Tip lathe

[davelpl]

If I just wanted to install new cue tips for people, what lathe would y'all suggest?
I don't want to make cues, just help out people in our league that can't find someone to install new tips.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[robbycar]

I started with a small mini lathe, worked great and very inexpensive.

 

[Tom1234]

You may want to consider a cue lathe (Cueman makes good ones). No modifications needed; ready to install tips, ferrules and clean cues. I’ve even finished CF tubes with mine. Best of luck with whichever route you go.

 

[chuckpilegis]

Just tips..Probably minilathe or basic lathe kit from taig with .590 headstock if you are a little mechanically inclined. Hardest part is making some type of steady rest for back of cue

 

[EDRJR]

Definitely a designed to be cue lathe rather than outfitting a regular lathe. Buying the stuff you need to do tips on a small metal lathe adds up quick.

 

[davelpl]

Thank you all for your insight.

 

[davelpl]

I started with a small mini lathe, worked great and very inexpensive.

What mini lathe did you start with?

 

[cueman]

This is my suggestion:

Mid Size Cue Smith With Sliding Headstock by Cue Smith

The mid size Cue Smith lathe weighs in at just over 40 pounds and is only 48 inches long. There are no Bed Extensions to hassle with even when doing house cues. It does Tips, Ferrules, Shaft Reconditioning, Joint Work, House Cues, Wraps and more.

www.cuesmith.com

 

[chuckpilegis]

Definitely a designed to be cue lathe rather than outfitting a regular lathe. Buying the stuff you need to do tips on a small metal lathe adds up quick.

Couple hundred for a minilathe or a couple thou for a cuelathe. I was lucky to be able to make what i needed from stuff they threw out at work so it didnt cost me much

 

[chuckpilegis]

 

[chuckpilegis]

Found a pic of a tip lathe I made 15-20 years ago (taig,pennstate and scrap parts)

 

[PracticeChampion]

I started with a 7x14 mini lathe 10 years ago or longer for tips($4-500), used it for years for tips before getting hooked and going all out. Actually still have and use it occasionally.

Just gotta put together something for the joint end of the shaft for support

 

[chuckpilegis]

Steady rest for when I had minilathe

 

[davelpl]

Steady rest for when I had minilathe
View attachment 831725

That's creative

 

[PracticeChampion]

That's creative

Yeah really anything will do as long as its not doing damage. I've seen just a v shaped piece of wood covered in a towel for the shaft to rest on while spinning

Probably rare but might pick one up or a much better one on market place for real cheap

 

[robbycar]

What mini lathe did you start with?

Optimum, they are a bit better made than most. I ended up converting to CNC then I sold it and got a bigger one!

 

[chuckpilegis]

Retracted

 

[chuckpilegis]

One i built for cleaning/sanding