Yea, there is a lot of work there! More than I imagined when I started. I've made my share of mistakes along the way, but this forum has helped me avoid even more!
I basically tried different things with each of these to get experience with the various construction techniques. Unfortunately, I've had to learn by my mistakes. Ebony dust in the holly inlays, glue lines in the stitch rings and inlays. Finishing is a whole other problem, but, with each one you do, you learn a little more. Hopefully, the next batch will be better
I purchased a Mid-Size Cuesmith lathe from Chris Hightower. The Mid-Size is basically a repair lathe, but it was all I could afford at the time. I then used stock Taig accessories (and a little imagination) to make it into a cue "building" machine by making my own taper bars and created a spring loaded cross-slide. The main drawback is the smaller spindle bore. I have to do my joint work in the steady rest, but, with a little care, you can do it accurately.
I've got a line on a used Deluxe Cuesmith. If I can get it for the right price, that should make things a little easier.
