why not holly

[j2pac]

Why is holly not used more. Is it not stable or something. I think an Ivory point cue
is one of the best looking cues there is. But with all of the problems now with Ivory,
plus the cost it makes it a problem. I see some really nice looking cue but the white
is some sort of plastic and it cheapens it to me. Wood does not. If there is a problem
with making spliced points out of holly could they not be cnc. I for one like cnc points
better. Put a dot or clover leaf at the radius and it looks fine. I have only seen a few
cues with holly points.

You might try German Hornbeam. Some of it can be very light in color, and sometimes I have even seen pieces of it, that resemble a bone like appearance/grain. Might work...could be worth a shot.
Good luck.
j2

 

[sileighty_guru]

I love working with Holly... Mostly because I didn't have the capitol for a huge ass piece of ivory! However I was lucky and got a great batch of pure white in a few years back :grin: I am by far no pro... but I didn't have any issues with the first one I did using one set from that batch. Cored out with no issues and worked for veneers to boot. I didn't seal anything before sanding but did blow out after each grit with compressed air.

A few after they were turned round...

First one I did with on from that batch...

 

[john coloccia]

That bleeding into the holly is a common problem also, especially with oily woods. The first coat of whatever sometimes dissolves and smears around oils, dust and things like that. Again, one thing that helps is sealing with CA just before final sanding and finish, keeping in mind the admonition above concerning finish compatibility. Even sealing with something like shellac could actually cause the issue you're trying to solve.

 

[Michael Webb]

I sealed the wood with finishing epoxy before I sanded it.

Also, if you use an auto clear coat, sealing with CA is not a good idea. Unless you really, REALLY, know what you are doing, there will be issues down the road.

Thank you. I consider finishing a form of construction so you know I wouldn't use CA. I'll stick with Elforyn. To me! I like it better than Holly. It also has to do with what I might someday have to refinish.

 

[john coloccia]

Thank you. I consider finishing a form of construction so you know I wouldn't use CA. I'll stick with Elforyn. To me! I like it better than Holly. It also has to do with what I might someday have to refinish.

Can you get Elforyn in sheets and blocks? I think I've only seen round stock.

 

[Canadian cue]

I sealed the wood with finishing epoxy before I sanded it.

Also, if you use an auto clear coat, sealing with CA is not a good idea. Unless you really, REALLY, know what you are doing, there will be issues down the road.

I have used ca as a sealer under automotive urethane and have not had any problems as of yet. Is there compatibility issues? If you don't mind sharing, what are the potential problems?

 

[Michael Webb]

Can you get Elforyn in sheets and blocks? I think I've only seen round stock.

Hi John
They sell both. With grain and without.

 

[jackpot]

is it okay

So if I wanted a cue like say the Peterson tribute cues Deano had made, but with
holly instead of ebony, would it cost more than ebony, less, the same. Like I said
cnc points or fine with me.
jack

 

[cueman]

I love working with Holly... Mostly because I didn't have the capitol for a huge ass piece of ivory! However I was lucky and got a great batch of pure white in a few years back :grin: I am by far no pro... but I didn't have any issues with the first one I did using one set from that batch. Cored out with no issues and worked for veneers to boot. I didn't seal anything before sanding but did blow out after each grit with compressed air.

A few after they were turned round...

First one I did with on from that batch...

I am a little jealous of how clean your well used machine is. I suggest blowing the high pressure air while sanding Holly. Do not even give it a chance to smear by waiting to blow the air between grits.

 

[WildWing]

The veneers on the window portion of this butt design are holly.

How to make sure it stays clean? I can only tell you what Tim Scruggs told me decades (and many cues) ago. Before finishing, take a pencil eraser and go over the holly, or maple for that matter.

All the best,
WW