new to the game

[NineBallNut]

Hi all, I am getting started in the cue repair gig. I know it is going to take a long time to learn the tricks of the trade to be a top notch repair guy. My goal is to eventually get into cue making as well. My question is this, who offers the best instructional hands on class that I could go to and learn the techniques needed to skills needed to pursue this dream of mine to the fullest. I am a very hands on and easily trainable. I have been doing minor work on cues for about 4 years now and would love your input.
thanks..... Rob

 

[olsonsview]

try this maker

arnotsq.com offers a school in Florida I believe. I have no direct experience with him but I did run across it awhile back on the net
I am somewhat a beginner myself and I bought a book on the subject for about $70 from Chris Hightower, it is a pretty good source for reference and maybe enough to get you started. I made shafts, and now with Chris's book i am attempting a complete cue. I also bought some material from Chris and was pleased with the service...good luck!

ps, stay in touch if you like, it would be nice to get a group of us newbies to band together to grow together as cuemakers!

 

[NineBallNut]

arnotsq.com offers a school in Florida I believe. I have no direct experience with him but I did run across it awhile back on the net
I am somewhat a beginner myself and I bought a book on the subject for about $70 from Chris Hightower, it is a pretty good source for reference and maybe enough to get you started. I made shafts, and now with Chris's book i am attempting a complete cue. I also bought some material from Chris and was pleased with the service...good luck!

ps, stay in touch if you like, it would be nice to get a group of us newbies to band together to grow together as cuemakers!

Thanks, I've got two of chris's books coming with the lathe, which shall be here very soon!!! I had read somewhere on the net awhile back that there were a couple of guys that offered a seminar where you pay the bucks, and you go to his shop and they show you how to do the different stuff and put it in your hands and have u do it. At the end of the class, u have a cue that you helped make.

 

[Tommy-D]

> Best thing I can tell you is that NO class,regardless of who teaches it,can replace hands-on experience. Sure,someone can show you certain things to give you an idea of what to do,but the real skill comes from teaching your own hands what to do with razor blades and sandpaper to start with. Tommy D.

 

[Strange_Days]

Hi, I'm pretty new to repair/building myself. I purchased a deluxe cuesmith a few months ago and having been doing tips/ferrules mostly since then. They are pretty easy once you get the hang of it. I replaced a pin a few days ago and have some other repairs that I am getting ready to start... such as wraps, etc. I think that this site is a great influence and you can find a wealth of great information here. As well try to find a cue maker in your area to ask the occasional question to if its possible. I've had only very positive help from all the cuemakers I've contacted. One thing I am sure of is that nothing substitutes doing it yourself and I'm learning without anyone to show me hands-on how to do most things and its going great. You don't necessarily need classes although I am sure they would help but you learn quick what works and what doesn't.

PM me with any questions if you'd like on starting up

Matt LeClerc

 

[Run the Century]

Class

I think you can learn just about everything from Chris's book - but finishing. Would love to have a class on that alone .

 

[NineBallNut]

I think you can learn just about everything from Chris's book - but finishing. Would love to have a class on that alone .

Finishing is where I see my problem being.. I am absolutely horrible at it. I was sent to an extensive program through my work repairing dents, filling, refinishing wood. A lot of antique furniture guys were there. I saw what you could do and it was amazing. But of course, I just can't get it. I've got a guy around here who got into cuemaking and am hoping he can, or is willing to help me figure it all out.

 

[billiardshot]

Thanks, I've got two of chris's books coming with the lathe, which shall be here very soon!!! I had read somewhere on the net awhile back that there were a couple of guys that offered a seminar where you pay the bucks, and you go to his shop and they show you how to do the different stuff and put it in your hands and have u do it. At the end of the class, u have a cue that you helped make.

I believe you saw that information on Dieckman website. Since he also from Michgan, you should talk to him. He also say he teach super glue finish technique. His website also have all the stuff he written.