What lathe to buy?

lathe

I used the term theives just as most people use this term when refering to doctors, denist and layers. Are they a physical theif meaning did they steal from me. No! I think jim is a wonderful person I never said anything bad about anyone. I simply stated that they are unfair with pricing when compared to others. There price takes away from their product, but this is usually the case with most things.

When giving advise to beginners one must keep in mind there level of understanding. You wouldnt coach a poolplayer who's a "6" in APA as you would a 3. Hey I know I bought into everyone's advice and purchase a unique product. In fact I purchased two of them and I dont think they are worth what I payed for them, And I got a deal because I bought 2 of them. Again they are average machines.

Auction, people want to talk about that, remember I didnt start this one. It was a very noble thing for unique to do this. Chris being the christian that he is, Im sure, thanks God in prayer every day. God bless him for that. I to pray that his wife recovers, Amen.

Most peolpe who bided were only looking for a deal. I spent $150 on a $40 case. uniques wrap machine should have gone for at least $600 to benifit the cause. Where are all the big name cue makers. I repeat without listing names, Where were all the big name cue makers??? Why did I bid what I did, I will tell you. I was on the phone speaking to chris daughter, and his doughter was practically in tears because chris and wife were at a Dr appointment. I was in the process of purchasing a lathe from him. A few days later I saw the Auction and a undescrible feeling over whelemed me as I prayed. My contrabution was soaly from the heart without thought of anything in return. But again, I ask where were the BIG name cue makers Here. Im sorry for all that has transpired here. You can thank of me what you want but I still think that uniques products are over priced. Yes I did switch names, Im sorry for the deception as I new it would create a contraversity. If you review all my post I never said anything bad about anyone. I staded that ther product is only average. Why overpay for average. My apologies, this is my last post on this topic. I didnt mean to create enemies. A lot of you have helped me greatly. Im sorry.
 
bubsbug said:
I used the term theives just as most people use this term when refering to doctors, denist and layers. Are they a physical theif meaning did they steal from me. No! I think jim is a wonderful person I never said anything bad about anyone. I simply stated that they are unfair with pricing when compared to others. There price takes away from their product, but this is usually the case with most things.

When giving advise to beginners one must keep in mind there level of understanding. You wouldnt coach a poolplayer who's a "6" in APA as you would a 3. Hey I know I bought into everyone's advice and purchase a unique product. In fact I purchased two of them and I dont think they are worth what I payed for them, And I got a deal because I bought 2 of them. Again they are average machines.

Auction, people want to talk about that, remember I didnt start this one. It was a very noble thing for unique to do this. Chris being the christian that he is, Im sure, thanks God in prayer every day. God bless him for that. I to pray that his wife recovers, Amen.

Most peolpe who bided were only looking for a deal. I spent $150 on a $40 case. uniques wrap machine should have gone for at least $600 to benifit the cause. Where are all the big name cue makers. I repeat without listing names, Where were all the big name cue makers??? Why did I bid what I did, I will tell you. I was on the phone speaking to chris daughter, and his doughter was practically in tears because chris and wife were at a Dr appointment. I was in the process of purchasing a lathe from him. A few days later I saw the Auction and a undescrible feeling over whelemed me as I prayed. My contrabution was soaly from the heart without thought of anything in return. But again, I ask where were the BIG name cue makers Here. Im sorry for all that has transpired here. You can thank of me what you want but I still think that uniques products are over priced. Yes I did switch names, Im sorry for the deception as I new it would create a contraversity. If you review all my post I never said anything bad about anyone. I staded that ther product is only average. Why overpay for average. My apologies, this is my last post on this topic. I didnt mean to create enemies. A lot of you have helped me greatly. Im sorry.
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If I call you an idiot, I want you to make sure I am not saying "anthing bad about" you. Make no mistake about it, if I call you an idiot, I don't mean a physical dumb person, I mean it will be like when I "use this term when refering to doctors, denist and layers."

<I apologize to the rest of the gang for my attitude, I think I am finished following this thread.>

Kelly
 
bubsbug said:
I used the term theives just as most people use this term when refering to doctors, denist and layers. Are they a physical theif meaning did they steal from me. No! I think jim is a wonderful person I never said anything bad about anyone. I simply stated that they are unfair with pricing when compared to others. There price takes away from their product, but this is usually the case with most things.

When giving advise to beginners one must keep in mind there level of understanding. You wouldnt coach a poolplayer who's a "6" in APA as you would a 3. Hey I know I bought into everyone's advice and purchase a unique product. In fact I purchased two of them and I dont think they are worth what I payed for them, And I got a deal because I bought 2 of them. Again they are average machines.

Auction, people want to talk about that, remember I didnt start this one. It was a very noble thing for unique to do this. Chris being the christian that he is, Im sure, thanks God in prayer every day. God bless him for that. I to pray that his wife recovers, Amen.

Most peolpe who bided were only looking for a deal. I spent $150 on a $40 case. uniques wrap machine should have gone for at least $600 to benifit the cause. Where are all the big name cue makers. I repeat without listing names, Where were all the big name cue makers??? Why did I bid what I did, I will tell you. I was on the phone speaking to chris daughter, and his doughter was practically in tears because chris and wife were at a Dr appointment. I was in the process of purchasing a lathe from him. A few days later I saw the Auction and a undescrible feeling over whelemed me as I prayed. My contrabution was soaly from the heart without thought of anything in return. But again, I ask where were the BIG name cue makers Here. Im sorry for all that has transpired here. You can thank of me what you want but I still think that uniques products are over priced. Yes I did switch names, Im sorry for the deception as I new it would create a contraversity. If you review all my post I never said anything bad about anyone. I staded that ther product is only average. Why overpay for average. My apologies, this is my last post on this topic. I didnt mean to create enemies. A lot of you have helped me greatly. Im sorry.
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Eye thank yoo ort 2 thank mooor befoor you speeek nekstime.

I do, however, commend you for the apology.
 
WheatCues said:
By all means I'm not knocking chris's efforts and equipment as far as to say its not for anyone... I'm just very busy and use my model b for more commercial applications then just a few basic repairs here and there. but out of fairness, I had his little toy one he first marketed back in the late 80's early 90's so I havent had the opportunity to view his new and improved models....
But I do believe in first impressions especially in the "Business" world and considering the price of the typical lathe... I usually dont give a second chance to the same company whom I was dissatisfied with initially...
Once again I'm not bad mouthing Chris hightower, just wasnt happy at the fact that there was virtually zero accuracy in the machine due to its flimsy design, and lack of power, even for the basic of repairs....
I researched Joe Porpers Equip. and at that point and time it was simply the best on the market, and 16 yrs. later he still is leading the competition with several models to choose from. I am only offering my personal and extensive experience with these products and are not in any way receiving perks or monetary rewards for advertising porper lathes, only that they are what they are... "the best" and his service is above and beyond any I have ever encountered regardless of what you purchase... cases, tooling, cues, equip. etc.
By all means its you who has to buy it and use it, just remember one important aspect of it all, the machine will need replacement parts eventually and the quality of the machine will determine how soon, so please do your research, not only on the product but the longevity of the company and the cost of the replacent parts as well as the future service...
I personally have several thousand hours logged into porpers model b and this was originally the model "a" refitted and upgraded to the "b" several months later, so 16yrs it's been and its still running like a champ with the same motors and saddle, tailstock, spindle, etc.. only replacement parts i have had to get is a couple of worm gears for the saddle and 1 set of I/O boards to run the motors.... boards are very INEXPENSIVE and extremely reliable and well built, but of course everything wears out... Joe knows me very well and feel free to ask about my machine and he will be delighted to show his exitement to know his machines are out perforning the competition on consistency and reliablilty from his own genius design and tenacity to make a great product.
Good luck and enjoy.... it's a very rewarding craft and profession for those who have the passion !
Once again I hope the info is useful, and Chris, don't take offense we all have to begin somewhere and thats the beauty of improving on our mistakes and learning from our accomplishments.....

- Eddie
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Hi Eddie,
I take no offense whatever. If you bought a lathe from me before 1991 I would say Amen to the lack of accuracy. I was modifying wood lathes and a Mini lathe from Harbor freight at the time. In 1991 I introduced the Cue Smith lathes. The Full Size Cue Smith was really nice IMO, but the Micro 1 definitely needed lots of improvements. By 1994 I think I had most of the bugs worked out of it and in 1995 I introduced the Deluxe Cue Smith. I am still using one I built in 1996 and am still using the Proto type that was built in 1994. I don't knock Joe's lathes or Brian's lathes. They both build fine lathes. I know mine has some advantages over theirs, and I know theirs have some advantages over mine. I know people who have had all three of our top models and like mine the best. But I also know people who have had mine and theirs and like one of theirs better than mine. I think it all comes down to which advantages are most important to each individual. If you took Joe's or Brian's bottom end lathe and compared it to my Deluxe model mine would win hands down. If you took my Micro 3 and compared it to Joe's B-Model or Brian's Cuemaker theirs would win hands down. You have to compare apples to apples. Compare top end to top end with price considerations included or compare what you can get for a certain price. Those are the only two fair ways to compare.
Again I am not offended at all and hope my comments stop all flames. I do not intend to enter any debate here so to all readers I say please don't try to draw me into one.
God bless,
Chris
www.cuesmith.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
 
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I own a mid-size CueSmith I bought from a friend and love it. It does soooo much!! I just wish it had the bigger headstock and thru-hole like it's big brother the Deluxe.

John
 
I am thinking about the mid size cue smith as well.This will be my first lathe.I am going to be doing a lot of tips,some cue repair.I would also like to tinker with making a few cues for myself,like house cue conversions or maybe a plain jane cue with no points.I was just wondering if this lathe would be able to do this or not.I am only looking to spend about 2,000 or 2,500.I would be greatfull for any advice.I have the book from Chris and am in the prosess of getting his videos.
 
Shark3149

Yes, the mid size Cue Smith will do all you stated and more. It's a great machine for the money. IMHO

Now if I could just get Chris H. to buy those 3 old initialed "DTO" Schuler shafts... (<:

John
 
Thank you for the help.I am still a month or so away from buying one but it looks like that will be the one I pick up.
 
The mid size can do It, atleast, there are guys on here using them, and building a few cues with them also. I have the deluxe, and if you could afford the extra, or find a deal on one By chance, that's what I would recomend. The larger headstock as mentioned above, makes It much easier to do joint work & boring operations. Either lathe can do points though with the correct options. Same thing with tapering if you have taper bars with it.


Greg
 
Mid-Size tip

shark3149 said:
Thank you for the help.I am still a month or so away from buying one but it looks like that will be the one I pick up.
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I bought Chris's Mid-Size and it's a great machine. I added my own mods to add taper bars and, yes, you can make cues with it.

My only regret is not spending the exta money for the larger spindle bore option. That would have made it perfect!
 
bubsbug said:
I used the term theives just as most people use this term when refering to doctors, denist and layers. Are they a physical theif meaning did they steal from me. No! I think jim is a wonderful person I never said anything bad about anyone. I simply stated that they are unfair with pricing when compared to others. There price takes away from their product, but this is usually the case with most things.

When giving advise to beginners one must keep in mind there level of understanding. You wouldnt coach a poolplayer who's a "6" in APA as you would a 3. Hey I know I bought into everyone's advice and purchase a unique product. In fact I purchased two of them and I dont think they are worth what I payed for them, And I got a deal because I bought 2 of them. Again they are average machines.

Auction, people want to talk about that, remember I didnt start this one. It was a very noble thing for unique to do this. Chris being the christian that he is, Im sure, thanks God in prayer every day. God bless him for that. I to pray that his wife recovers, Amen.

Most peolpe who bided were only looking for a deal. I spent $150 on a $40 case. uniques wrap machine should have gone for at least $600 to benifit the cause. Where are all the big name cue makers. I repeat without listing names, Where were all the big name cue makers??? Why did I bid what I did, I will tell you. I was on the phone speaking to chris daughter, and his doughter was practically in tears because chris and wife were at a Dr appointment. I was in the process of purchasing a lathe from him. A few days later I saw the Auction and a undescrible feeling over whelemed me as I prayed. My contrabution was soaly from the heart without thought of anything in return. But again, I ask where were the BIG name cue makers Here. Im sorry for all that has transpired here. You can thank of me what you want but I still think that uniques products are over priced. Yes I did switch names, Im sorry for the deception as I new it would create a contraversity. If you review all my post I never said anything bad about anyone. I staded that ther product is only average. Why overpay for average. My apologies, this is my last post on this topic. I didnt mean to create enemies. A lot of you have helped me greatly. Im sorry.
Click to expand...

So Bug, don't you think nurses are the biggest crooks of all?
What do you make, 60 - 70k a year for exploiting seriously
ill, even dying people.

HAVE YOU NO SHAME?

You should provide care for daily food and gas money, no, wait.
Gas is too costly. You should be given, no leased a bicycle. You
could peddle to work every day. Think of what great shape
you would be in.

Okay, you went to Nursing School. You should be paid
$4.53 per hr. Not including travel time<peddling>

Do the right thing and donate all that money you have unfairly
exploited from the sick and dying.

Send it to me please.

Dale< the non-exploiter>
 
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My advice is don't buy a lathe. Right now cues are as cheaply priced as they are ever going to be!!! Just go buy the cue and save yourself the turmoil of building cues.
 
I am not just looking to make a cue.I do a lot of tip work now and just want to be able to do better work.I would like to try and make a cue but I will leave that for the pro's.I have several cues on order and will continue to but cues.
 
cuemaker03 said:
My advice is don't buy a lathe. Right now cues are as cheaply priced as they are ever going to be!!! Just go buy the cue and save yourself the turmoil of building cues.
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Merry Xmas
 
looking to buy

hi .
is there anyone with a used micro 2 or midsize for sale ?
for now all want it for is tip replacement and possible tennon repair, but it would be nice if it did more.

thanks
carl
 
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