My Latest Creation!

OK!

Sorry everyone.

I know how it can be- watching your favorite TV show only to find it rudely interrupted by a presidential address or something like that...:mad:

Anyway> I'm married now! Virtually a respectable citizen!:p

As such, I had a bit of a busy schedule as one might imagine. I then went to Spain for a week on my Honeymoon (which was great) so, needless to say, I've been neglecting my cue projects...:o

However, I HAVE made some progress! I did the final turning, but screwed up the steel sleeve (a couple thousandths undersize), so I removed it and installed another. I also applied the clear to the cue, and it is ready to buff now.

I also applied clear to the four shafts (two for the Titlist (made from Tru-Balance cues) and two for this cue of new stock wood).

By the way, the Titlist has been my player, eclipsing my old '79 Black and Rick Howard cues. I made another shaft for my first cue (the purple heart full splice) and it is VERY stiff. It works exceptionally well (for me) on the Titlist and is "the hot set up" right now. I hope to replicate the taper I have on that shaft moving forward; however 99% of players will not like it, because it is what would be called a "high deflection" shaft- it's REALLY stiff. I wanted to replicate the stiffness of an old OLD 57" cue in my preferred 59" length- which is not easy by the way. I think I found that, but it may take a bit more optimization and external input to be perfect. I will say I am damn happy with it right now!

So, the pictures!
 

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So... what's going on with this cue???

Well, reconstructing a "move-in ready" house has been consuming all my cue making time.:rolleyes: (At least I'm working with wood!)

Anyway, today I chucked this thing up and blocked out the clear. I was not totallyhappy with it; however while I had it in the lathe, I cut the wrap pocket. White with green spec for this classic!

So the pocket is cut, the clear blocked, and another (several) coats of clear have been applied. It SHOULD look nice!
 

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Got my wrap last night!

REAL Cortland linen for this one...
 

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Last night I made a back-side support for my shafts when boring the joint insert (I use glass-reinforced Delrin if you care). I also bored four shafts for their inserts, and this 'new' rear support is fast and it works great!

Hopefully tonight I can level and buff the clear on the butt, and will probably install the inserts. Installing the pin on the butt would be nice too but that may be a bit optimistic...

The Fall APA season is coming up fast, so I want to have this cue ready to try out! Plus finally finish the Tru-Balance shafts for the Titlist cue; I'm eager to see how those play as compared to the 'white' shafts I have for it now.
 

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Naaaah.

If I start a new thread, it will be for a new cue!

I STILL owe Dieckman one for his auction (I haven't forgotten Dennis!). All cue building has been S L O W these days with the house to work on, but I'm trying to get things done.
 
super fine cue

this is truely(the super bad look) thanks for all the sharing and posting.mark
 
I'm loving this... more, more, more!!!!!! :wink:

EDIT: I don't recall reading, is the ebony cue or the titlist going to be for sale? I feel like they are mine since I've been watching them from birth!! :)
 
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Thanks for the kind words, guys.

No, neither cue is slated for sale at this time. I am making them for me, and to hone my skills to a 'socially acceptable' level before I would sell. I am fortunate to be able to have Mark Kulungian evaluate the playability of the cues as I go, and make suggestions as to shaft taper for example. His extensive experience with the cues and makers I look up to most makes this an invaluable resource to me.

One thing he did say is "How long is this thing!" As he tends to use 57" Balabushkas a lot...:grin:

I am also making my tooling as I go, so that slows things down quite a bit.

I MAY do a 58" cue specifically for sale after Dieckman's cue, but no promises! Since I want to make my own full splice blanks, that cue could take a while unless I go for another Davis blank or Titlist...
 
Friday night!

I got the wrap on! The Cortland really looks RIGHT on this cue. Let the pictures do the talking...:smile:
 

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BUTT IS DONE!

Finished the pin and butt cap/weight bolt/bumper.

Shafts are complete; however need finishing (final diameter on ferrules and tips installed).

But, basically this is done. Hope to use it soon with my other shafts to see how it compares. I like swapping the same shaft onto several cues as it gives a good indication if there is a significant difference between the butts...

Anyway, enjoy!
 

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That is one super cue. That has got to be one of my favorite looks of all time. I am happy for you. It seems you put a great deal of time and effort to achieve this result. Good job, man. I am sure this will play like a champ.
 
Thanks!

I really like how it came out. Traditional in influence and style, with modern 'long' points. It could easily carry more inlay without looking 'junked-up', but I think this is just right; perhaps even bordering on a tad too much in the butt...

Anyway, it really 'sings' in that it has a long, steady vibration of clear tone when held at the node and struck. I think it will feel really nice playing.

This might replace my Titlist as my player! I am hesitant to say that until I get the Tru-Balance shafts done for the Titlist and the shafts done for this. No question it looks nice, but that is only half the battle....;)
 
Thanks for documenting your creation. I love threads like this. Hope you do another one with your next cue.

Aesthetically this cue has everything that you would want from a classic design like a Balabushka, Szamboti or a Spain and looks like it will be one hell of a player. For someone that doesn't consider himself a cue maker....you sure make a nice looking cue and certainly took the time to do it right. Tap tap tap!
 
Thank you!

And since you are relatively close, if you wanted to give it a whirl some time, just let me know. I'm in Huntington.

As to the construction, there is one tool that is the single most important in any cue maker's arsenal:


PATIENCE without that, all you will make is junk.
 
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