Why urethane coated Irish linen?

A

atheistpally

Registered
I can't seem to find an answer to this question.. and it could be something obvious I've just never thought of, but Why would a cue manufacturer use an Irish linen wrap at all if it is just going to be coated in urethane? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the grip?

Personally, I've never been a fan of linen or leather wrapped cues, so I'm glad the wrap on the last three Meucci cues I bought was urethane coated -- But why is the linen there at all? Is it just for looks? Because I think cues looks better without it. Why not continue the base design from joint to butt?
 
I have heard one story that there was a manufacturing mistake at Meucci once that resulted in some cues with an irish linen wrap to be cleared over. Instead of redoing the cue(s), they were left as is and sold. I sort of doubt this though.

I think it more likely that someone wanted a black handle that was clearcoated and someone got the idea to simply wrap the cue with solid black linen and then clearcoat the linen. That would be cheaper than an ebony handle, or any other nicely figured handle that would normally be used for a clearcoated handle, and might have logistically worked better than a black paint job.
 
According to the Meucci site it is simply to keep the wrap clean. They do use a lot of white and cream colored linen in their designs.
 
Kelly_Guy said:
I have heard one story that there was a manufacturing mistake at Meucci once that resulted in some cues with an irish linen wrap to be cleared over. Instead of redoing the cue(s), they were left as is and sold. I sort of doubt this though.

I think it more likely that someone wanted a black handle that was clearcoated and someone got the idea to simply wrap the cue with solid black linen and then clearcoat the linen. That would be cheaper than an ebony handle, or any other nicely figured handle that would normally be used for a clearcoated handle, and might have logistically worked better than a black paint job.
Click to expand...

I think version 2 is even less likely than version one:)

I have always thought it was simply because it was much faster, and
therefore cheaper to paint the whole cue.

No need to match up the wrap with the shoulders of the undercut.
No need to press and polish the wrap.
Ect...

Dale
 
pdcue said:
No need to match up the wrap with the shoulders of the undercut.
No need to press and polish the wrap.
Ect...

Dale
Click to expand...

I had not thought of this, but we both agree the underlying reason is cheaper/easier.
 
atheistpally said:
I can't seem to find an answer to this question.. and it could be something obvious I've just never thought of, but Why would a cue manufacturer use an Irish linen wrap at all if it is just going to be coated in urethane? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the grip?

Personally, I've never been a fan of linen or leather wrapped cues, so I'm glad the wrap on the last three Meucci cues I bought was urethane coated -- But why is the linen there at all? Is it just for looks? Because I think cues looks better without it. Why not continue the base design from joint to butt?
Click to expand...

The last three??? You're a multiple offender.

You are correct sir - the wrap on a Moochie serves no purpose other than
visual, but that is what sells cues these days.

Keep in mind, Bob started making cues MANY years ago. Back then
a "wrapless" cue was considered cheap and undesireable by almost
everyone. Bob's first line had a fairly faithful copy of the Hoppe.
A four point cue, the overwhelming preference, without a wrap was
thought of as a cheap house cue.

Dale
 
I think alot of it has to do with a few factors,,,,,looks, cleanliness, and the fact that Meucci uses very cheap looking linen nowadays, though not so much on the older (original Originals).
 
measureman said:
According to the Meucci site it is simply to keep the wrap clean. They do use a lot of white and cream colored linen in their designs.
Click to expand...

Yup. Same concept as the plastic couch covers at my grandma's house. :)
 

Attachments

  • sofa-plastic-cover.jpg
    sofa-plastic-cover.jpg
    15.5 KB · Views: 1,872
jschelin99 said:
Yup. Same concept as the plastic couch covers at my grandma's house. :)
Click to expand...

Don't fall asleep on that couch, you will wake up a feeling like a wet rag on one side, LOL.

Clear coating over a wrap is an oxymoron but if some people like it, what the hell.

Rick
 
I was told almost 20 years ago that there were 2 basic reasons this was done.

According to the story,wrap grooves were regularly cut too deep,the clearcoating over it was the fast,cheap way of dealing with it.

Also,in Bob's mind,why spend 3.00 worth of linen on a re-wrap that only brings in 30.00,when they could use the same 3.00 worth and put it on a new cue that sold for at least 150.00? Tommy D.
 
I knew this was going to be a Meucci thread before I opened it. They are the only manufacturer I have ever seen use this technique.

:cool:
 
For me, I like the look of the linen, but prefer the feel of a wrapless, my Erwin has a black and green linen and I love it.
 
I live the look of a wrapped stick, but it just seems nasty, I've taken apart a PlayStation (original, ps2, ps3 & ps4/xbox (first, 360 & one) controller and witnessed first hand the accumulated skin in the case. Fuck that!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
 
It's easier for a factory to do them. Specially if they don't trust their finish . Soft finish break or peel-off when cutting shoulders/faces for the wrap section.
 
I asked Bob Meucci at the SBE and he said he wanted to keep a white wrap clean............... so he coated it..........

Kim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top