Pool Cue Blanks for Dummies

[skiprat]

Don't get upset over the 'Dummy' word, it's just for fun. OK?

Here is a pictorial on how to make a pool cue blank with nice sharp corners and by using a simple jig, a router with a standard bit and the lathe just used for indexing.

It doesn't matter if you build a box over your wood lathe or make a template for you metal lathe. Remember, the lathe is only being used for the indexing. Unplug it before you start (Please)

I'll post all the pics first, which I think are pretty self explanatory and answer any question to clear up any queries.

There are just a couple of 'Rules' when using a standard router bit.

1. The 'Ramp' that the router moves along MUST move in both the horizontal and vertical planes by the SAME amount.

2. Each cut cuts beyond the centre of the blank. This means that after the first cuts, you end up with a void that is easily filled with CA and sawdust as you go.

This blank was made with a pine dowel and an unknown dark hardwood quadrant. The pine is softwood but maybe with enough coats of CA, I'll be able to use it.
Remember that as the blank is turned down, that the dark spikes will shrink in length.

[skiprat]

Oh, I forgot to add.....

Routers can cut you quicker than any tool alive. Please be very careful.
The bit remains exposed until the job is finished. The instinct is to look at the cut you have just made as you take the router away.

If you have ever 'been-there-done-that' , you're ok, because you will NEVER do it again DAMHIKT

[EBorraga]

Skippy, looks like you've made some sneaky pete's before. You still amaze me with all the engineering that you do. I'm lucky enough to have access to a cue building lathe, that's about 3 minutes away, to cut all my points with. At first glance I would bet money that was a fullsize handle and not a pen blank.

[Phunky_2003]

Wow thats pretty impressive. Wish I had the stuff to make a few of those. I need about 6 for a project I am working on. I've been working on some other ideas to get some made but as of yet I havent quite figured nothing out. Your engineering skills still impress me. Amazing!

[seamus7227]

very interesting! thanks for sharing Steve!

[bitshird]

Very impressive Steven !!

[skiprat]

I just noticed that the A and B in the sketch are a different way around from my reference points on the plastic guide. If the drawing is correct, then the A should be on the RHS and B on the LHS on the plastic.

But I'm sure you figured that out

For those that build something like this, (or a box over the wood lathe bed,) then try to build it so that you don't need to move anything to glue and clamp the bits together.

The shape of the plastic guide I used is of no relevance, it's just used for other stuff too.

Also please note that if you manage to get a perfect point bit ( any angle) then the cuts would be made only with a horizontal ramp. The vertical movement isn't needed because you would do the cuts from above the blank and not on the side, like this.

To make nice long cuts like these, you will probably have to join your blank onto another one or make a plan to leave space for the router.

If there are any pics that need explanation or any questions please feel free to ask.

[RAdams]

Thanks again Steven! Once more you amaze me with not only your skill and ability, but your willingness to share it so freely. I will be adding this to my already insane list of "stuff i gotta try".

[RAdams]

That is amazing. I just went through all the pictures and am completely inspired. The finished blank really does look just like a butt. It just needs a rubber bumper and a threaded rod in the other end!

[tim self]

Steve, that is TOO AWESOME! Will add it to the list of things to try. Hope I can give it justice.