How to Change the Shaft Diameter for a Cue

One vital piece of equipment used during a billiards game is the pool cue. Having a straight, uniform cue shaft can be considered the separating factor between a great game and a game that could have been. The size, length and diameter of a cue shaft has to do with the player's preference and body size. If you have purchased a cue and decide that you want to change the diameter of it, there are a couple options that you can choose from.

Things You'll Need

  • Caliper
  • Paper
  • Pen or pencil
  • Sandpaper, sheets or blocks, various grits
  • Washcloth
  • Water spritzer
  • Varnish
  • Stain, if desired
  • Lathe (optional)
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Instructions

  1. By Hand

    • 1

      Measure the diameter of the shaft on both ends, using a caliper, to find the starting diameter measurements. Write these down on a piece of paper.

    • 2

      Remove the varnish or polish from your cue shaft with sandpaper. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and work down to fine grit as the varnish comes off. Rub the sandpaper using an end-to-end motion.

    • 3

      Wipe the shaft with a clean washcloth.

    • 4

      Lightly mist the cue shaft with a water spritzer. This will raise the wood grain a bit for easier sanding.

    • 5

      Sand the shaft with fine-grit sandpaper. For best results, curl the piece of sandpaper around the whole diameter of the cue shaft with your hand and position your hand in an O shape around the shaft and sandpaper. Work with the grain, from end to end, to sand down the diameter. Rotate the shaft regularly to get an even sanding.

    • 6

      Take regular measurements of both ends of the cue to check your progress. Once you have reached the desired diameter, give the shaft a thorough examination. If there are any irregular areas, sand those out until smooth and even. Wipe the dust off it thoroughly with a clean washcloth when you are done sanding.

    • 7

      Apply spray varnish to the finished pool stick. If you want to stain the cue first, go ahead. Allow the varnish -- and stain, if applicable -- to dry thoroughly according to the product instructions before handling.

    On a Lathe

    • 8

      Measure the diameter of the shaft on both ends to find the starting diameter measurements. Write these down on a piece of paper.

    • 9

      Place the pool cue in a lathe and secure it in place with the chucks. Read the instruction manual for your chosen lathe. Use the lathe only if you are familiar with how it works and any precautions that you need to follow.

    • 10

      Put on eye protection and gloves. Check around the lathe to make sure everything is secured in place and that everything is clear of the lathe. Turn the machine on and set it to a low rotation speed.

    • 11

      Position a coarse-grit sandpaper block at one end of the cue shaft. Gently make contact with the shaft. Hold it in one spot just long enough to remove the varnish. Slowly work your way down to the other end. Work your way back up if there is any varnish still on the shaft.

    • 12

      Turn the lathe off for a moment. Wipe the shaft with a clean washcloth.

    • 13

      Position a medium-grit sandpaper block on one end of the shaft. Work in the same manner from end to end. Once you have made it down and back again, turn the machine off and remeasure the cue shaft at both ends to check your progress. If you need to remove more to reduce the diameter a bit more, turn the machine on a make another pass. Continue this step until you have reached the desired diameter.

    • 14

      Turn the machine off and remove the cue from the lathe. Place it on a flat surface that is protected by newspapers. Wipe the sawdust off it thoroughly with a clean washcloth.

    • 15

      Apply some spray varnish to the finished pool stick. If you want to stain the cue first, go ahead. Allow the varnish -- and stain, if applicable -- to dry thoroughly according to the product instructions before handling.