing some basic work from home go out and get a few jobs say first off cleaning and waxing shafts then a few tips and then move on to ferule work heres what ill do to help you get started i have some dvds on cue repair post your address or pm me ill send the 3 dvds on me free of charge to try and help you get started good luck....Lee
Click to expand...

I do have some experience operating a lathe. Although, I'm not an expert. I don't intend on "hitting the road" the moment I get a lathe and finish up completing my trailer mods. I figure I will have plenty of time to "learn" the ins and outs to my lathe prior to performing repairs on customers cues. Frankly, retipping and shaft cleanings is very simple with a quality, properly set up lathe. Thanks for you concerns.
 
For my money, with a upfront investment of 1000.00 here is how i will go.

This lathe to get started:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=142555


This lathe will never lose its usefulness, It can do all basic cue repair work.
I like its use of quality parts, and it (to me) just looks like a better unit then anything @ 1000.00

Then Wood...

If after doing repairs for 1-2 years, i want to build a cue, i have wood ready.

My next step then would be to buy a full metal lathe. Most people that become serious cue makers use a large metal lathe. And a cnc. Allot of them
upgrade to these from the all in one cue making lathes. So for me i'll just skip
the headaches of buying and reselling a all in one, and go right into a proper metal lathe if i decide to do anything more then basic cue repair.


note: this advice is from the good people on AZ that have taken their time to explain the right way to do it. Im still learning myself. Good luck .
 
swami4u said:
For my money, with a upfront investment of 1000.00 here is how i will go.

This lathe to get started:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=142555


This lathe will never lose its usefulness, It can do all basic cue repair work.
I like its use of quality parts, and it (to me) just looks like a better unit then anything @ 1000.00

Then Wood...

If after doing repairs for 1-2 years, i want to build a cue, i have wood ready.

My next step then would be to buy a full metal lathe. Most people that become serious cue makers use a large metal lathe. And a cnc. Allot of them
upgrade to these from the all in one cue making lathes. So for me i'll just skip
the headaches of buying and reselling a all in one, and go right into a proper metal lathe if i decide to do anything more then basic cue repair.


note: this advice is from the good people on AZ that have taken their time to explain the right way to do it. Im still learning myself. Good luck .
Click to expand...

Swami4u:

Thanks for the link. I will certainly look into this.
 
mobile cue repair

Theres a van around here that drives out to league nights and tournaments, and you can even call and set up a apointment, they seem to stay busy. ive never meet them only heard on them and seen their add in,, the inside English Magazine.

good luck on your venture, seems like a great idea.
 
Mobile Cue Repair

Iowa Cues said:
............I also am looking at heating the trailer with LP. I am pretty close to identifying what's needed to sum up the trailer.
Click to expand...

You may want to reconsider heating with LP. It has a high moisture content and in the enclosed size of the trailer will put a lot of moisture into the air. You can avoid condensation issues with adequate venting but then your cost per therm to heat the unit will go way up. Unless you plan to maintain a consistent temp 24/7 it will cause problems with a long heating/cooling cycle.

Regards,
Stoney
 
Trent:

I agree. All of the larger cue supply stores here send ALL of the cues out for retipping and general maintenance. Seems to me there is a large, untapped market here.

Stoney said:
You may want to reconsider heating with LP. It has a high moisture content and in the enclosed size of the trailer will put a lot of moisture into the air. You can avoid condensation issues with adequate venting but then your cost per therm to heat the unit will go way up. Unless you plan to maintain a consistent temp 24/7 it will cause problems with a long heating/cooling cycle.

Regards,
Stoney
Click to expand...

I though about that Stoney. I intend on paying close attention to humidity levels. I can always use a dehumidifier if it appears to be a problem. I also do not intend on storing cues or materials in the trailer since I do not plan on heating it continuously (only when I'm using the trailer).
 
All of you guys are very cool. I appreciate all of the insight and support all of you are throwing my way. :wink:
 
Trent said:
Theres a van around here that drives out to league nights and tournaments, and you can even call and set up a apointment, they seem to stay busy. ive never meet them only heard on them and seen their add in,, the inside English Magazine.

good luck on your venture, seems like a great idea.
Click to expand...

Hi there Iowa Cues,

I'm the owner of the van(ON YOUR CUE mobile cue repair) that this

gentleman was talking about and I do

all of my repairs out of there.

I have a Ford E-150 Econoline van that I bought new in 2003 and

mounted my Unique Products Lathe on a removable counter top. I run the

lathe with a 1000 watt inverter. This is way more juice then I need for the

lathe but I also use the inverter for other power tools.

If I had to buy a different lathe I would probably go with a Hightower

mid-size lathe or the one that Todd sells since it's basically the same and a

a lot cheaper. I'm not putting down the Unique products lathe because it

has worked well for me for many years now but I would just like the

convenience and the space the Hightower lathe offers to do certain jobs.

I'm pretty well known in the Chicagoland area and keep quite busy doing

repair work. I also make leather products and now offer Leather Wrap

Blanks on my website www.castilloleathergoods.com

If I can be of any other help please don't hesitate to ask, you can email

me through my website or you can call me. My number is there also.

Hope this helps,

Gil Castillo
 
Gil,

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I was sure I didn't come up with this idea first. It seems Des Moines needs a quality alternative to having to wait for simple cue repairs.:o
 
Iowa Cues said:
Gil,

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I was sure I didn't come up with this idea first. It seems Des Moines needs a quality alternative to having to wait for simple cue repairs.:o
Click to expand...

It also would be nice to see someone who designs and builds cues in Des Moines. The closest two I know in the state is Bryan Fisher in Spirit Lake and Jeff Olney which is in Boone not too far away. I hope you get into it seriously.

Edit...I clicked on your link and nothing came up after 5 minutes of load time.
 
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