Before World War 2, In Australia, there was a popular home game called Bob's.
This consisted of a Frame with a series of arches, with a wooden pocket beyond the Arch, into which you had to hit a wooden ball into the Aperture.
The Game was played on a Blanket spread over the Kitchen or Dining Room Table.
A Black Ball was placed about 6" in front of the Center Arch, on a chalk spot.
At the other end of the Table, there was a Start or Baulk Line on which each of the white or unpainted balls would be hit with a Billiard Cue, the ball had to make contact with the Black Ball before it could be potted. When all unpainted balls were used, the score of those in the various Apertures, would be totaled, and the First player to reach the prior set Target Score, won the Game.
So much for a brief Description of what these "Bob's" are.
My Brother in Law, asked me if I would make a Bob's Set for his 9 year old Grandson.
The Balls I made by hand with no ball jig, but I did us a "Pipe Scraper" to true them up. I wanted 8 Balls, so with a couple of rejects and Spares I gave up at 10. :wink:
The Cue was made from a 1" dia Broom Handle, it was too long for my Lathe so I cut it in two and Turned both Halves, I fitted a Chair Leg "Screw and Threaded Plate" so that it could be rejoined. I bought a 12mm Ferrule and set of 5 threaded Cue Tips.
The Arches, and Pockets were made out of Plywood, and 1/2" pine boards.
Also to store the Balls, I made an Egg Crated Box and Lid, so hopefully the balls will not get lost, as he only has two spares, and I do not intend to make any more. :eek:
To round off the Task, I also procured a Box of 12 pieces of Cue Chalk.
So he should be off to a Great Start.
