Opinions on Shaftmaster Portable Cue Lathe

janecki84

Professional Amateur
Silver Member
I am looking to start small in cue repairs, and was taking a look at a lower cost cue lathe. Can anyone tell me if they've used one of these before? And if so what your opinion(s) is/are on the machine?
 
Chris Hightower of www.cuesmith.com has a small portable lather under $900. You can upgrade later if you like. I have a Deluxe Cue Smith and I like it, so I would recommend the small lathe from Chris to start.

I have never used a shaftmaster. I am sorry I cannot really give you any advice there.

I would think you need to have a small lathe that is precise, and powerful even when you are trying to bring it around. You need to have precision to perform good work, and without enough power, your shaft/butt might stop spinning, and you can have all sorts of problems with cutting lots of materials.

Just my 2 cents.

Richard
 
Cuedog said:
This has been brought up many times. Here is a search result for your inquiry.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/search.php?searchid=504475

Gene
Gene - your link did not work.

But if the member asking the question uses Shaftmaster as the key word and does a search he will find a post about the topic.
Quick Summary in the threads (including my own personal observation) is that the Shaftmaster may not be enough power to really do everything a cue mechanic needs to do.
Look at the threads and you will more than likely look at alternatives.
I know I am and will be looking at picking another lathe some time next spring.

Myron
 
I used one that a friend bought. He ruined 2 shafts when the chuck came loose all by itself, and then he threw it in the dumpster. I pulled it out of the dumpster, but only to salvage a few of the tools that it came with. The only positive thing I can say about it is that it is very compact. It has no power, does not stay centered, does not properly secure the shaft or cue, and is a waste of money. The hightower lathes are great for small stuff or for starting out.
 
Thanks to all for the input. I will check out the other threads, but i think i have read all i need to know :)
 
shaftmaster

Go to Hightower, Porper, Unique or Blud. Don't want to see you throw your money away on junk.
I have used one and I would'nt give you 10 bucks for one of these shaft crappers.
Hightower and Unique both sell a good machine for under $1000.00 and they will last you a lifetime. They are also protable and can do more than the shaftmaster ever could.
David
 
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