Cuemakers - what lathe do you use?

[achiv07]

Hi all,

I’m interested in the types of lathe used by cuemakers in the business? It doesn’t seem like there is a lathe out there that has a large enough distance between centres to accommodate a full shaft so how do you get around this? Customise the lathe? How?

I assume most use metal lathes, simply for precision and to assist with fitting joints later down the line, but can a wood lathe be used too?

Of course, I’m aware that there is an argument both for and against using a lathe to craft a cue, which I don’t want to delve into, but I am interested in what the ‘pros’ use to turn their blanks, and what they started with vs what they use now, etc.

All the best!

[WilliamKent]

Hi all,

I’m interested in the types of lathe used by cuemakers in the business?

This was discussed in an old post

[achiv07]

Thanks, I’m aware of this post. But I’m asking very specific questions about distance between centres which wasn’t discussed in that post and how others have customised their lathe to accommodate.

WilliamKent do you have anything useful to contribute to this thread? Because it seems to me you just like to be incredibly unhelpful and criticise other peoples posts frequently.

[j6uk]

From what I’ve seen of the Thai makers workshop, they look to have customized the lathes they use. Big chuck and longer bed..
Where are you at so far with tools and materials?
Have you already made a few cues by hand? Interesting to hear how you wanna go about it, as many makers do things different.

[achiv07]

Thanks j6uk, I’ve now made 8 ash shafts that are tapered to approx 1mm oversize and I’m just in the process of sourcing some ebony to begin learning how to splice. All done with hand tools or an electric planer. One of the reasons I’m asking about a lathe is because tapering a blank my hand tool takes SO long and is quite exhausting. If I can speed this process up a little, I’d quite like to!

[j6uk]

Looking back, learning about hand planes, how to setup, service and sharpen irons was and still is most enjoyable.. but I can imagine it’s been a stumbling block.
40grit paper and scrapper goes a long way.

Where about are you based? As I’ve got splice cut exotics I will be looking to get rid of sometime soon.

[achiv07]

Surrey/London. How about you? I’m definitely interested!

[j6uk]

When you get 10 posts pm me, or get/send me an email..

[Ninja.cues]

Hi all,

I’m interested in the types of lathe used by cuemakers in the business? It doesn’t seem like there is a lathe out there that has a large enough distance between centres to accommodate a full shaft so how do you get around this? Customise the lathe? How?

I assume most use metal lathes, simply for precision and to assist with fitting joints later down the line, but can a wood lathe be used too?

Of course, I’m aware that there is an argument both for and against using a lathe to craft a cue, which I don’t want to delve into, but I am interested in what the ‘pros’ use to turn their blanks, and what they started with vs what they use now, etc.

All the best!

I don't use one but have been an antique furniture restorer and cabinet maker for 38 year's.
So don't find it a problem to do by hand but do get why for someone starting out, it would take a while but I would stick with it as getting more skilled at using a plane will help when slicing.