Ring Press?

PetreeCues

PetreeCues

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hey all,

I have my own method (probably much harder than it has to be) of pressing many rings together before I put them on a cue. I have never known much at all about how other cue makers do ring assembly. I am wondering if I do it as good as it can be done, or if there is something better out there.

Let's say you are building a cue that has many rings at the joint or butt. Like maybe 4 or more pieces. Do you put the cue in your chuck and install each piece one by one, or do you build the ring set seperately by pressing them together somehow, and then install them as one piece on the cue?

Either way, elaborate on how you assemble them, if you will. I think how they are installed can be a big factor in the hit of a cue, especially rings at the joint, and so I am curious to know how different cue makers assemble rings.

Thanks!
 
PetreeCues said:
Hey all,

I have my own method (probably much harder than it has to be) of pressing many rings together before I put them on a cue. I have never known much at all about how other cue makers do ring assembly. I am wondering if I do it as good as it can be done, or if there is something better out there.

Let's say you are building a cue that has many rings at the joint or butt. Like maybe 4 or more pieces. Do you put the cue in your chuck and install each piece one by one, or do you build the ring set seperately by pressing them together somehow, and then install them as one piece on the cue?

Either way, elaborate on how you assemble them, if you will. I think how they are installed can be a big factor in the hit of a cue, especially rings at the joint, and so I am curious to know how different cue makers assemble rings.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Oh...I have Root Beer and Popcorn for Barenbrugge's response to this one. Petree, I do it just like you do :)
 
I'm not much for using premade rings...those I guess could be stacked. I prefer to make my own, as in billet, wood, linen...and they need to be put on one by one so that each section can have the other side faced off after drying.
 
I use an old lathe, and some delrin collets as a press. Run the tailstock up against the rings/collars/whatever, then clamp it down hard, and turn the crank till they are nice and tight.
 
PetreeCues said:
Hey all,

I have my own method (probably much harder than it has to be) of pressing many rings together before I put them on a cue. I have never known much at all about how other cue makers do ring assembly. I am wondering if I do it as good as it can be done, or if there is something better out there.

Let's say you are building a cue that has many rings at the joint or butt. Like maybe 4 or more pieces. Do you put the cue in your chuck and install each piece one by one, or do you build the ring set seperately by pressing them together somehow, and then install them as one piece on the cue?

Either way, elaborate on how you assemble them, if you will. I think how they are installed can be a big factor in the hit of a cue, especially rings at the joint, and so I am curious to know how different cue makers assemble rings.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

That's how we do them.
 
Varney Cues said:
I'm not much for using premade rings...those I guess could be stacked. I prefer to make my own, as in billet, wood, linen...and they need to be put on one by one so that each section can have the other side faced off after drying.
Click to expand...

This is how I do it also.............with 72 hour epoxy in between each layer so it has plenty of time to soak in!!

Krunch........Krunch
Slurp.....Slurp..........
 
Ring press

Now Dave.................ARE you being "fe-ci-shous":D :D
I have a pic that leads me to believe differently..BUT I could be wrong:p
 
BarenbruggeCues said:
This is how I do it also.............with 72 hour epoxy in between each layer so it has plenty of time to soak in!!

Krunch........Krunch
Slurp.....Slurp..........
Click to expand...
Very helpful. :rolleyes:
 
PetreeCues said:
Hey all,

I have my own method (probably much harder than it has to be) of pressing many rings together before I put them on a cue. I have never known much at all about how other cue makers do ring assembly. I am wondering if I do it as good as it can be done, or if there is something better out there.

Let's say you are building a cue that has many rings at the joint or butt. Like maybe 4 or more pieces. Do you put the cue in your chuck and install each piece one by one, or do you build the ring set seperately by pressing them together somehow, and then install them as one piece on the cue?

Either way, elaborate on how you assemble them, if you will. I think how they are installed can be a big factor in the hit of a cue, especially rings at the joint, and so I am curious to know how different cue makers assemble rings.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I turn the tenon, slather 5 minute epoxy on the shoulder & 1st ring. Then I immediatly follow that with the next ring. When all rings are in place, I use the tailstock & a delrin collar to hold everything in place, till it's dry. Then I turn everything to the final size. Lastly I drill & tap the 3/8-10 hole...JER
 
I do them a few different ways. I have put them on the cue one at a time & faced, I have put them all on at the same time then faced as Jerry mentioned. I've used the tailstock like sheldon mentioned also. With some ring sets that need aligned I have a clamp I made from delrin that I use to put them together before going into the cue. It works well, and the epoxy cleans up easy afterwards, so I can re-use the clamp. Anything going into a joint I usually like to make sure I face to keep everything running true. Sometimes I face the whole set, and sometimes just the outside rings, just depends on the set, and how I feel about them at the time.

Greg C
 
dave fingers said:
Very helpful. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Dave........Generally I am very helpful. Ask me what pin I like best....what tip I think is better.......if I use fiber pads under my tips......what type of bumper I like best.....what feels better in my hands, linen or leather.....
how do I put my ferrules on.....what bit makes the best cuts....so on and so forth..........I think I am pretty damn helpful. I mentioned on more than one occasion how lucky the cue builders are to have some place like this to come and exchange ideas. There were very few people who would show or even talk to you about how to install a tip or a ferrule just as short as around 10 years ago. It was voodoo to have a conversation about forearms and handles and ring work and wraps and how to set your lathe up to cut tapers.
Even my close friends[I do have a couple, I think] and just friends in general know how tight lipped I am about my ring work. There was NO one to show me or tell me how to do it. I literally have hours and hours of time and piles of scrap expensive wood into my rings. I don't do inlays in my cues and my rings are a signature of my style of work and this is one thing I don't feel I would like to openly discuss.
They are not rocket science and if someone else wishes to use this style or some of the designs I have used in the past my hat is off to them and I consider it a compliment to my work. There are every few, if any, things that have not been copied or expanded on in the cue building world so I expect one day I'll see this also.
Since I don't know you personally I don't mean to act or sound harsh but the rolling eyes, smiling face is hard to distinguish between taking a soft jab in the ribs or a thanks for being a smart A.
Which ever one in may be intended for I'm not sure but it pushed my button to clarify myself on this subject.
I like to joke around and have a good time as much or more than the next person and it at times get me into situations that I wish I weren't in.
All I am saying is I hope the people that are just jumping into the cue building world appreciate all the help that everyone does give on this board because it would have been a God sent 10 years ago.

Remember......Some of us do this fulltime for our only livelihood!

Just some of my thoughts on exchanging ideas, and ringwork.........
 
BarenbruggeCues said:
Dave........Generally I am very helpful. Ask me what pin I like best....what tip I think is better.......if I use fiber pads under my tips......what type of bumper I like best.....what feels better in my hands, linen or leather.....
how do I put my ferrules on.....what bit makes the best cuts....so on and so forth..........I think I am pretty damn helpful. I mentioned on more than one occasion how lucky the cue builders are to have some place like this to come and exchange ideas. There were very few people who would show or even talk to you about how to install a tip or a ferrule just as short as around 10 years ago. It was voodoo to have a conversation about forearms and handles and ring work and wraps and how to set your lathe up to cut tapers.
Even my close friends[I do have a couple, I think] and just friends in general know how tight lipped I am about my ring work. There was NO one to show me or tell me how to do it. I literally have hours and hours of time and piles of scrap expensive wood into my rings. I don't do inlays in my cues and my rings are a signature of my style of work and this is one thing I don't feel I would like to openly discuss.
They are not rocket science and if someone else wishes to use this style or some of the designs I have used in the past my hat is off to them and I consider it a compliment to my work. There are every few, if any, things that have not been copied or expanded on in the cue building world so I expect one day I'll see this also.
Since I don't know you personally I don't mean to act or sound harsh but the rolling eyes, smiling face is hard to distinguish between taking a soft jab in the ribs or a thanks for being a smart A.
Which ever one in may be intended for I'm not sure but it pushed my button to clarify myself on this subject.
I like to joke around and have a good time as much or more than the next person and it at times get me into situations that I wish I weren't in.
All I am saying is I hope the people that are just jumping into the cue building world appreciate all the help that everyone does give on this board because it would have been a God sent 10 years ago.

Remember......Some of us do this fulltime for our only livelihood!

Just some of my thoughts on exchanging ideas, and ringwork.........
Click to expand...

Dave, I hope you don't think I had any part in poking you personally. The thread was not aimed at you at all. Well, maybe not until a CERTAIN SOMEBODY called you out on it. I already took the answer I got on the phone (yes, guys... same answer he is giving you all here...) as the bottom line and never intend to ask you directly about it again.

I think it's common knowledge that some clamp them before, some as they go on the cue, maybe some other way as well. My intent here was to find out HOW they clamp them as I thought I might find some better way than I am using. Certainly didn't mean to start the foundation for a war. lol.

Now... you kids tell me HOW you clamp them, or don't say anything at all, and leave Dave alone!

Oh... and thanks to those who already answered. =)
 
Face, glue and press with delrin and tailstock one at a time on the cue itself most of the time. Other times, assemble on a delrin pseudo-cue jig.
 
BarenbruggeCues said:
Dave........Generally I am very helpful. Ask me what pin I like best....what tip I think is better.......if I use fiber pads under my tips......what type of bumper I like best.....what feels better in my hands, linen or leather.....
how do I put my ferrules on.....what bit makes the best cuts....so on and so forth..........I think I am pretty damn helpful. I mentioned on more than one occasion how lucky the cue builders are to have some place like this to come and exchange ideas. There were very few people who would show or even talk to you about how to install a tip or a ferrule just as short as around 10 years ago. It was voodoo to have a conversation about forearms and handles and ring work and wraps and how to set your lathe up to cut tapers.
Even my close friends[I do have a couple, I think] and just friends in general know how tight lipped I am about my ring work. There was NO one to show me or tell me how to do it. I literally have hours and hours of time and piles of scrap expensive wood into my rings. I don't do inlays in my cues and my rings are a signature of my style of work and this is one thing I don't feel I would like to openly discuss.
They are not rocket science and if someone else wishes to use this style or some of the designs I have used in the past my hat is off to them and I consider it a compliment to my work. There are every few, if any, things that have not been copied or expanded on in the cue building world so I expect one day I'll see this also.
Since I don't know you personally I don't mean to act or sound harsh but the rolling eyes, smiling face is hard to distinguish between taking a soft jab in the ribs or a thanks for being a smart A.
Which ever one in may be intended for I'm not sure but it pushed my button to clarify myself on this subject.
I like to joke around and have a good time as much or more than the next person and it at times get me into situations that I wish I weren't in.
All I am saying is I hope the people that are just jumping into the cue building world appreciate all the help that everyone does give on this board because it would have been a God sent 10 years ago.

Remember......Some of us do this fulltime for our only livelihood!

Just some of my thoughts on exchanging ideas, and ringwork.........
Click to expand...
Absolutely no disrespect Dave...You have IMO do the best ring work in the business period. I think you offer a ton to the forum, and give a lot of information. I did not expect you to give details, nor did I want you too. You and I have talked extensively on this subject, but I knew you were the best at it, and was trying to have fun...
 
PetreeCues said:
Hey all,

I have my own method (probably much harder than it has to be) of pressing many rings together before I put them on a cue. I have never known much at all about how other cue makers do ring assembly. I am wondering if I do it as good as it can be done, or if there is something better out there.

Let's say you are building a cue that has many rings at the joint or butt. Like maybe 4 or more pieces. Do you put the cue in your chuck and install each piece one by one, or do you build the ring set seperately by pressing them together somehow, and then install them as one piece on the cue?

Either way, elaborate on how you assemble them, if you will. I think how they are installed can be a big factor in the hit of a cue, especially rings at the joint, and so I am curious to know how different cue makers assemble rings.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I do not use fixtures...I cut the tenon, glue up one ring at a time. Facing as I go to desired thickness with DRO's. When gluing I use spring tension with O-Rings to keep pressure upon the latest ring I have put on the tenon. This helps me with glue lines between my rings. I am able to cut rings as thin as .010 thick, but they are not my style for now.
 
This is not directed at anyone in particular, so don't anyone get their panties in a bunch. :D :D :D :D

Short of patents for true innovations, I've always figured that if you have to keep secrets to try and stay ahead, you need to find another line of work.
You don't want to share ideas and procedures, just keep it to yourself. Saying you know how to do something or claiming to have knowledge that you will not share is selfish and makes you look like an ass.
 
billiardbum said:
I do not use fixtures...I cut the tenon, glue up one ring at a time. Facing as I go to desired thickness with DRO's. When gluing I use spring tension with O-Rings to keep pressure upon the latest ring I have put on the tenon. This helps me with glue lines between my rings. I am able to cut rings as thin as .010 thick, but they are not my style for now.
Click to expand...


Sitting here enjoying the amusement with my Grand Marnier 150th and an Opus. Very relaxing. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. :)

Basically, I have to agree with Jim on this one. You can do ring work off the cue but I believe the most accurate method is doing the ring work on the cue. Working from billets: face off one side, cut the ring, and glue-up the faced side. If using fibre rings, sand one side then glue up the sanded side. I use a delrin jig to hold down the ring for a few moments. Then, I face the ring off between centers; sand or face and cut another ring, glue, hold and face and so forth until the desired ring work is accomplished. The trick is in the glue you use. :D And, I'm not mentioning which glue because I'd like some of you to figure it out which is quite easy if you read what I wrote and think about it. I'll post what glue we use if no one can figure it out which will be doubtful.

By doing the ring work off the cue, you have the possibility of the rings wobbling when you spin the cue. And, I don't believe you can get a perfect face-to-face match by doing it anyway other than is described above. If you can, then more power to you, God bless and that's great. But for me, I'll face off each ring. Perhaps it's anal and perhaps it's wrong but it works well for us.

Ok, I guess that's my 25 cents worth (inflation) and with that, I'd like to wish everyone out there an absolutely fantastic New Year!
 
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JoeyInCali said:
Different rings, different technique for me.
Chain/pattern rings aren't glued the same way as dashes.
my 2 centavos
Click to expand...


Ok, that's an interesting statement. This thread was started as an inquiry as to different methods used by various 'cue builders' to do their ring work. What you said says absolutely nothing about technique which is the purpose of the thread. Perhaps you'd care to expound on your statement as to why you use different techniques and what those techniques are as well as why they're not glued the same way. Inquiring minds would like to know. :eek:

And, this is America where you and I reside so please use United States coinage. And, absolutely no Canadian coinage please. :D
 
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