My first tip install
- Thread starter SSDiver2112
- Start date
It may be the photo, but looks like a saddle to me as well.
Very nice!
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
I believe it was just the picture. I had never sanded it.
Here it is when I re-tipped it later. Kind of moot now though since I removed the whole thing and replaced it with a Tomahawk ferrule.
Original Pechauer ferrule:
Tomahawk ferrule:
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SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Finally pulled the trigger on a gun drill a couple weeks ago so I can start coring my wood. Should get it in a couple of weeks. I did get another smaller gun drill for a good price used. (Thanks J.C.)
Been wanting to try making an extension for my cue and thought it could be a good test for the gun drill as well.
First I had to make a collet to stabilize and center the gun drill. What a difference. No more slow stepping of drill bits and then boring to fix the wandering bits and of course the additional length that can be done.
Still a lot of work, but a fairly simple process. Core the wood to lighten the weight of the extension some. Add tenon plugs to each end to support the rings. Glue up, turn it down, set the pin, and add the finish.
I used Black Limba for the main body since it would be lighter than matching the cue directly with Ebony or Purpleheart.
Never underestimate the simplicity of the project. I got careless and put the rings on backwards on one end (how did I not notice). Set me back a day. I had to cut it off, re-bore, new tenon, re-glue.
Previously, while making the joint protectors, I found out I cannot use holly for the inlay at the end of the extension. I used imitation ivory instead.
Been wanting to try making an extension for my cue and thought it could be a good test for the gun drill as well.
First I had to make a collet to stabilize and center the gun drill. What a difference. No more slow stepping of drill bits and then boring to fix the wandering bits and of course the additional length that can be done.
Still a lot of work, but a fairly simple process. Core the wood to lighten the weight of the extension some. Add tenon plugs to each end to support the rings. Glue up, turn it down, set the pin, and add the finish.
I used Black Limba for the main body since it would be lighter than matching the cue directly with Ebony or Purpleheart.
Never underestimate the simplicity of the project. I got careless and put the rings on backwards on one end (how did I not notice). Set me back a day. I had to cut it off, re-bore, new tenon, re-glue.
Previously, while making the joint protectors, I found out I cannot use holly for the inlay at the end of the extension. I used imitation ivory instead.
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You’re doing really nice workFinally pulled the trigger on a gun drill a couple weeks ago so I can start coring my wood. Should get it in a couple of weeks. I did get another smaller gun drill for a good price used. (Thanks J.C.)
Been wanting to try making an extension for my cue and thought it could be a good test for the gun drill as well.
First I had to make a collet to stabilize and center the gun drill. What a difference. No more slow stepping of drill bits and then boring to fix the wandering bits and of course the additional length that can be done.
View attachment 781681
Still a lot of work, but a fairly simple process. Core the wood to lighten the weight of the extension some. Add tenon plugs to each end to support the rings. Glue up, turn it down, set the pin, and add the finish.
I used Black Limba for the main body since it would be lighter than matching the cue directly with Ebony or Purpleheart.
View attachment 781683
Never underestimate the simplicity of the project. I got careless and put the rings on backwards on one end (how did I not notice). Set me back a day. I had to cut it off, re-bore, new tenon, re-glue.
View attachment 781682
Previously, while making the joint protectors, I found out I cannot use holly for the inlay at the end of the extension. I used imitation ivory instead.
View attachment 781684
View attachment 781685
View attachment 781686
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Thanks to all that follow, comment and assist. It has been very encouraging.
Here is a little progress report.
Conversion cues have been a great learning tool for my limited knowledge, tooling, and skills. I have and will continue to enjoy the conversion and restoration of old cues when I can find good ones. Resurrecting old cues has been very rewarding.
My experimenting with the turtle cue led me in a different direction of a cue with a forearm, handle, and butt sleeve. With the tools I had at the time I was able to core the cue with only a 3.25" boring bar and a modified A-joint. I am very happy with the cue and grateful it all worked out, considering to whom it was for and what it represents. However, I would never want to build a cue in this manner again. My new gun drills should open up the next door for me.
I have a few house cues in the wings. I picked two that have been hanging around for a while waiting patiently to be picked. An old Balke Collender (silver label) and one marked with Jones Bros. from Little Rock that had some interesting wood. I cored the back 2/3rds and added a butt sleeve. I also experimented with my first segmented rings.
to be continued...
Couldn't even tell it was a 4 point splice at first glance.
I also picked some blanks from my creek of wood to make something totally new. I am doing my best to take notes to keep track of what works and what doesn't. As one always ends up saying after getting a new tool, I wish I had gotten it earlier. I cored the pieces, made the cores to size and glued them with Gorilla Glue. Important Note: GG says to dampen one surface, and glue on the other. DO NOT DAMPEN! The core went in a couple inches and seized up. I was afraid I had ruined it and would have to cut it off and re-core it, but I was able to get it into a long clamp quickly and crank it the rest of the way in. The rest went in easily skipping the dampening part.
After hanging for a while started the process of turning them down a bit and now, I just made my first real A-joint which came out pretty straight. This one is Spalted Jatoba with a Tornillo handle and Wenge accent rings.
This other one is going to be really cool or really ugly. Not sure yet but I am hoping. Kinda fall inspired. Marindiba/Spalted Tamrind/Canxan Negro Burl with Chalkte Viga rings. (bit of a mouthful) I did make a small mistake and put the long end of the core on the wrong end so I’ll have to make a new one for the butt sleeve.
Here is a little progress report.
Conversion cues have been a great learning tool for my limited knowledge, tooling, and skills. I have and will continue to enjoy the conversion and restoration of old cues when I can find good ones. Resurrecting old cues has been very rewarding.
My experimenting with the turtle cue led me in a different direction of a cue with a forearm, handle, and butt sleeve. With the tools I had at the time I was able to core the cue with only a 3.25" boring bar and a modified A-joint. I am very happy with the cue and grateful it all worked out, considering to whom it was for and what it represents. However, I would never want to build a cue in this manner again. My new gun drills should open up the next door for me.
I have a few house cues in the wings. I picked two that have been hanging around for a while waiting patiently to be picked. An old Balke Collender (silver label) and one marked with Jones Bros. from Little Rock that had some interesting wood. I cored the back 2/3rds and added a butt sleeve. I also experimented with my first segmented rings.
to be continued...
Couldn't even tell it was a 4 point splice at first glance.
I also picked some blanks from my creek of wood to make something totally new. I am doing my best to take notes to keep track of what works and what doesn't. As one always ends up saying after getting a new tool, I wish I had gotten it earlier. I cored the pieces, made the cores to size and glued them with Gorilla Glue. Important Note: GG says to dampen one surface, and glue on the other. DO NOT DAMPEN! The core went in a couple inches and seized up. I was afraid I had ruined it and would have to cut it off and re-core it, but I was able to get it into a long clamp quickly and crank it the rest of the way in. The rest went in easily skipping the dampening part.
After hanging for a while started the process of turning them down a bit and now, I just made my first real A-joint which came out pretty straight. This one is Spalted Jatoba with a Tornillo handle and Wenge accent rings.
This other one is going to be really cool or really ugly. Not sure yet but I am hoping. Kinda fall inspired. Marindiba/Spalted Tamrind/Canxan Negro Burl with Chalkte Viga rings. (bit of a mouthful) I did make a small mistake and put the long end of the core on the wrong end so I’ll have to make a new one for the butt sleeve.
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SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Haven't posted in a while. Partly busy during the holidays. Been playing with some different designs, trying to find my groove.
The conversions just need the top-coat and the matching shafts are progressing as well.
These two from the last post are nearly done.
Just need the final sanding and polishing.
In addition, here is a Curly Pyinma/Rosewood
A Cocobolo/Mango/Ebony/Snakewood
Black & White Ebony/Pau Santo which will have a Leather wrap.
Each accomplishment I have been documenting here have been a step upon step of learning and experience. I continue to strive to improve my ability to make a quality cue.
These cues have been a great part of that learning. I have been building them for my personal experience with the hopes that someone might want them when I finish. I am excited for my next venture. My next two cues are to be made specifically for two people that wish me to build their cues.
Been doing some small workshop and tooling improvements where I can. and also made a small wood kiln to ensure the wood is dry.
Another first for me has been dipping my toe in the world of YouTube. Instagram is pretty quick and simple, but editing videos is a lot more time and work. A lot.
Here it is if you are interested.
https://youtube.com/@esscotcues42?si=VBK9yj44t75e8RpZ
Thanks All !
The conversions just need the top-coat and the matching shafts are progressing as well.
These two from the last post are nearly done.
Just need the final sanding and polishing.
In addition, here is a Curly Pyinma/Rosewood
A Cocobolo/Mango/Ebony/Snakewood
Black & White Ebony/Pau Santo which will have a Leather wrap.
Each accomplishment I have been documenting here have been a step upon step of learning and experience. I continue to strive to improve my ability to make a quality cue.
These cues have been a great part of that learning. I have been building them for my personal experience with the hopes that someone might want them when I finish. I am excited for my next venture. My next two cues are to be made specifically for two people that wish me to build their cues.
Been doing some small workshop and tooling improvements where I can. and also made a small wood kiln to ensure the wood is dry.
Another first for me has been dipping my toe in the world of YouTube. Instagram is pretty quick and simple, but editing videos is a lot more time and work. A lot.
Here it is if you are interested.
https://youtube.com/@esscotcues42?si=VBK9yj44t75e8RpZ
Thanks All !
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SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Well it’s been a while, so I thought I would show and tell what I have been up to. I am making progress on the above cues (pictures below). A little less progress though due to getting my first real build commissions. I am honored anyone would want me to make them a cue. I have been working hard (and carefully) to make a cue they will be proud use. I also just finished my first Purpleheart break shaft for a team mate.
I have been busy with repairs, experimenting with some new ideas, continuing to complete the cues I’ve started and the commissions too. Here are some pics.
Finished the shaft for this conversion cue
Curly Mirindiba Butt is done, still working on the shaft.
Update: SOLD making a curly torrefied shaft.
Spalted Jatoba Butt done, still working on the shaft.
Curly Pyinma with base coat
Cocobolo base coat
Black and white Ebony with base coat
I have been busy with repairs, experimenting with some new ideas, continuing to complete the cues I’ve started and the commissions too. Here are some pics.
Finished the shaft for this conversion cue
Curly Mirindiba Butt is done, still working on the shaft.
Update: SOLD making a curly torrefied shaft.
Spalted Jatoba Butt done, still working on the shaft.
Curly Pyinma with base coat
Cocobolo base coat
Black and white Ebony with base coat
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Seriously nice stuff
In
Incredible!!!
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Seriously nice stuff
I’m loving this new venture. Thank you for the appreciation. It helps me know I’m on the right track.
wolfgang144
New member
very impressive,
from "my-first-tip-install" to Cuemaker in just 200 posts
please stick to cuebuilding and posting
Thanks
from "my-first-tip-install" to Cuemaker in just 200 posts
please stick to cuebuilding and posting
Thanks
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Hard to believe it's been nearly 4 years already. Took a year of tips and ferrules to get comfortable enough to try some butt stuff
. Working on beat-up old bar cues allowed me to work on many different things with less worry of screw ups. It was about another year of bar cues and minor conversions before I was comfortable enough to repair someone else's cue other than tips and ferrules. This past year I have finally reached the point where I believe I have enough skill to build cues from scratch. I still have a long way to go and a lot to learn. Patience is key. I try to keep building on what I know in order to try the next step. The more I learn the more I realize I don't know yet.What are the weights you’re generally turning out?
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Personally, I prefer 19 ounces, so I shot for that in the cues so far. They have a weight bolt hole so most can be raised (some could be lowered). I am starting to get better at targeting weights and balance point.
so are we! following a journey like this is much more fun than just seeing a custom cue maker's output
also love when the wood does the talking. points and inlays are fine shows of craftsmanship. beautiful wood is nature talking, and this old lumberjack loves that
SSDiver2112
Escott Cues
Well, it has been an interesting few months. I did make a slight spelling change to my brand name from Escott to Esscot. I accidently deleted my YouTube channel in the process so now its EsscotCues42
I continue to do repairs. Most are simple tip or ferrule replacement. However, a few interesting challenges cross my lathe now and then.
This was one of the more interesting ones. A shattered Jacoby Edge Hybrid shaft the owner was told to be unfixable. He showed it to me, and I decided to give it a shot. The original tenon was destroyed and I did not want to shorten the cue by making a new one the same way, I made a wooden vault plate like a CF shaft has.
I made an attachment a while ago for my live center that has interchangeable attachments. This new attachment uses a camera iris to center any size tip automatically. Thought I had a new idea until I found someone was making and selling something similar many years ago. It worked really well for about a month until a bit of CA got on the iris and game over. I may replace the iris someday and use it sparingly when I need to be more precise.
I love building cues. Going from wood blocks to what we call functional art is so fulfilling. At first I would look at the cue I am building and think “I can’t give this up, it’s too cool”, but after watching someone love the cue and enjoy playing with that really means so much more.
Since my last post where I mentioned my first commissioned cue build, I received two more requests. The first was for a local player I met while out shooting pool. He found out I make custom cues and said he wanted me to build one. After some consultation, his only real request was a red cue with Irish linen wrap, and have the same size, weight and balance as his Cuetec he was using. Being my first commission I wanted it to be as special as possible. I wasn’t feeling the piece of Redheart I had, and after some searching, I found some curly Redheart that I liked for this. I added matching joint protectors and magnetic chalk holder. (More Here)
My second was for an AZB’r that was gracious enough to let me build a cue for him. He sent me the B/W Ebony forearm, Birdseye Maple handle, and an inlayed piece for the butt sleeve. I finished this one first because the Redheart wood was too wet and I had to build a kiln to dry it out and wait until the wood’s moisture level came down. Both are completed and in the hands of their new owners. (More Here)
The third was for a friend and teammate that I had made the Purpleheart shaft for. She liked it so much she wanted a new player too. Liking dark things and purple, I made a figured Purpleheart and Ebony cue for her. A 4oz torrefied shaft was a nice pairing to reach the 21oz she wanted. (More Here)
The Curly Pyinma/Rosewood and the Cocobolo/Mango/Snakewood/Ebony and the old Jone’s Bros Bar cue are done.
I am excited to have three new requests to build cues that are currently in the early design phase. So more to come later. I had a fourth that ended up getting canceled. I did like the idea and decided to continue with it as time allows.
I continue to do repairs. Most are simple tip or ferrule replacement. However, a few interesting challenges cross my lathe now and then.
This was one of the more interesting ones. A shattered Jacoby Edge Hybrid shaft the owner was told to be unfixable. He showed it to me, and I decided to give it a shot. The original tenon was destroyed and I did not want to shorten the cue by making a new one the same way, I made a wooden vault plate like a CF shaft has.
I made an attachment a while ago for my live center that has interchangeable attachments. This new attachment uses a camera iris to center any size tip automatically. Thought I had a new idea until I found someone was making and selling something similar many years ago. It worked really well for about a month until a bit of CA got on the iris and game over. I may replace the iris someday and use it sparingly when I need to be more precise.
I love building cues. Going from wood blocks to what we call functional art is so fulfilling. At first I would look at the cue I am building and think “I can’t give this up, it’s too cool”, but after watching someone love the cue and enjoy playing with that really means so much more.
Since my last post where I mentioned my first commissioned cue build, I received two more requests. The first was for a local player I met while out shooting pool. He found out I make custom cues and said he wanted me to build one. After some consultation, his only real request was a red cue with Irish linen wrap, and have the same size, weight and balance as his Cuetec he was using. Being my first commission I wanted it to be as special as possible. I wasn’t feeling the piece of Redheart I had, and after some searching, I found some curly Redheart that I liked for this. I added matching joint protectors and magnetic chalk holder. (More Here)
My second was for an AZB’r that was gracious enough to let me build a cue for him. He sent me the B/W Ebony forearm, Birdseye Maple handle, and an inlayed piece for the butt sleeve. I finished this one first because the Redheart wood was too wet and I had to build a kiln to dry it out and wait until the wood’s moisture level came down. Both are completed and in the hands of their new owners. (More Here)
The third was for a friend and teammate that I had made the Purpleheart shaft for. She liked it so much she wanted a new player too. Liking dark things and purple, I made a figured Purpleheart and Ebony cue for her. A 4oz torrefied shaft was a nice pairing to reach the 21oz she wanted. (More Here)
The Curly Pyinma/Rosewood and the Cocobolo/Mango/Snakewood/Ebony and the old Jone’s Bros Bar cue are done.
I am excited to have three new requests to build cues that are currently in the early design phase. So more to come later. I had a fourth that ended up getting canceled. I did like the idea and decided to continue with it as time allows.