GREENPLATE & BLACKPLATE CUES
These cues are the top of our range, they will be made in the traditional way by taking a 60” x 1.5” x 1.5” square of ash or maple which has been cut from a board specially selected for its straightness of grain and density.
This square will then be gradually hand planed in gradual stages over a period of up to 1 year into a round tapered shaft allowing the wood to settle after each stage.
This time consuming process requires a high level of skill and accuracy, this ensures a shaft retains its straightness rigidity and stability which is vital in the construction of a top quality cue capable of playing the full range of shots required.
If any faults or blemishes are found at any stage of this process then the shaft is rejected. The butt is made up of 4 separate pieces of wood (known as splices) generally ebony or rosewood which is laminated onto the shaft; this also requires a high degree of skill and accuracy to produce a cue that has very even top and bottom splice points.
The butt can be enhanced by using a combination of decorative exotic hardwoods selected for their distinctive colours and figure, natural wood and coloured veneers can be used to produce a truly individual and unique cue.
For two piece cues a brass joint is fitted to the centre or butt of the cue, a long hole is then drilled into the bottom of the butt to be weighted. The cue is then cut to length and a brass ferrule is fitted ready to accept a tip, its then hand sanded through 7 different grades of sandpaper to its final size.
The bottom of the butt is finished either totally round or more traditionally with a small flat section planed of the bottom, the cue is then weighted and the nameplate if fitted.
A base joint that accepts a mini butt and telescopic extension is fitted to the base of the cue, the cue is then sealed with a fine grain sealer and a leather tip is fitted and shaped.
The final process is to linseed oil polish the cue to a silky smooth finish, the cue is then checked by sight for straightness and is then ready for play.