Why is 1 preferred over 2?

[throwawayttyl102]

Why do some people strongly preffer tighter grains over spaced ones? Is it an OCD thing or something technical?
Eg.

1.
1.jpg

2. 2.jpg

[vmax]

The close grain shows that the timber has grown slowly in a cold climate, more growth rings, compared to timber that has grown faster in a temperate climate, wider growth rings. The close grain technically means that the timber is stronger, denser and the cue shaft will have more uniform flex characteristics all the way through the shaft.
Having said this it's not a given, timber does vary and much wider grained ash is excellent for cues, but what one does look for is straight grain, whether it be close or wider, as that means the shaft is less likey to warp where the grain twists and turns and even this is not a given as long as the cue is looked after and not exposed to extremes of heat or cold.

[mikee]

Think Vmax has nailed it there ,its not a given that tight grain lines and close chevrons means stiffer all the time ,probably better to use it as a guide line .

[throwawayttyl102]

The close grain shows that the timber has grown slowly in a cold climate, more growth rings, compared to timber that has grown faster in a temperate climate, wider growth rings. The close grain technically means that the timber is stronger, denser and the cue shaft will have more uniform flex characteristics all the way through the shaft.
Having said this it's not a given, timber does vary and much wider grained ash is excellent for cues, but what one does look for is straight grain, whether it be close or wider, as that means the shaft is less likey to warp where the grain twists and turns and even this is not a given as long as the cue is looked after and not exposed to extremes of heat or cold.

👍👍 brother.

[itsnoteasy]

The close grain shows that the timber has grown slowly in a cold climate, more growth rings, compared to timber that has grown faster in a temperate climate, wider growth rings. The close grain technically means that the timber is stronger, denser and the cue shaft will have more uniform flex characteristics all the way through the shaft.
Having said this it's not a given, timber does vary and much wider grained ash is excellent for cues, but what one does look for is straight grain, whether it be close or wider, as that means the shaft is less likey to warp where the grain twists and turns and even this is not a given as long as the cue is looked after and not exposed to extremes of heat or cold.

Will close grain cues be stiffer as a rule? Or is wood just different from cue to cue.
Also, is an Ash board similar right across it, or is there a difference depending on where the blank is cut from, thanks.
Very interesting post, good read that Vmax.

[mikee]

As an example my new cue has tight grain ,but chevrons quite well spaced ,and it’s really quite stiff .Experianced cue makers probably have an idea when they start taking the shaft down where it’s going to be in stiffness .The balance point on my cue is nearly inch different from my old one ,it also weighs a bit It more due to the ash being denser .

[vmax]

Will close grain cues be stiffer as a rule? Or is wood just different from cue to cue.
Also, is an Ash board similar right across it, or is there a difference depending on where the blank is cut from, thanks.
Very interesting post, good read that Vmax.

Close grain cues won't be stiffer as a rule, wood doesn't grow at a certain uniform rate meaning that more wood is packed in a smaller space if the tree grows more slowly making it denser, it just means in a cold climate the tree grows more slowly so there are more growth rings compared to a tree in a temperate climate. Straight grain cues will have a more uniform flex as the grain doesn't twist and turn along the shaft but that only applies up to the shoulder of the shaft (tip of the splices) as it doesn't flex at all from near that point.
Yes the grain can and does quite often vary along the board, twisty on one end and straight grain on the other and when faced with a board like this I won't reject it, I'll simply bury the twisty end under the hardwood splices and have the straight grain along the shaft This doesn't mean the butt will have a tendency to warp, it's too thick for that.

[Bilston Cues]

V Max Your talking rubbish pal. Never heard such a load of twaddle.