John:

I think that you need to do some reading. Much of the time metal is
turned at lower speeds than wood -- not the other way around. That is
especially true for those of us who turn metal with HHS cutters. Those
who use carbide cutters on metal run at higher speeds.

You would need very little power so that is not an issue. You do need a
machine with a bed long enough to turn your longest cue for one piece
queues. Or if you want to make 2 piece cues, then the bed can be shorter.

Some years ago there was an article in Fine Woodworking on making 2
piece cues. I'd say that is a good place to start and I suspect that
someone who has an index to FWW can come up with the issue number.

Really, turning the stick itself is not much of a challenge. Doing the
fancy decorating is what separates the men from the boys.

Again, you need to do some research before you buy anything -- just my
opinion.

Bill

John wrote:
Hi Bill,

Yes, this is spot on, I need to know what metal lathe is suitable due to the
power aspect, what speed is safe for woodturning using a metal lathe, I need
a metal lathe that can turn slow enough to allow wood to be turned.

Thanks.


"Bill Rubenstein" wrote in message
. com...

I believe that you will find that most pool cue makers are using metal
lathes rather than wood lathes.

Bill

Roger wrote:

John wrote:


Hi,

I would like to start making pool cues and was wondering what type of
tools
and machinery I would need to do this.


You may want to reference the "pointy stick compendium project" thread
currently running over on rec.norm It is filled with "wisdom" on the
making and lore of pointy sticks. :-)

A lathe, a roughing gouge, and a skew would seem to be an easy starting
point. You can probably make it as complicated as you like from there
with everything from fancy laid up blanks to high-tech composite

materials.

Roger