Repair lathe vs cue building lathe

[Kim Bye]

I`m in the process of buying my first lathe. The primary use is tip change tips, ferrules, clean shafts etc. Eventually I would like to do small things like making extensions, JP`s, and maybe some shafts.
So I`m trying to decide between getting a repair lathe or a cue building lathe.
There is quite a big price difference, but I have read several times that I should try to get the best lathe I can when I buy one.
On the other hand I have read about the "lathe elitism..."
So what is the best way to go?
Should I get something like this:

https://www.cuesmith.com/micro-cue-smith-iitm-cue-lathe.html

http://www.midamericapool.com/index_files/Page321.htm

http://customcuelathes.com/cue-lathes Basic repair lathe

Or should I take the plunge and buy one of these:

https://www.cuesmith.com/deluxe-cue-smithtm-cue-lathe.html

http://customcuelathes.com/cue-lathes Cue building lathe II

Costs aside I feel like the best cohice is the Custom cue lathes Cue building lathe II, but I`m having a hard time finding someone who writes about their experience with that lathe.

 

[cueman]

I will speak for my products since you listed a couple of them.

Since you can't decide, then going with the Deluxe is the best way that way you are covered either way if the budget is not an issue. If you have a budget issue my advice would be to skip the Deluxe and Micro lathes and get the Mid Size Cue Smith with large spindle bore. That way if you decide to dabble in cue building later you can add on to that lathe and make it into a cue building lathe. And if you never want to build cues you have a great repair lathe that can handle just about any repair that comes through the door.

 

[RoadHustler]

I Love my mid size cue smith and you cannot beat Mr. H's helpful customer service. Great guy great product.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

 

[Busbee Cue]

Spend the extra money upfront and get the big bore headstock,
You will be glad you did in the long run.