Sorting shaft dowels for the good ones?

[Greatblzofire]

OK, I got a deluxe cuesmith! I am going to try to make some cues and have ordered some shaft wood. I've read some posts from many cuemakers about sorting thier shaft dowels and using only the good ones.

What is the process to identify good shaft wood? I heard a few of you drop the dowel on concrete and listen for the tone of the wood. What does a good piece sound like? What does a bad piece sound like?

I bought these dowels through cue components in Florida. These are his "AAA Excellent" grade shaft dowels. Should I expect all of those shafts to be good or will they need to be sorted through as well?

Finally, should I be looking to other sources for my shaft stock? I know Atlas, Cueman, Schmelke, and Prather sell it. I am sure there are lumber yards that sell it as well, but I do not know who is the best for quality/price/value. Any help is appreciated. If you would rather keep your comments private, I fully understand that and you can PM me with no worries of me repeating any info or critism you may have about one shaft supplier over another one.

 

[jazznpool]

Mr. Balls, I'd suggest doing a search here on the subject to educate yourself. You'll be pleasantly surprized what you will find as this has been discussed several times over the last 5 years that I am aware of. It's great that you're interested. Knowledge about woods takes time to acquire and the learning always continues. A search here will also reveal most of the known maple shaftwood suppliers. Good luck.

Martin

OK, I got a deluxe cuesmith! I am going to try to make some cues and have ordered some shaft wood. I've read some posts from many cuemakers about sorting thier shaft dowels and using only the good ones.

What is the process to identify good shaft wood? I heard a few of you drop the dowel on concrete and listen for the tone of the wood. What does a good piece sound like? What does a bad piece sound like?

I bought these dowels through cue components in Florida. These are his "AAA Excellent" grade shaft dowels. Should I expect all of those shafts to be good or will they need to be sorted through as well?

Finally, should I be looking to other sources for my shaft stock? I know Atlas, Cueman, Schmelke, and Prather sell it. I am sure there are lumber yards that sell it as well, but I do not know who is the best for quality/price/value. Any help is appreciated. If you would rather keep your comments private, I fully understand that and you can PM me with no worries of me repeating any info or critism you may have about one shaft supplier over another one.