Replies

1. 
   johnhardy | Feb 22, 2004 10:32pm | #1

   I'm afraid I can't talk specifics, but you need a metal working lathe to build pool cues. The tolerances need to be in the thousandths, and you need complete registration. Hard to do with a wood lathe.

   Your investment will be very large, if you do it properly. One cue maker I know (I play pool with him) has three of these around and uses each for specific tasks.

   John

1. 
   Sonikfeer | Feb 22, 2004 10:40pm | #3

   Thanks John, your right I did fail to mention that I would need a "Metal" lathe. I have asked others about the prices, and just as you said they're high to say the least. I guess I'll keep looking and hope to find one that is not bigger than my basement. Thanks again Ed.

2. 
   PlaneWood | Feb 22, 2004 10:41pm | #4

   Yep, what John said plus a metal lathe that will automatically cut a 3' long taper will be a pretty expensive one.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood

1. 
   Sonikfeer | Feb 22, 2004 10:59pm | #5

   Thanks in advance, I know I came to the right spot. Yes your right about the multiple rest. I've seen lathes on line with multiple rest, hollow tail stocks, 3 and 4 clamp chucks in many dimensions also. I have the idea of what I will need but I just need to find out the correct terminology for this requirements.I believe that the chuck would have a inner dimension of 1 3/8" down to 0". Please forgive my ignorance in this matter, I believe every machine can be used in many ways with a creative eye and a unwavering perseverance. I make a lot of my own tools and could probably have a company make what I need at a price. I'll just keep an eye out. Thank you John and Mike_in_Katy

2. 
   PlaneWood | Feb 22, 2004 10:38pm | #2

   How long of a piece will you have to turn?

   I know you will need a center support, and probably a good quality one.  Without a support, there will be to much vibration in the center of the turning handle.  If you go over 24" you may need more than one support.

   The pro shops have high dollar machines for automatically cutting the taper.  Cutting a good taper by hand will take LOTS of practice as well as a high quality and long tool rest.   

   You'll also have to drill holes that are exactly centered.  That's sometimes hard to do on cheap lathes.

   Make a list of things you will need the lathe to do.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

3. 
   GHR | Feb 23, 2004 02:49am | #6

   IF I was building ques,

   A good 10"x36" Clausing lathe would work well. (A poor Clausing would work almost as well.)

   You don't need much tooling. Perhaps a piloted steady rest that runs on the ways.

4. 
   Kell | Feb 23, 2004 04:40am | #7

   iceman,

   As a pool enthusiast and a woodworker, I've always wanted to turn my own cue.  Unfortunately, they really require very specific qualities and capabilities.  If you post a question over on the Billiards Digest web site discussion forum and address it to a gentleman named Blackheart, he is a very skilled cue builder in Texas.  His cues are great players and highly collectable, too.  He can give you some ideas on how to get started depending on how deeply you want to get into it.

   I might also suggest going to a pro shop and speaking with any local cue turner; there are thousands of them across the country.  We have one here in Richmond who is highly skilled and is always glad to answer questions.

   Good luck,

   Kell

1. 
   johnhardy | Feb 23, 2004 07:30am | #8

   Kell,

   Would that be the infamous Richard Black? I've seen his work and it's superb. His cues get very high prices, and they're worth it. What is the url for that web site? I'm interested in the answer to this question as well. About the only thing I haven't done as a woodworker is turning, and I've purposely stayed away from lathes because I'd want to turn cues ... which means $$$ as an investment.

   John

1. 
   Kell | Feb 23, 2004 09:28pm | #9

   john,

   Actually his initials are JER so I don't know what his real name is!

   Go to http://www.billiardsdigest.com and then click on the discussion forum.  You'll have to register to post which takes a couple of minutes.  His id on the board is BLACKHEART.  You can send a personal message through their system and he'll respond to you.  My id over there is Brian in Va.

   Good luck.  Looking forward to seeing your cues!

   Kell

1. 
   johnhardy | Feb 24, 2004 10:18am | #10

   Thanks very much. I'm not sure you'll see my cues soon ... buying a metal working lathe costs mucho $$$ and isn't in the plan right now. But it's still on the horizon ...

   John

1. 
   rslatm | Feb 24, 2004 12:15pm | #11

   Actually a metal lathe is no that expensive if you look at the imports such as Enco, Grizzly, etc or even less if you go the used route.

2. 
   Manchild | Feb 24, 2004 06:08pm | #12

   Wouldn't this be an ideal situation to buy a used/old piece of machinery. There are so many of these lathes that were used in manufacturing that has disappeared or gone overseas. Aren't there places that buy up/store/recondition just this type of machinery? These machines no longer are viable high tolerance/production work but would work fine for pool cues.

3. 
   rslatm | Feb 24, 2004 07:50pm | #13

   There's far more used metal working machinery out there than used woodworking machinery. The learning curve is steeper but still plenty of affordable tools out there.

4. 
   Sonikfeer | Mar 01, 2004 10:11pm | #15

   Thanks Rick:

   I have gone to both of the company's you named and I have concluded that they are a good source for a bargin new "Metal" lathe. I have to give credit to Bryan Mordt of BCM cues for leading me to Enco.I have asked him for direction in the beginning of my search and he gave some good advice. I agree with him 100% about the "Cue" lathes that are on the web. Please if you like a beautiful looking cue then look at his,I'm not sure of the link so I will let you find it on your server,keyword Bryan Mordt cues. I appreciate someone who answers question with integrity and respect, which Bryan has done on more than one occasion. I believe I have found myself at the beginning of a long journey with my quest, so to each and all who answered Thank You, like I have on other forums, I would like to extend my automotive experience to all who would like help with their cars. I will answer to the best of my ability. Thanks again Ed.

5. 
   SEBDESN | Feb 27, 2004 03:15am | #14

   You need a 40" metal lathe. Nothing is cut by hand so there are no rests required. You also need a bunch of routers and very specialized guides to move the cross slide. I have been making cues for years, and its not much wood working, its machining....

   Bud