Tapering. CNC vs lathe...

Thomas Wayne said:


Highlighted in RED (above) are the only advantages I would concede; my 25-year-old CNC tapering machine can do everything else on that short list, and/or does not have those issues (for example, after 25 years of continuous service I would say "controller burnout" is an imaginary issue). I'm confused by the last point, about your "hogging passes" on your "manual inlay machine", as I thought we were just talking about tapering lathes in this thread.

Otherwise, if he wants an incredibly versatile turning station that will make any round thing he needs (ANY round thing), then he should consider CNC. There is nothing - NOTHING - a manual machine can produce that cannot very easily be made with CNC, but there are many operations CNC can execute that would require a warehouse full of taper bars and excess set-up time with a manual machine. Whatever advantages you feel manual machining may have over CNC cannot be important enough to overcome that simple fact (in my opinion).

TW
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I agree the advantages of CNC are more than the disadvantages. But as far as having a warehouse full of taper bars. I have a CNC machine dedicated to doing nothing but shaft tapering and I think with a half of dozen taper bars I could do every program in it. So you are right that that Computer can hold the same as a warehouse full of taper bars, but in all honesty no one needs that many taper bars or programs.

:deadhorse:

:outtahere:
 
Don't know Chris as I get all kind of request to build shafts with this taper or that taper. Some people want a 10 inch pro taper at 12.7 mm and then the next wants a 6 inch pro taper at 12.5 mm. I have them bring an old shaft in and want me to copy the taper. With a CNC it is no problem, can complete program to cut shaft .010 oversized for final sanding to size in 15 minutes and that is taking a measurement at every inch.

I don't think you can do a taper bar in that amount to time or would even want to.
 
Brickcues said:
Don't know Chris as I get all kind of request to build shafts with this taper or that taper. Some people want a 10 inch pro taper at 12.7 mm and then the next wants a 6 inch pro taper at 12.5 mm. I have them bring an old shaft in and want me to copy the taper. With a CNC it is no problem, can complete program to cut shaft .010 oversized for final sanding to size in 15 minutes and that is taking a measurement at every inch.

I don't think you can do a taper bar in that amount to time or would even want to.
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Very true. But I could also use the closest bar to what a customer wants out of 6 bars and take a little sandpaper and make the shaft what I want in just a few minutes. Taking a few thousandths off a shaft with sandpaper should not be considered much of a chore from my way of thinking.
 
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I can believe there is a long running argument over which tapering machine has the most advantages.
If you dont know CNC programing then there is no contest.
If you use a fixed taper on your shafts and never change it then it is still no contest.

If however you are willing and capable of learning CNC programing and can understand how a computer controlled machine works then beyond doubt the CNC machine is your best choice for unlimited versatility.
Not trying to be mean ... just saying there are some that CNC is beyond their grasp.

SO ... YOU BOTH ARE CORRECT!

It all comes down to personal preference and the depth of your bank account.

I have had and used both and there are times I would choose the manual machine over the CNC depending on the job at hand.
 
Brickcues said:
Don't know Chris as I get all kind of request to build shafts with this taper or that taper. Some people want a 10 inch pro taper at 12.7 mm and then the next wants a 6 inch pro taper at 12.5 mm. I have them bring an old shaft in and want me to copy the taper. With a CNC it is no problem, can complete program to cut shaft .010 oversized for final sanding to size in 15 minutes and that is taking a measurement at every inch.

I don't think you can do a taper bar in that amount to time or would even want to.
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I build Willeecue's ... I dont try to imitate every other cue maker out there.
I stick to what I like and prefer and avoid making shafts with tapers other than my own.
If you like my taper that is great ... if you do not then you need to buy a custom shaft from someone like OB or another cue from a cue maker who's taper suites your preferences.
Why would I want to make a Willeecue that plays like some other cue? :idea2:

I dont ever want someone buying my cue and then a week later wishing he had not.
You really think you can judge a new cue with a few hours of play?
I always offer a full refund to anyone who purchased a Willeecue from me should they not like it after a week of play.
And I always offer full trade in value for the life of the customer.

Hey ... I am a cue maker ... I can take one of my old cues and make it look like new so why would it be worth less unless damaged beyond repair.
 
WilleeCue said:
I build Willeecue's ... I dont try to imitate every other cue maker out there.
I stick to what I like and prefer and avoid making shafts with tapers other than my own.
If you like my taper that is great ... if you do not then you need to buy a custom shaft from someone like OB or another cue from a cue maker who's taper suites your preferences.
Why would I want to make a Willeecue that plays like some other cue? :idea2:

I dont ever want someone buying my cue and then a week later wishing he had not.
You really think you can judge a new cue with a few hours of play?
I always offer a full refund to anyone who purchased a Willeecue from me should they not like it after a week of play.
And I always offer full trade in value for the life of the customer.

Hey ... I am a cue maker ... I can take one of my old cues and make it look like new so why would it be worth less unless damaged beyond repair.
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I am in the repair business also. Most of my business is in repair. I get people that come in all the time wanting to know if I can copy their old shaft and make them a new one just like it to fit their Joss, Meucci, Schon, etc. Or they want one just like the one the have but they want a little bigger since they have warn it out. It is no problem to do with CNC.

For my cues I offer only one shaft taper.
 
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