Smithy CB-1220 - Worth a try?

GBCues

GBCues

Damn, still .002 TIR!
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I've been interested in learning cue repair and also have been reading with interest ALL that it takes to build a cue.

I have an opportunity to pick up a Smithy CB-1220 3-in-1 machine for a song and I'm wondering "why not?" It is the base model, not the LTD and not the XL.

Now, I'm not interested in competing with the established cue makers here and with the recent threads about "Here come the Chinese" I doubt that I'd ever try to sell a cue, but it might be fun/educational to try to build one for myself.

It does seem sufficient for simple to moderate repairs and modifications. Again not sure I'd take the risk of touching someone else's prize cue - probably another case of just my own stuff.

I know there was a picture recently of one of the cue-making members here standing in front of a Smithy - not sure if he uses it for building or repair or none of the above.

Anyway, any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks Guys!

Gary

FWIW, I did search the forum for "Smithy" and found some 5 year old posts/opinions - nothing to really say Yes or No - though RHN certainly had a strong opinion!!
 
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GEBrown said:
I've been interested in learning cue repair and also have been reading with interest ALL that it takes to build a cue.

I have an opportunity to pick up a Smithy CB-1220 3-in-1 machine for a song and I'm wondering "why not?" It is the base model, not the LTD and not the XL.

Now, I'm not interested in competing with the established cue makers here and with the recent threads about "Here come the Chinese" I doubt that I'd ever try to sell a cue, but it might be fun/educational to try to build one for myself.

It does seem sufficient for simple to moderate repairs and modifications. Again not sure I'd take the risk of touching someone else's prize cue - probably another case of just my own stuff.

I know there was a picture recently of one of the cue-making members here standing in front of a Smithy - not sure if he uses it for building or repair or none of the above.

Anyway, any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks Guys!

Gary
Click to expand...

I would say "any port in a storm". Any lathe beats no lathe but truthfully, this lathe would be of very little use in the actual building or repair of cues. Three paramount things against it: 1. bed to short for any work other than tips and ferrules. 2. I'm sure the head stock through hole is way to small to put a cue through. If it is at least .750 though, it could be used for ferrules and tips if a suitable back support could be made to align the back of the shaft. If the through hole is at least .900 then the lathe could be used for deco-ring and boring threading for inserts. 3. The third "asset" of that lathe, the milling part, is actually no asset at all and actually, probably, a hindrance and something to just get in the way.

Dick
 
Guys,

I REALLY appreciate the feedback.

Dick - I value your experience and insight. The lack of distance between centers (20") and the useless mill are pretty much show-stoppers.

Larry - and then YOU show up with pictures of some cues you've made that look pretty nice to me! It would be killer to shoot with a cue that I made from scratch. But, it would take a few more years to get to that point. And I don't think I've got the room to extend the bed - or should I say want to dedicate that much more room.

Thanks again - everyone here has been REALLY helpful, as always.

Gary
 
GEBrown said:
It would be killer to shoot with a cue that I made from scratch. But, it would take a few more years to get to that point.
Gary
Click to expand...

Gary, get the Chris Hightower book on cue making and read it.
Then you will know.
Order some DVD's from the other cue lathe makers such as Porper and Unique Products.

You can make a cue on a wood lathe but the better and more suited your equipment, the easier and faster the process becomes.
A lot of houses were built without power tools and are still standing.

Why would it take you a few years to make your first cue?
Cue repair is much more difficult than cue making.
Maple is cheap and broken bar cues are everywhere.
Your first cue don't need to be a show stopper.
Your first cue is for learning and making mistakes on.
That don't mean your second cue will be perfect but it will be better than the first.
And so on ... except that as the knowledge becomes more advanced it becomes a bit harder to learn as you progress in the craft.
No matter what your first cue looks or plays like you will be so proud of it!
I think you are greatly underestimating your ability to learn new skills.

I would strongly recommend the Hightower Cue Maker Deluxe as your first real cue making lathe.
with the right tooling, It can do every process you need to do and if you buy it used you can sell it if you find the craft is just not your cup of tea.
As you progress and decide to add other equipment the Hightower lathe will always have a use in your shop.

Just one more thought on the subject.
The lathe is only the down payment toward all the other equipment, tooling, and bits & pieces that make up a cue makers shop.
You will never reach a point when you are not buying or trying something new.

Just my opinion of course.
 
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That's the truth!!

WilleeCue said:
Just one more thought on the subject.
The lathe is only the down payment toward all the other equipment, tooling, and bits & pieces that make up a cue makers shop.
You will never reach a point when you are not buying or trying something new.

Just my opinion of course.
Click to expand...

And that's the TRUTH!!! :eek:
 
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