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If you’ve ever wondered how to make a pool cue, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, Colorado Slim shares colorful stories from his years of shooting pool, while describing the basic aspects of cue design, such as taper and diameter, the stock material used, and connectors. Then, you’ll discover how to glue up a handle blank and use a jackshaft setup to drill brass parts on a lathe. He also shows you how to use a pillow block bearing to create a steady rest when turning a maple sleeve over different diameters.
Colorado Slim
In his instructional video, “How to Make a Colorado Slim Pool Cue,” “Colorado Slim” talks about cue characteristics, including taper, diameter, stock material, connectors, and a jackshaft setup for drilling brass parts. The author also explains how to rig a pillow-block bearing to provide a steady rest for turning maple sleeves of varying diameters.
A good quality pool cue will help you achieve your ultimate potential as a player. A cue that feels comfortable in your hand and enables accurate shooting is a must-have. While you don’t need to spend $1,500 on a cue, it would be nice to upgrade from a warped, chipped, or oversized stick. Here are some tips on choosing a high-quality stick.
First, you’ll need a good quality ball. A ball with the right weight is crucial for the ultimate game experience. A cue that’s too heavy will cause it to break, which can cause serious injury. Likewise, a hammer with too much weight will break quickly and may result in a loss of accuracy. Finally, a Colorado Slim is an ideal choice for beginners. Despite its hefty price tag, this pool cue is well-made and will last a lifetime.
Getting the wood to a point where there is as little movement as possible
When making a pool cue, getting the wood to a point where there is almost no movement is crucial. The more movement in the wood, the less straight your cue will be. It’s even more important to ensure that the wood doesn’t warp or expand due to exposure to sunlight. When it’s out in the sun, a pool cue may expand and contract repeatedly.
Another crucial element of a good pool cue is the correct angle. Some people leave their cues in their car, so that they don’t lose track of them. The problem with this approach is that the temperature in the car can change dramatically. In the winter, for example, wood can contract. Exposure to changes in temperature will cause the wood to remain in an awkward position and can make the cue difficult to reshape.
Wood pool cues have been popular for centuries and are still the material of choice for most professional players. While some people prefer to use graphite or fiberglass pool cues, these materials do have certain advantages. One of these is that they tend to last longer. Compared to wood, these materials are less susceptible to warping. So, when choosing your cue, you should take time to carefully select the wood that suits your needs.
Multiple thin coats
If you are looking for a high quality pool cue that will last for years, then you’ve come to the right place. Scott McLaughlin, a professional pool cue maker, has developed a self-contained spray booth where he applies automotive clear-coat to the cue. This coating provides a high gloss and hard-wearing finish. There are 12 different coats in this process, and each one ensures a high level of stability in the wood.
To paint the cue stick, you can use either a professional paint stick or a standard wood stain. After you’ve applied the sealant, you’ll need to rub the wood with a soft cloth and allow it to dry before adding a top coat. Be sure not to over-tighten the screw on the clamp because too much pressure could dent the shaft. Depending on the material used for the tip, you might want to paint the cue stick several times, allowing each coat to dry in between applications.
After you’ve removed the old finish, it’s time to restore the cue. Ideally, you should restore your pool cue every couple of years or so, depending on the amount of damage on the stick. This will ensure the stick retains its aerodynamic qualities and increase your chances of playing better. Before you start painting, make sure to wear gloves. You’ll need to sand down the cue’s surface, removing the layer of oil and topcoats and preexisting paint.
Inlaid points
There are many different types of points that can be added to a pool cue. One popular type is the spliced point. These are points that are structurally part of the cue and will hit differently than cues without inlaid points. This style of point will add value to a cue regardless of its cost. Listed below are some of the differences between inlaid and spliced points.
A typical pool cue will have a maple core with a decal on top, and it is most likely made from wood. However, you can find cues that have real points and inlays if you have the skill to make one. A custom-made cue can cost thousands of dollars. Here are some steps to follow to create a custom-designed cue. For example, you may decide to inlay four or six points on a cue with diamond-cut points, while a cue with a single-point design will have only one point.
When making a cue, remember to consider the weight of the wood. Some types of wood can be extra heavy, so make sure to purchase one that is made with a light-weight wood. This will help to ensure that the cue has an even balance. The weight of the wood is also a consideration when making a custom-made pool cue. You will want to choose a wood that is not too heavy, as this will make it more stable and prevent warping.
Properly shaped tip
A properly shaped tip is important to the playability of a pool cue. There are several methods for keeping your pool cue tip in optimum shape. The most common is to soak it in milk for a few minutes, a few times a year. The organic molecules of milk fill in the gap between the tip and the ferrule, increasing the tip’s grip and creating maximum traction.
When you first get a new pool cue, the tip may be flat and not shaped. In addition, it may be free of chalk, making it look flat. If you notice this, do not chalk the cue. This may make it easier to hit the ball, but it may also ruin the shape of the cue. If you’re not sure, you can always go to a cue repairman and have your tip shaped.
Creating a perfectly rounded tip requires some skill. The largest portion of the tip should contact the ball at impact. To determine whether your tip is perfectly rounded, try holding a nickel or dime behind your cue and checking its circumference. If the edge is uneven or has a small chip in it, then it’s probably out of shape. To make the tip round, you can use sandpaper. Use a circular motion and an angle of 50 degrees.
Keeping your cue shaft looking (and playing!) new
There are a few different techniques to keep your pool cue shaft looking new. Keeping your cue shaft clean and sharp can improve the game-playing quality of your pool cue. You can begin by sanding the tip. You can use a 400 or 200-grit sandpaper to create the perfect curve. After you’ve smoothed out the tip, apply a glue strip to the ferrule. Make sure to line it up correctly in the center and then apply the glue to the cue shaft. You may want to score the tip to make sure it fits properly.
A proper shape for the tip is very important, because it’s the only part of the cue that actually makes contact with the ball. A bad tip can throw your game off. When you first receive your new cue, the tip is flat. The new tip should be rounded off at the top. Otherwise, the tip will become uneven and may cause you to make more miscues.
Using a proper cue cleaner can be essential in preserving the slick finish and extending the life of your pool cue. Many cleaners have a specialized coating for cues, which can prevent mushrooming. Use a microfiber hand towel to wipe the shaft between uses. You can also burnish the shaft to remove any buildup. In addition to cleaning, you should store your pool cue properly.
