Would this wood be ok for handle or forearm?

[a9ballbr8k]

Would this be ok to use for a forearm or even and handle? Is it too small to turn? What would be the dimensions at least needed for forearm or handle? thanks in advance.

BIG LEAF MAPLE (acer macrophyllum) BLOCK
Size: 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" x 17-3/4".
1 piece.

 

[manwon]

Would this be ok to use for a forearm or even and handle? Is it too small to turn? What would be the dimensions at least needed for forearm or handle? thanks in advance.

It looks like a nice piece of Quilted Maple. The dimensions are not a problem at all. It could be used for either a handle or a forearm. But because it is Quilted Maple it has a tendancy to fracture along the quilted lines in the figure, so I would core it with either Purple Heart or straight grained Maple to add strength. Also the optimum moisture content for wood used in cue building is around 6%, and kiln dried is the preffered method.

Good luck!!!!!!

 

[jazznpool]

That is soft maple. I would avoid using it at all unless it was sent off to be impregnated with resin. I like only hard curly maple for pool cue construction. Yes, the super figured hard curly is much harder to find than super figured soft curly. If soft curly was going to be used for a forearm, a .750 core would be a big help. As a handle it would need to be sleeved over a stronger core unless you are aiming to build a weak cue.

Martin

Would this be ok to use for a forearm or even and handle? Is it too small to turn? What would be the dimensions at least needed for forearm or handle? thanks in advance.

BIG LEAF MAPLE (acer macrophyllum) BLOCK
Size: 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" x 17-3/4".
1 piece.

 

[MVPCues]

I strongly agree regarding using hard maple over soft maple. If you were to use soft maple, big leaf maple might be the poorest choice structurally.

As for your question about the dimensions, the typical cue square that would be used in a 3 piece butt is 1.5" x 1.5" x 18". If used as a forearm, there is plenty of material for a sleeve, and even a little left over. If used as a handle, 18" is long enough for the handle and butt sleeve tenon.

The dimensions of the piece in question is quite fine, though you would want to rob it of some inlay slabs before turning.

Kelly

 

[KJ Cues]

Big leaf quilt maple is totally unsuitable for cue construction without coring. It's dead soft, extremely light and subject to take a hike at will. Yeah, it's pretty but very unstable. When cored it's a different story and I'd use as large a core as is practical. By the way, I've got about 2,000 bd.ft. if anyone's interested. The figure will blow your socks off.

 

[a9ballbr8k]

I just loved how figured this wood was and though it was absolutely beautiful. Cheap too, it was 10 bucks on ebay with 15 shipping. Quite cheap? Anyhow I will refrain from purchasing, too bad it's lovely. How about using it for some window inlays in the butt....good choice?