Shaft Straightening

[CarromBilliards]

I am sure this has been answered quite a few times but I couldn't find anything. I have a customer with a "warped" shaft. When rolled by itself the tip stays flat and the joint end stays flat. Approx. 10" pro taper. Is there any method of straightening and if so will it last or is it a fact that once warped there is a "memory" meaning it will always go back? For this customers sake I do hope so as this is one very nice old growth tight grained shaft. Thanks Rod...

 

[manwon]

I am sure this has been answered quite a few times but I couldn't find anything. I have a customer with a "warped" shaft. When rolled by itself the tip stays flat and the joint end stays flat. Approx. 10" pro taper. Is there any method of straightening and if so will it last or is it a fact that once warped there is a "memory" meaning it will always go back? For this customers sake I do hope so as this is one very nice old growth tight grained shaft. Thanks Rod...

I have straightened shafts over the years and whether they stay straight is 50/50, I do not not have a better answer than that.

This is how I straightened a shaft, I would roll the shaft on a table and mark the high point with a pencil. Many times you will find that there is actually more than a single bend, but you have to correct each bend one at a time. Next I take a moist cloth and place it over the mark, and then take an Iron that is set on the linen setting and place it upon the cloth, next I remove the cloth and bend the shaft in the opposite direction of the high point. I do this by placing my hand directly in front of the mark and lifting the shaft from the joint section on a hard flat surface. It may take multiple times to correct the bend completely so be patient.

Once the bend is straightened attach the cues butt and hang both attached together from the cue tip or shaft and see what happens, thats all there is there ain't no more!!!!! Oh except good luck!

Now with all that said and only a 50/50 chance at success do you think it is worth it? In my opinion, it really isn't unless the shaft is for a rare or antique cue, but if you have the time give it a try it can't hurt.

Take care

 

[JoeyInCali]

I am sure this has been answered quite a few times but I couldn't find anything. I have a customer with a "warped" shaft. When rolled by itself the tip stays flat and the joint end stays flat. Approx. 10" pro taper. Is there any method of straightening and if so will it last or is it a fact that once warped there is a "memory" meaning it will always go back? For this customers sake I do hope so as this is one very nice old growth tight grained shaft. Thanks Rod...

It's not suppose to warp unless abused.

 

[Dave38]

IWhen rolled by itself the tip stays flat and the joint end stays flat. ..

Does it have a wobble in the middle, being rolled by it's self? Or the tip lifts off the table when rolled with the butt screwed to it? If so, it may not be the shaft, it can be the facing, bent pin, warped forearm, or bad 'A' joint.
Dave

 

[KJ Cues]

I've used a similar method to what Craig describes, minus the heat & water and have shared this method with several members of this forum. At best, it's 50/50. The steam may improve your odds.
DO NOT use the steam method on laminated shafts.

As far as the wood having memory, it also has the memory of being straight at one time. You may have to subject the shaft to several 'treatments' over time. Eventually you'll convince the shaft to assume and accept the correct position. It's a battle of wills.