How to Make a Pool Cue

The pool cue can be described as a long thin stick, used to strike the white colored cue ball, that ultimately strikes the other balls into the holes of the table, in the game of billiards and snooker. The popularity of pool has drastically increased the demand for pool cue supplies.

The pool cues made for experts who play professional pool matches, are of a very good quality. Making custom pool cues is very difficult and also very costly. Pool cue supplies that are made by reputed companies and those which are custom-made, have an excellent finish, design and shape. These cues are made using the best available wood, and highly precision wood lathes are used for the purpose. These types of cues are not affordable to every one. Hence, the best option is making a pool cue on your own.

Making a Pool Cue

Requirements

The requirements that are needed in making a pool cue are rather complex. One might also need to visit a workshop, such as the carpenters workshop. The manufacturing process requires a lot of wood working, hence it is advisable to take the help of a person who has mastered the art of wood-turning. The basic instrument that is used to make the pool cue is a wood lathe. In addition to the wood lathe one also requires a micrometer tape measure. The wood from which the cue is carved is maple wood. To make an ideal cue, a piece of hard rock maple wood, that measures 2 by 2 inch and has a length of 57 inches, is required. One can also use any other type of maple wood. A joint pin, drill, carve cutter and a plastic ring are also needed.

Procedure

• The first step in making the pool cue is to cut the piece of wood into half. Be very careful in this step, as it is very important to have both pieces of wood exactly 28 and ½ inches in length. One side is the butt of the pool cue and the second piece is the tip that strikes the cue ball.
• The lathe machine comes into operation in the second step. Fix the piece of wood on the lathe machine and use the doughnut-shaped blade, which moves on the rail of the machine and carves the wood evenly to make the cue. While carving the wood, make sure that you set the tape of the lathe machine, so that the surface of the handle or butt of the cue tapers down from 17 mm to 14 mm. Keep on using the micrometer from time to time to ensure the taper, and also the diameter of the cue. The more smooth the diameter and taper, the better the cue works on a pool table.
• Repeat the same process on the second piece of wood that will become the striking piece of the cue. The only difference is that the taper should measure between 14 mm to 13 mm.
• With the help of a sandpaper, lightly polish both the pieces of wood. One can also polish the wood to give it a good look and increase the life of the cue.
• With the help of a drill, bore holes in the joining tips of the cue. Put in the joining pins in these holes and glue them in. You can also put in the plastic ring, which will act as a shock absorber while playing.
• Try out the pool cue on a pool table and enjoy the fruits of your efforts.

You can also modify the next custom pool cues that you make according to your needs. The more straight and aligned the cue stick is the better the cue ball can be struck. Also remember to maintain your pool cue by protecting it from extreme heat and humidity.