Unique/DeAngelo jigs

Jeff

Jeff

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Looking for places to buy these. Did a search but probably better to ask here.

Also any pro/cons to either one?

Will they come with instructional videos or are there better separate dvd's out there for instructions concerning these jigs?

Also where do you start looking for wraps? Are there whole sellers or is it better to buy from smaller sellers to get quality?
 
Jeff said:
Looking for places to buy these. Did a search but probably better to ask here.

Also any pro/cons to either one?

Will they come with instructional videos or are there better separate dvd's out there for instructions concerning these jigs?

Also where do you start looking for wraps? Are there whole sellers or is it better to buy from smaller sellers to get quality?
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pm sent Jeff hope the help you out.:D
 
Most that will respond here will probably tell you that they are both great to work with. My experience has been with the Uniques jig and I wouldn't change that for anything for my money. The instructional DVD is top notch and is included. Contact Billiardbum (Jim Sickles) here on AZ.

As far as where to get leather blanks is concerned, try Atlas, Prather, Chris Hightower, JW Petree. They carry supplies for cuemakers/repairmen.

Gene
 
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Hi Jeff,

The DeAngelo fixture is no longer available. I know because I bought the last one from Atlas a few months ago! The Unique Products version is comparable... the only difference is that the pressure plate on the Wrap Magic is spring loaded vs. mechanical stabilization of the DeAngelo.

I think that Atlas is starting to sell the Wrap Magic fixture too... It should be about the same general price; $400.00 + S&H. Or, you could just contact BilliardBum Jimmy Sickles on this forum.
 
cheese_ball said:
Hi Jeff,

The DeAngelo fixture is no longer available. I know because I bought the last one from Atlas a few months ago! The Unique Products version is comparable... the only difference is that the pressure plate on the Wrap Magic is spring loaded vs. mechanical stabilization of the DeAngelo.

I think that Atlas is starting to sell the Wrap Magic fixture too... It should be about the same general price; $400.00 + S&H. Or, you could just contact BilliardBum Jimmy Sickles on this forum.
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I have found that whomever owns either machine, they are very happy with the one they have and believe it to be the best. Since the DeAngelo machine is no longer made, that pretty well means that the unique is the best. At the DCC I looked over the Unique and I also looked at the DeAngelo as that is what Blackburn was using. Joe said that he liked the DeAngelo the best because the butt locked in and couldn't move where as they said that the Unique's could be moved if enough pressure was exerted. I ended up getting a Unique and truthfully, I have no complaints with the machine nor having any movement in the butt. I've wrapped 3 cues with it and though I am not happy with the results, every one else is. The people who got the cues say they love the way the wrap turned out. I've made around a 1,000 or so cues in my life and I've never thought any were as good as they could be so you have to factor that in on my critiquing the machine. It does make leather wraps much easier to install and the DVD is very informing. Am I glad that I purchased the machine? Absolutely.

Dick
 
I called Jim Sickles and asked about the Unique jig. He said they sold out at a recent show but they will have them available again in 2 to 3 weeks.

That will give me time to sell some stuff. :) :)

I believe there is a market around here for that so I think I will try it.

Anyone want to buy a nice Coker or do some trading. :D :D
 
Thanks guys for all the plugs, and I will have them available in 2-3 weeks again. Jim
 
Maybe we can share a few tips to getting better results with the Unique jig. Here's mine. I am very satisfied with the jig and have no problems to speak of but I have learned that on fresh finishes (auto clearcoat) it is best to put a piece of low-tack tape on each spot where the cue will contact the teflon and thin under arm pads. The spring pressure can depress a new finish in those areas. I also prefer the .09 single edge blades versus the .12 blades. One cut per side, of course. It is critical to have the blade ride the rail perpendicular to the cue at all times with the right amount of hand pressure. Durabond contact cement (from Tiger) works great. It is very important, IMO, to also purchase the cement thinner because overly heavy contact cement can cause ridging problems...especially with thin, smooth leathers. I use a small stick of ivory as a smoother to work the piece after installation. It is critical to not over work thin goods. Metal ruler/straightedge with protective cork underneath is available at office depot for about $5. They are a must, IMO. Best of luck to all.

Martin


rhncue said:
I have found that whomever owns either machine, they are very happy with the one they have and believe it to be the best. Since the DeAngelo machine is no longer made, that pretty well means that the unique is the best. At the DCC I looked over the Unique and I also looked at the DeAngelo as that is what Blackburn was using. Joe said that he liked the DeAngelo the best because the butt locked in and couldn't move where as they said that the Unique's could be moved if enough pressure was exerted. I ended up getting a Unique and truthfully, I have no complaints with the machine nor having any movement in the butt. I've wrapped 3 cues with it and though I am not happy with the results, every one else is. The people who got the cues say they love the way the wrap turned out. I've made around a 1,000 or so cues in my life and I've never thought any were as good as they could be so you have to factor that in on my critiquing the machine. It does make leather wraps much easier to install and the DVD is very informing. Am I glad that I purchased the machine? Absolutely.

Dick
Click to expand...
 
jazznpool said:
Maybe we can share a few tips to getting better results with the Unique jig. Here's mine. I am very satisfied with the jig and have no problems to speak of but I have learned that on fresh finishes (auto clearcoat) it is best to put a piece of low-tack tape on each spot where the cue will contact the teflon and thin under arm pads. The spring pressure can depress a new finish in those areas. I also prefer the .09 single edge blades versus the .12 blades. One cut per side, of course. It is critical to have the blade ride the rail perpendicular to the cue at all times with the right amount of hand pressure. Durabond contact cement (from Tiger) works great. It is very important, IMO, to also purchase the cement thinner because overly heavy contact cement can cause ridging problems...especially with thin, smooth leathers. I use a small stick of ivory as a smoother to work the piece after installation. It is critical to not over work thin goods. Metal ruler/straightedge with protective cork underneath is available at office depot for about $5. They are a must, IMO. Best of luck to all.

Martin
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Martin,

If you have the Buna Material under the Grey Lock down pieces, I would be surprised that you would have issues on denting fresh finish. If you do not have this material under the Grey Material, let me know and I will get you some. Depending on the leather, depends on which angle I tilt my blade. With Stiff Leathers I use it flat against the Top Cutting Rail, and with Softer Leather I angle the blade to make the leather a few thousandths shorter when making the center seam. Thanks for sharing - Jim
 
Thanks Jim, I have the Buna pads under the lock downs. What I have described has happened when finish is at about 24 hours. Does not occur when finish is harder. Something else I'll share...to avoid nicking finish on either end of the cue :eek: (who hasn't ?), begin and stop your cut a fraction away from the end of the channel. Carefully follow the cut through when you have taken the rail off. Also, if you encounter excessive material at the seam due to stretch, you can carefully overlap and doublecut with the rail or your cork backed straight-edge. I spent many years installing commercial wallcovering and fabrics. The principles of wrapping a cue are similar.

Martin


billiardbum said:
Martin,

If you have the Buna Material under the Grey Lock down pieces, I would be surprised that you would have issues on denting fresh finish. If you do not have this material under the Grey Material, let me know and I will get you some. Depending on the leather, depends on which angle I tilt my blade. With Stiff Leathers I use it flat against the Top Cutting Rail, and with Softer Leather I angle the blade to make the leather a few thousandths shorter when making the center seam. Thanks for sharing - Jim
Click to expand...
 
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