unique vs. hightower

cuerepair

cuerepair

Knox Cues
hello-
Myself and a businees partner are planning to open a pro shop. We are STILL very confused in trying to decide which lathe to purchase. We are concidering the Unique Cue Companion (package #3), also adding the high torque reversible motor and the 3/8 tool kit. OR...the Hightower Mid-Size Cuesmith. We are asking for input (good or bad), from anyone who has experience with either or both of these machines. Please feel free to PM or email us at cuerepair@comcast.net

Thanks for your help and advise.
 
One vote for Hightower

I bought a Mid-Size Cuesmith from Chris a couple of years ago. It's a great little machine! I especially like the variable speed motor. You don't have to mess with changing the drive belt. Just dial in the speed you want.

I've made some of my own modifications (like adding taper bars) and am making cues with this "repair" lathe. My only regret is that I didn't go the extra $'s for the larger spindle bore. I have to do all my joint work from the steady rest. The accuracy is OK, but it would be more convenient to be able to work from the headstock.
 
hightower

i have bought two delux lathes from hightower, and think its the best way to go. he is great with after sales help, parts, and supplies. chuck
 
Nothing against unique, I've had not experience with them or heard any bad rep. I've done business with Chris and he is great to work with and stands behind his product.

GH
 
We just got our deluxe Hightower lathe up and running and it's going to be perfect for our proshop in the US. I would suggest getting the deluxe if you are planing to make cues as well.

Regards,
Duc.
 
Hightower

I got my Micro Cue Smith II™ lathe from Mr Chris Hightower
it is easy to use and a great lathe even that I did not
use lathe before, I use it as a pro. Also I use it for more than 2 years
and did not need to change or replace even a belt....

Thanks to Chris

Naser, From Saudi Arabia
 
Get the hightower,if you move up to something bigeger they have good resell
 
Bill the Cat said:
I bought a Mid-Size Cuesmith from Chris a couple of years ago. It's a great little machine! I especially like the variable speed motor. You don't have to mess with changing the drive belt. Just dial in the speed you want.

I've made some of my own modifications (like adding taper bars) and am making cues with this "repair" lathe. My only regret is that I didn't go the extra $'s for the larger spindle bore. I have to do all my joint work from the steady rest. The accuracy is OK, but it would be more convenient to be able to work from the headstock.
Click to expand...



I like to work the bigger ends out of a steady anyway, more accurate IMO, and alot easier.

I have the large spindle though, so I do install the pins, other stuff, and do ferrules out of It.


To the poster, as far as ready to go cuelathes, I have only owned a deluxe from Chris, and I believe that lathe would be very usefull in a pro shop. I've seen alot of Porpers in them also though, but have never used those or the unique to be able to give an honest opinion of them. I know there are people out there that seem happy with them though, just can't speak from My own personal exppereince.:)


Greg
 
How About...

Buy them both? Then put up an honest review of each one side by side. If Chris and Jim would like to each send me one of their cuemaker lathes, I would be happy to do this for them. :D :D :D

Whatta ya say, guys?
 
shakes said:
Buy them both? Then put up an honest review of each one side by side. If Chris and Jim would like to each send me one of their cuemaker lathes, I would be happy to do this for them. :D :D :D

Whatta ya say, guys?
Click to expand...

I think thats a pretty good idea! However, I don't think the opinion of just one person is enough so go ahead and send me one of each as well.

Dave :D
 
I own 2 Hightower Lathes & a Hightower Inlay machine, all are great pieces of equipment. These are the base to my entire Custom cue & Pro Shop business.I did a lot of research prior to my purchase of this equipment and for the money they are tough to beat.

MikeG
 
Hightower

I have had three Hightowers. I am hard toplease but Chris makes it happen.:)
 
Both Good Choices

Jim & Chris are both GREAT guys to do business without any questions. I have owned a Cue Companion and I'm currently using a MidSize and Deluxe CueSmith.

There's lots of posts on here about the pros & cons but, IMHO it really gets down to what your planning to do with the machine and what your budget is for your startup!?

If portability is something your planning to do and tip/ferrule/shaft work is the majority of what you plan to do then I would go with a Cue Companion.

However, if you're looking at possibly making some cues then the Deluxe would be the preferable choice IMHO.

FYI, resale value on all of these machines is EXCELLENT!

Best of luck with your shop ;)
 
cuerepair said:
hello-
Myself and a businees partner are planning to open a pro shop. We are STILL very confused in trying to decide which lathe to purchase. We are concidering the Unique Cue Companion (package #3), also adding the high torque reversible motor and the 3/8 tool kit. OR...the Hightower Mid-Size Cuesmith. We are asking for input (good or bad), from anyone who has experience with either or both of these machines. Please feel free to PM or email us at cuerepair@comcast.net

Thanks for your help and advise.
Click to expand...

Buy a Porper B Lathe, most accurate, completely tooled, and fully functional Lathe built for cue making and repairs on the market today!!!!

Why spend between $2500 and $3000 to get something functional, when you can spend $3950 and get the best.

Good Luck
 
Whatever lathe you guys decide on. I have a hightower!! Do yourselves a favor and get the cue building lathe not the repair lathe. It will make perfect sense when you want to start building cues and the repair lathe just wont do. Don't leave yourselves saying" I could of had a V-8" LOL............Dave
 
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