Pool Cue

dustychef · Post by **dustychef** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 9:52 am

Hi Guys,
I am almost finished with a project (will post pics when done) and I am looking for the next one. I want to turn a pool cue. I used to be an avid pool player but that's another story.
Questions: 1.Is there enough space on the lathe for this? 2.What type of wood? 3.Has anyone here done this? 4.Finish with poly?
Thanks guys! This forum has been great not just for the SS but all woodworking.

algale · Post by **algale** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 10:15 am

That sounds like a fun project. Between the standard drive spur and dead center, the max spindle length on the Shopsmith is 34". If you use a chuck and/or live center, the max spindle length will be reduced further. Obviously too short to build a cue in one piece, but IIRC many cues are made in multiple segments with hardware that lets the segments screw together. I would think the Shopsmith's horizontal boring and/or tail stock boring capability would make this project a snap.

Al

dustychef · Post by **dustychef** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 10:21 am

algale wrote:That sounds like a fun project. Between the standard drive spur and dead center, the max spindle length on the Shopsmith is 34". If you use a chuck and/or live center, the max spindle length will be reduced further. Obviously too short to build a cue in one piece, but IIRC many cues are made in multiple segments with hardware that lets the segments screw together. I would think the Shopsmith's horizontal boring and/or tail stock boring capability would make this project a snap.

Al

Yes it would be in two pieces as it would screw together in the middle. WOW I think I found the next,next project. A case for the cue!

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 12:46 pm

I believe that Rockler once carried pool cue kits. And maybe Penn State Ind as well. I also think that there may be others but I can't recall who.
Bill V

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 3:18 pm

You could try a google search for something like "pool cue turning" or "pool stick making" or something similar to these and get plenty of information on the subject. You Tube would be another likely source of information.

Pool cues are in the neighborhood of 60", so half that for each half when broken down means you should have no problem turning one on the Shopsmith.

For wood, the shafts typically are made of hard maple, I believe, or perhaps birch, with the handle section made of a combination of maple/birch and whatever hardwood "exotic" you like.

If you're not aware, the eccentric morse taper holder in the tailstock can be rotated to allow one to turn tapers easily by clamping a lathe chisel to the tool post and sliding the carriage back and forth.

camerio · Post by **camerio** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 3:49 pm

pennview wrote: If you're not aware, the eccentric morse taper holder in the tailstock can be rotated to allow one to turn tapers easily by clamping a lathe chisel to the tool post and sliding the carriage back and forth.

I wish you would expand on this to make sure I understand what you mean ?

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 5:14 pm

Camerio, part number 288 in this diagram -- http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/part ... xpview.htm -- can be rotated so that the tailstock live center is offset from the spur/drive center in the headstock, which will allow you to turn tapers easily.

You can do this by running a chisel in a straight line along the centerline of the headstock spindle. You could do this by handholding the chisel, or by removing the tool rest from the tool post and clamping a chisel where the tool post fits, then simply move the carriage along the spindle, then reclamp the chisel, move the carriage, etc, etc, until you finish turning the taper.

There is a description of this procedure along with a photo in the Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone, at least the version of the book from about 1980.

reible · Post by **reible** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 6:45 pm

I saw a show once where they were making these. From what I gathered the problem making really good ones ($$) is the wood. If I recall correctly the wood is stored for years before they attempt to turn it. Any residual stress will then show up a warp.

As a fun thing to do give it a try. Might want to make yourself a nice case too.

Ed

camerio · Post by **camerio** » Sun Mar 25, 2012 9:06 pm

pennview wrote:Camerio, part number 288 in this diagram -- http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/part ... xpview.htm -- can be rotated so that the tailstock live center is offset from the spur/drive center in the headstock, which will allow you to turn tapers easily.

You can do this by running a chisel in a straight line along the centerline of the headstock spindle. You could do this by handholding the chisel, or by removing the tool rest from the tool post and clamping a chisel where the tool post fits, then simply move the carriage along the spindle, then reclamp the chisel, move the carriage, etc, etc, until you finish turning the taper.

There is a description of this procedure along with a photo in the Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone, at least the version of the book from about 1980.

Well I looked, I have the 1983-84 edition and I could not find it. But I found the lesson on taper legs in the Owners manual page 10-15 if it is what you meant.

derekdarling · Post by **derekdarling** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 12:23 am

Check this out. and also search for 'Billiard Cues' as well as 'Pool Cues'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orI6fddUGF4

Also, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Billiards---C ... id=118937:

"There are many variations in the cues that are made. They are dictated by the game itself. For example, billiard cues are stiffer than pool cues because billiard balls are heavier than pool balls. Other variations include the type of wood that is used which will determine how light or heavy the cue itself is, as some prefer a heavier cue to a lighter one.

A good part of the reason that billiard cues were able to be made so well and attractive was the art of marquetry, which is the art of making designs or pictures with thin pieces of wood, shell or other materials. This art has been a part of billiard cue making almost right from the beginning. Floral, geometric or other inlaid designs have greatly added to the beauty of tables and cues. Precious gems and metals have also been used in this art. Even the art of "finishing," which Stradavari used on his violins, was also used on cues and tables."

Interesting, I didn't know that Pool Cues and billiard Cues are different. Almost makes me want to make one!

Derek