How to Make Pool Cues With a Lathe

Pool became popular in the 1600's. When this was happening, the pool cue was not a cue, but rather a mace. Since it was so big on one end, during difficult shots, players would turn the mace around and use the other end. That was the beginning of the actual pool cue we use today.

Things You'll Need

  • wood
  • donut shaped metal blade
  • washers, nickel and plastic
  • lathe
  • screws
  • linen wrap
  • spray paint
  • glue
  • ebony, ivory pieces
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take a block of maple wood and run it through a donut shaped metal blade (i.e. 3 inches in diameter). This will be your butt piece. Run another block of wood down about 2 inches in diameter. This will be your forearm.

    • 2

      Make the stick sturdy by putting on a donut shaped black piece of plastic, the size of the butt, over the forearm. Glue the plastic piece over the end of the forearm on one end. This is the end that will connect to the butt piece.

    • 3

      Glue down a nickel washer on place of the black plastic washer. Screw the forearm into the center of the butt piece.

    • 4

      Once the stick is one long butt piece, run the stick through your lathe, slimming the stick down to its desired diameter.

    • 5

      Carve patterns into your stick as you wish. Cut your ebony and ivory into the same shape as the carvings.

    • 6

      Use a drill to create a thread inside the hole of the stick. Screw the joint into the rest of the stick.

    • 7

      Spray paint your stick.

    • 8

      Put glue in the carvings and place ebony and ivory pieces inside.

    • 9

      Glue linen wrap on the handle of stick. You are now ready to play.