WTB small lathe

Imho

I thought Jude's reply showed some class. Why NOT be defensive if you stand behind your product? Are there better lathes out there? Of course, but they are also more expensive, aren't portable, and some require you to have a full size shop. That's not his demographic.

You're definitely right about not being able to please everyone though. And honestly, I've never tried his product so maybe it does suck. But at least his opinion is coming straight from the horses mouth. It would be great if we could talk to more manufacturers in an open forum about their products. Just my .02 as they say.
 
cyrex said:
I thought Jude's reply showed some class. Why NOT be defensive if you stand behind your product? Are there better lathes out there? Of course, but they are also more expensive, aren't portable, and some require you to have a full size shop. That's not his demographic.

You're definitely right about not being able to please everyone though. And honestly, I've never tried his product so maybe it does suck. But at least his opinion is coming straight from the horses mouth. It would be great if we could talk to more manufacturers in an open forum about their products. Just my .02 as they say.

It is just a bad idea posting on forums when you are a manufacture. You will for sure get drawn into a debate about your product. If it's a good product it won't require you to defend it. It's not cheap by the way, with shipping and some accessories you will be pushing close to a $1000.
 
shaftmaster said:
This post by td is not true. Thank you for your time. Jude
Actually, my post is true: I was researching your Shaftmaster II, and came across many unsatisfied customers. In fact, I still have the e-mails from eBay purchasers to prove it and will provide them if anyone desires.

But to make a quick point: here is a quote from one AZ user:
USER said:
You don't want one of those lathes I bought the small one of e bay won't even turn the shaft to its on 8 got to 10 then if a peice of sand paper touches the shaft quits spinning. They guy was a very nice guy I was unhappy and he let me return it for a $40 restocking fee even no there was no collect they forgot to send me spend a few hundred more $ and buy a unique products they have a link on the indy cue site there lathes are worth it.
Please verify at your leisure.

You may have a product that works, or perhaps it doesn't, but it remains that - for whatever reasons - some purchasers have returned their Shaftmasters, and you falsely accused me of fabricating this fact. I was simply stating the results of my research and my reasons for not purchasing your product.

Further, your misrepresentation of the truth is confirmation that my decision to avoid your product was a good one. Plus, as noted in the quote above, who wants to pay a restocking fee for a product that just won't work.

In my eyes, it is clear that (1) you have had issues with underpower, and (2) some people have returned their products.

I don't own your product, and although it may be great, based on my independent research I would not invest my money in your product or endorse it to anyone else.

Despite my opinion, I wish you good luck in your endeavors.

-td
 
td873 said:
But to make a quick point: here is a quote from one AZ user:

Quote:
Originally Posted by USER
You don't want one of those lathes I bought the small one of e bay won't even turn the shaft to its on 8 got to 10 then if a peice of sand paper touches the shaft quits spinning. They guy was a very nice guy I was unhappy and he let me return it for a $40 restocking fee even no there was no collect they forgot to send me spend a few hundred more $ and buy a unique products they have a link on the indy cue site there lathes are worth it.


Please verify at your leisure.

I tried to verify this as suggested, however there is no AZ member with a user name of "USER". Please provide an explanation Thomas, or tell me what I did wrong.

Dave
 
DaveK said:
I tried to verify this as suggested, however there is no AZ member with a user name of "USER". Please provide an explanation Thomas, or tell me what I did wrong.

Dave
Dave,

I removed the USER's name -> remember the old Dragnet show "the names were changed to protect the innocent."

The post exists, and with a little intuition and persistence, I'm sure you'll find it. If you can't, PM me, and I'll give you "directions."

For the record: I don't want to appear that I am attacking anyone's product, but after a direct attack at my credibility, I feel it is necessary to point out the truth of the matter.

-td
 
td873 said:
For the record: I don't want to appear that I am attacking anyone's product, but after a direct attack at my credibility, I feel it is necessary to point out the truth of the matter.

If only it were so easy to discover 'truth' by asking peoples opinions ...

Dave
 
Dave

In All Of My Years Of Buying Tools And Equipment I Have Never Been Disappointed Spending More For Quality Items, On The Other Hand I Am Almost Always Disappointed When I Buy A Lesser Item Just To Save Money.
 
DaveK said:
If only it were so easy to discover 'truth' by asking peoples opinions ...Dave
I'm not sure what you mean, since the "truth" here is related to the fact that Jude indicated that my statements (about conducting research and finding flaws in his product) were not true - and not whether his product is actually any good or not.

As you can read in my original post, the statements I made specifically dealt with my research and my reasons for not purchasing his product. Jude insinuated that I did not do any research. The truth is that I did, and I offered the AZ post (above) as an exemplary indication of my research. He has not responded or stated that he has not had those issues since he cannot do so, i.e., he has taken products back for the exact reasons I stated in my original post and in the quoted post (also above).

I try to make informed decisions before making any purchasing decision. In this case, I believed that there was sufficient indication in sufficient volume for me to believe that the 'truth' for me was to forego making a purchase. Jude may or may not have a good product, but at the time that I needed to decide, all signs pointed away from his machine.

Keep in mind that it would have been easy for Jude to defend his product without attacking me personally, however, he did not choose that route. I fault him doubly for (1) representing that his machines do not have the problems that I mentioned (when there is evidence indicating that they do), and (2) for making an ad hominem attack where none was necessary. Moreover, if this is an indication of his normal business practice, I am quite pleased that I did not purchase his equipment.

Whether you or anyone else believes that his product is good or bad is not the issue here. I believe you have a right to choose, and spend your money in any way you see fit. However, since Jude has taken the liberty to question my veracity, I am attempting to set the record straight.

Again, I wish him well in his attempt to succeed in business, but my money and my recommendations will go elsewhere.

-td
 
My problem is a little bit deeper than what you guys are getting into...

I don't wanna pay $900+ bucks for an item that may not do all I need...but it fits the bill as far as weight and convenience. It would give me alot of independence in being able to move it around and spin my shafts for cleaning and tip changing.

I will not pay $1100+ for a full blown lathe thats 40+ pounds that I will not be able to lift, much less use.

Yes, it does more more economical sense to purchase the heavier item and get a better product...I understand that...but if "I" can't use it...what good does it do me?

Does this make sense?
Shorty
 
mark smith said:
Dave

In All Of My Years Of Buying Tools And Equipment I Have Never Been Disappointed Spending More For Quality Items, On The Other Hand I Am Almost Always Disappointed When I Buy A Lesser Item Just To Save Money.

I tend to agree, but buy what is sufficient for the current and possible future jobs. I own tools from SnapOn, Starret, Gray, Mitutoyo, and lots of no-name cheap imported Chinese or Indian tools. Sure I've tossed a FEW cheap tools away, but not very many. The idea is to get the job done efficiently. There is no way I'd buy a special SnapOn tool for a one-of job when a cheap import could be used with similar results (the lower cost IS the efficiency in these cases).

Anyway, Shorty wants a lathe that he can lift, which means he doesn't want a real lathe anyway.

Dave, who's tool collecting addiction started over 30 years ago, many are still with me.
 
Shorty said:
My problem is a little bit deeper than what you guys are getting into...

I don't wanna pay $900+ bucks for an item that may not do all I need...but it fits the bill as far as weight and convenience. It would give me alot of independence in being able to move it around and spin my shafts for cleaning and tip changing.

I will not pay $1100+ for a full blown lathe thats 40+ pounds that I will not be able to lift, much less use.

Yes, it does more more economical sense to purchase the heavier item and get a better product...I understand that...but if "I" can't use it...what good does it do me?

Does this make sense?
Shorty

You want light, good, and cheap. I say you might get 2 of the 3.

Dave
 
I Call, And I'm All In!

shaftmaster said:
This post by td is not true. I make the best portable machine out there. It does tips, ferrules, tenons, wraps and retapers. I'll stand next to anyone anytime anywhere and do a better job faster. My machine sets up in two minutes and is only ten lbs. It's also easy to use.
I'll be at the Plaza in Las Vegas Oct. 25-30 for The Nine Ball National Tournament. The Bycycle Club Casino in Jan. Then the Derby City Classic in Jan. In March the Bar table National Tournament at the Sands Regencey in Reno Nv. Then the biggest retail show of the year in Valley Forge, the "Super Billiards Expo" This year I requested to be with all the other major cue repair booths. I'll be in booth 41 on the lower level, front and center. I wanted this booth just to show my machine and what it can do next to other cue repair. For anyone who would like to see with your own eyes. I'll be more than happy to show you my machine at work and answer any and all questions. For the rest of the year my major tournaments include the BCA and APA Championships in Las Vegas in May and Aug.Thank you for your time. Jude
Hey Jude, do you gamble???

You say faster and better, my friend we can bet a ton both ways.
Bring your machine up stairs and plenty of cash to the super-expo in March. My booth is up stairs, booth number 2, just inside the gate. You can see it from the lobby hall...
Bring plenty of friends who have plenty of cash. I'll cover "ALL" the rail on this my friend.

ITEM 1.- BETTER!
As far as better, the machine has little to do with that, it's the guy doing the work, not so much the machine. Bet whatever, my friend.

ITEM 2.- FASTER!
Bet all you want on this one also.
We both take 3 shafts each or more, or less, with dents or without, both needing the same type work, re-tip, remove dents, clean and polish.
Faster, we can really bet high on this one.

Fast is not always best, but if you do quaility on site pro-repairs, and it's fast, done right, that's ok.....

For ferrules and retapering I use differant machinery than I bring to the shows. I can only get so much stuff in the trailer.

Let me know if your interested. [you said it yourself, in your post, FASTER-BETTER].We can get Mike Gulyassie and Teddie Harris or whoever to hold the cash.

LETS UP THE ANTIE, losser gives Shorty a machine.

Maybe have Alan Hopkins and a few others to judge the play-offs. Workmanship will be judged, along with the over all times.
I look forward to this.
I'm not playing CHEAP. At least a dime per item, or more. Just name the price.

blud

PS, Jude, you requested this year, to be will "ALL" the other major cue-repair booths. Those guys are good, but new comers so to speak.
Hell fire man, I've been out here longer than all of them put together. I was the first cue-repair guy to travel with the pro-tour, over 30 plus years ago. Have taught and sold over 375 machines just for re-pairs.
Mike, me Teddie are up stairs. The 3 of use, have been at this show longer than any of the others.

I taught Mike 20 plus years ago, and sold Teddie his first machine a little after that.
 
Last edited:
td873 said:
Sweet deal for Shorty ;)

-td

BTW: my money's on Blud, lol.

I would rather the loser buy the winners machine and give it to me. HA HA

This reminds me of that idea they had to have a cue build off competition of sorts.

And in this instance, I would have to go with the experience of Blud as well.

Shorty
 
right idea...

Shorty said:
I would rather the loser buy the winners machine and give it to me. HA HA

This reminds me of that idea they had to have a cue build off competition of sorts.

And in this instance, I would have to go with the experience of Blud as well.

Shorty

You are pretty sharp Shorty! You have the right idea... Why settle for the inferior machine?
 
CNC-saw/lathe

sneakout said:
You are pretty sharp Shorty! You have the right idea... Why settle for the inferior machine?
Hi Steve, hope this finds you and Jay, doing ok. Janice says hello. She's holding on. She's got plenty of grit, and heart.

Steve, should have a picture of the NEW SAW posted some time next week.

I need instructions on how to post them on AZ. Last week someone sent me information, but I have lost it.

You guys get your dough ready, "cause your gonna have to have one of these new saws". Talk about smooth running. Cuts so clean, it's scary.

BTW, The driver came and got your 2-headed CNC Mill towards the end of last week.It's on the way. Thanks to both of you for the business.

The House is rocked and looks great. Installing A/C this week, then finish up on the wiring, insulation, and then hang 460 sheets of dry-wall. Come help.PLEASE!

blud
PS, Shorty, if he plays we might own the company. Your in.
 
Shorty said:
My problem is a little bit deeper than what you guys are getting into...

I don't wanna pay $900+ bucks for an item that may not do all I need...but it fits the bill as far as weight and convenience. It would give me alot of independence in being able to move it around and spin my shafts for cleaning and tip changing.

I will not pay $1100+ for a full blown lathe thats 40+ pounds that I will not be able to lift, much less use.

Yes, it does more more economical sense to purchase the heavier item and get a better product...I understand that...but if "I" can't use it...what good does it do me?

Does this make sense?
Shorty
Hi Shorty,
Are you planning to move your lathe alot, or will you be setting it up and leaving it there? The lifting of the 40 pound lathe would be a problem for you but would not be a problem to use. It takes very little strength to turn dials and push levers. I probably don't make anything light enough for you but another option would be the Unique Products Travel Tipper that might do the job for you and it is very light. It is a little underpowered for sanding shafts with the 1/10HP motor, but I think they can put their larger motor on it for some extra $$. But for tips and ferrules the smaller motor has plenty of power.
 
cueman said:
Hi Shorty,
Are you planning to move your lathe alot, or will you be setting it up and leaving it there? The lifting of the 40 pound lathe would be a problem for you but would not be a problem to use. It takes very little strength to turn dials and push levers. I probably don't make anything light enough for you but another option would be the Unique Products Travel Tipper that might do the job for you and it is very light. It is a little underpowered for sanding shafts with the 1/10HP motor, but I think they can put their larger motor on it for some extra $$. But for tips and ferrules the smaller motor has plenty of power.
Great thread... I may interested in the same thing but with a bit more pocket change.
Of course I will wait until I make it to Valley Forge in March prior buying.
I saw the Unique site and was wondering if the Travel Tipper would be good enough for sanding shafts.
Good input!
What about the The Cue Companion? Better choice or something else?
TNX
 
alpine9430 said:
Great thread... I may interested in the same thing but with a bit more pocket change.
Of course I will wait until I make it to Valley Forge in March prior buying.
I saw the Unique site and was wondering if the Travel Tipper would be good enough for sanding shafts.
Good input!
What about the The Cue Companion? Better choice or something else?
TNX
Your last questions puts you in a little heavier machine and of course I feel I make the best machines in the weights and price ranges I build. So I would say look at www.cuesmith.com for a better choice. But then again I must admit I am very biased. :)
Chris
www.hightowercues.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
 
cueman said:
Your last questions puts you in a little heavier machine and of course I feel I make the best machines in the weights and price ranges I build. So I would say look at www.cuesmith.com for a better choice. But then again I must admit I am very biased. :)
Chris
www.hightowercues.com
www.internationalcuemakers.com
My requirements would put into a different area from this thread but saw your response and I thought I would get your inputs. I would be interested in something a bit more stable so the weight should not be an issue.
Right now looking to do research and hope to get my questions resolved at Valley Forge so I can make a purchase sometime next spring.
Thanks for your valuable input!
 
Back
Top