Uneven splices on hand made cues...

[Max]

Recently, I visited a well known cue-maker's workshop to take a look at a selection of (reasonably expensive) hand made cues and, to be honest, left rather disappointed by the quality of the stock.

No doubt, some of these cues would have been very nice players but, aesthetically, I found them pretty poor - the splicing was very uneven on most, some with up to a finger's width difference in the points!

Now, over the years, I've bought a fair few hand made cues (from a variety of makers) and, with the exception of a couple with plain ebony butts, I am yet to see one with perfect splicing...

This leaves me wondering - is it a very, very difficult job to produce perfectly even splices in a hand made cue?

[mchpddl1]

Which shop is it

Which shop is it, in north or south?

[poolqjunkie]

Are you saying the bottom of the splicings are not even, or even the tops are uneven?

I think most cue makers have no problem getting the top of the points even. If the person you visited cannot even do that, then I think he must not be too well known.

I know some cue makers can also get the bottom of the points even. It is more time consuming, and thus more money.

I remember I asked this question in another thread, and Mike Wooldridge said he gets all his points even top and bottom, but it is much more time consuming. From the pictures I saw of Trevor White's cue, I would be very surprised if his are not even at the bottom s well as tops. I am sure there are cue makers who are willing and able to take the time to make all the points even.

I guess "handmade" does not always imply high quality. But then, a great hitting cue does not necessary have to be hand made to begin with. You may find one that works perfect for you and it is not even very straight, never mind having even points. Sometimes, cues are interesting that way.

[BITTER]

I too went in a well known cue makers shop and seen the same on a £200 cue.

Was it just North of Wales by any chance

[Max]

Hello, Mchpddl1, Pooljunkie and Bitter, and thanks for responding...

Mchpddl1...One of those, yes. )

Pooljunkie...Yes, I was referring to the top of the points (they really were that bad!) and, yes, the maker is very well known. Now, I realise the aesthetics of a cue are not what make it great, however, as I have said, I've had cues from many of the top cue-makers (and paid top whack!) and apart from a couple (with a standard plain ebony butt), the top points of the splices have, to varying degrees, been uneven.

Bitter...The ones I saw were priced at £250+ (not overly expensive, I know ...but still!)

...I'm probably being too fussy, I know. But I have to say, I do find it a little frustrating - If you pay the top prices, are you not entitled to expect a very high quality of workmanship?

[ADR147]

a £250 cue should have level splices.

[Max]

Honestly, I own cues that cost double that (and a few quid more on top!) which don't have level splices! Thankfully, the one I use plays great, which is all that really matters. Having said that, next time I order a custom job, I think I will stress that I would like all splicing to be as even as possible ...I can but dream! )

[BITTER]

Yes for £250 it should be perfect

I have cues for sale @£99 with level splices but I'm not BITTER

Well balanced with chip on both shoulders

[Max]

Perhaps that's where I'm going wrong ...I'm paying too much! )

[MikeWooldridge]

no, you're just shopping in the wrong places....

[slg1972]

splices

as a serial cue buyer i have had most of the cue makers ions craftsman parris all uneven splices which you would not expect just purchased 1pc plain ebony cue from unique thailand the splices are absolutely perfect from top to bottom- so im happy but its taken me a lot of time and money and dissatifaction over time -its the first thing people look at if you was going for re sale -its harder to sell- should you be entilted to a refund for uneven splices -it is just a pet hate as you go on these websites and purchase a cue - what is suppose to be the best in workmanship then when you open it all the splices are uneven ok some are worse than others -but some are well out


lol i feel better after that

[BITTER]

A perfect spliced Unique ??????

You must have had it from me then ??

Let me guess 9mm tip 17 1/2oz 57 1/2 Long

[slg1972]

splices

yes very pleased at last even splicing lol

[ADR147]

I have never seen uneven splices on a tony Ions cue.

[trevs1]

I have one if you want to see it.