Shaft Maintenance

[PDX]

Has anyone ever heard of rubbing a shaft down with some glass, I use a pint glass, after cleaning and light sanding? I was told that it not only slightly compresses the wood to help with future denting, but also keeps the shaft really, really smooth.

 

[jazznpool]

Glassing a shaft is just a another form of burnishing. I like to use a piece of cowhide or one of Porper's padded shaft burnishers. No truth at all about the future denting. If you whack the light with your shaft, you'll get a dent whether you glassed the shaft or not. I like using Micro Mesh 1500, 1800, and 2400 for occassional light sanding of the shaft at the poolroom. When cleaning my shaft at the poolroom I use a damp paper towel and then wipe dry briskly with a small white terry cloth towel. Nothing like clean hands and a clean smooth shaft!

Martin

Has anyone ever heard of rubbing a shaft down with some glass, I use a pint glass, after cleaning and light sanding? I was told that it not only slightly compresses the wood to help with future denting, but also keeps the shaft really, really smooth.

 

[cueman]

I do my work on a lathe so I have no need for the glass method. But it has been known to burnish shafts for many years. Cue Doctor has been selling a little glass rod with a ball on the end for that very purpose.

 

[maha]

it always worked well long before most players knew anything about shafts. a light bulb works good too. i think its longer lasting and makes the wood a little harder than leather.

 

[SK Custom Cues]

I did the glass thing for a long time on my first cue. The guy who first taught me how to play pool showed me how to do that. I agree with the burnishing of the shaft, but not as much as using anything else. Leather does not comress the wood like the glass does. It also makes it more resistant to dings, but doesn't make it ding-proof.

The thing I liked about the glassing was the glossy shine I got and the nice, smooth feel. Once I started in on one side I did the entire taper all the way around the cue. Let me tell you, this is a workout. And, when I was done, I had a stiffer playing shaft. One of the things you should know about my experiences is that you can glass inconsistently around the shaft and it will make an inconsistent feel. It will be noticeable. If I were you, I would either glass the whole thing or not do it at all.

Use the water method or steam method with sand paper if you don't have the patience for the glass method. You will thank me.