Jacoby Cues: A Love Story. ~ Sharon Jacoby My husband once said that he fell in love with me because being with me made him want to be a better person. I strongly believe that, many years before, he fell in love with cue making for the same reason. It is rare to find someone so passionate about their art that it causes the person to extend beyond who they are.
This same passion for taking care of their own is the reason they don’t outsource. Owning the business with Dave has also fostered a more rich sense of family. We laughed when, at four, our son Alex told Brandon, “When I grow up, I’m going to work at the shop with you, and we’re going to drive each other nuts.” We teased that he must have been listening to Dad and Grandpa talking. I think it is in design that Brandon is most happy. He Through the years, many cousins and friends have bewill lay in bed sometimes working on drawing up a new design, messing with it until it is just right. It is the ultimate exercise in perseverance and patience. He basks in the excitement of seeing a design reach completion.
“This same passion for taking care of their own is the reason they don’t outsource.”
come part of the business family as well. As I look at Sometimes, with the enthusiasm of a kid who has the relationships in that building, it is amazing to me lost their first tooth or learned to ride a bike without the love that they share. training wheels, Brandon will pull me into the shop to show me what he’s made. I think about the ways that everyone pours themselves into the business, and I also know the sacrifices they It is in cue making that Brandon is the ultimate per- would and do make for me and for our family, and I fectionist. It was shortly after we were married that we am so grateful. were sitting around a campfire — Brandon and Dave had taken cues that hadn’t made the cut and were us- I am continually amazed at the way Brandon pours ing them to stir the fire. When in the shop, it astounds his heart and soul into what he is doing. Even when me what little imperfection will cause a cue to fail to he isn’t at the shop, I’m pretty sure that’s where his meet their high standards. mind is. He works harder than anyone I know and makes sure that whatever he does is done right. He Cue making certainly taught Brandon and Dave both cares for each person in the building and really values the importance of sacrifice. For many years, they both who they are and their dedication. put in long hours at the shop before heading out on the road. But it was in working diligently when others So, when Brandon told me that he fell in love with would have gone home or out to a ballgame that they me because I made him want to be a better person, I have become successful. guess I fell in love with him because being a cue maker already. I have often heard the words, “you’ve got to make hay when the sun is shining.” After missing a cousin’s Sharon Jacoby lives in Nekoosa, WI with her husband wedding, she noted that Brandon may have missed Brandon and their four beautiful children. Sharon is a his own wedding if a tournament would have come kindergarten teacher by day and chases her children by up. night. She has recently begun shooting pool in the APA and dreams of one day becoming a level three. At the beginning of the business, there would be Photo: Rob Brumm times when finances would be tight. Brandon and Editor: Hannah Blue Dave would forgo taking their own paychecks so they could avoid laying anyone off. They have such a sense of responsibility for caring for their employees.
Jacoby Cues: A Love Story. ~ Sharon Jacoby My husband once said that he fell in love with me because being with me made him want to be a better person. I strongly believe that, many years before, he fell in love with cue making for the same reason. It is rare to find someone so passionate about their art that it causes the person to extend beyond who they are.
This same passion for taking care of their own is the reason they don’t outsource. Owning the business with Dave has also fostered a more rich sense of family. We laughed when, at four, our son Alex told Brandon, “When I grow up, I’m going to work at the shop with you, and we’re going to drive each other nuts.” We teased that he must have been listening to Dad and Grandpa talking. I think it is in design that Brandon is most happy. He Through the years, many cousins and friends have bewill lay in bed sometimes working on drawing up a new design, messing with it until it is just right. It is the ultimate exercise in perseverance and patience. He basks in the excitement of seeing a design reach completion.
“This same passion for taking care of their own is the reason they don’t outsource.”
come part of the business family as well. As I look at Sometimes, with the enthusiasm of a kid who has the relationships in that building, it is amazing to me lost their first tooth or learned to ride a bike without the love that they share. training wheels, Brandon will pull me into the shop to show me what he’s made. I think about the ways that everyone pours themselves into the business, and I also know the sacrifices they It is in cue making that Brandon is the ultimate per- would and do make for me and for our family, and I fectionist. It was shortly after we were married that we am so grateful. were sitting around a campfire — Brandon and Dave had taken cues that hadn’t made the cut and were us- I am continually amazed at the way Brandon pours ing them to stir the fire. When in the shop, it astounds his heart and soul into what he is doing. Even when me what little imperfection will cause a cue to fail to he isn’t at the shop, I’m pretty sure that’s where his meet their high standards. mind is. He works harder than anyone I know and makes sure that whatever he does is done right. He Cue making certainly taught Brandon and Dave both cares for each person in the building and really values the importance of sacrifice. For many years, they both who they are and their dedication. put in long hours at the shop before heading out on the road. But it was in working diligently when others So, when Brandon told me that he fell in love with would have gone home or out to a ballgame that they me because I made him want to be a better person, I have become successful. guess I fell in love with him because being a cue maker already. I have often heard the words, “you’ve got to make hay when the sun is shining.” After missing a cousin’s Sharon Jacoby lives in Nekoosa, WI with her husband wedding, she noted that Brandon may have missed Brandon and their four beautiful children. Sharon is a his own wedding if a tournament would have come kindergarten teacher by day and chases her children by up. night. She has recently begun shooting pool in the APA and dreams of one day becoming a level three. At the beginning of the business, there would be Photo: Rob Brumm times when finances would be tight. Brandon and Editor: Hannah Blue Dave would forgo taking their own paychecks so they could avoid laying anyone off. They have such a sense of responsibility for caring for their employees.
The Short Jump Shot by The Drill Instructor
For some of you, it’s about time you learned how to jump a cue ball. For others, it’s time to perfect your jumping skills even more. While some people would rather complain that jump cues don’t belong in the game, most of whom, I guess, don’t jump very well themselves, jumping is an integral part of pocket billiard games and a jumping cue is nothing more than a tool that can make executing the jump shot more effective. You still have to work at becoming proficient with a jump cue and the jump shot.
Jumping, Part 1 - The Short Jump Shot The #1 most asked question I hear is: Where do I hit the cue ball? 1. For this practice illustration, I’m using an Aramith Pro pool ball. 2. Space the solid object balls up the center line of the table, as shown above. 3. Place the striped object balls (which represent the cue ball) IN LINE WITH EACH SOLID BALL aiming into the side pocket, approximately ½ diamond length apart, as shown in the illustration. 4. Be sure each stripe is perfectly horizontal and the numbers are in line with the side pocket. 5. The shaft of your jump cue is elevated to about 45°. 6. The tip of the jump cue is aimed directly at the colored paint line between the numbered and clear white sections on the object ball. 7. Aim to jump-shoot the striped object ball over the solid ball and into the side pocket. 8. Be sure your back grip hand or fingers are very loose at all times. 9. Hit and follow through with the same speed and force as if you were stabbing a steak knife deep into an apple or like spearing a fish. The #2 most asked question I hear is: How do I hold the jump cue? Here is where much can be said about the different techniques for jumping. Many players like to use what I call the “crouch-n-chicken” technique. Other players use the “darting” technique. Among thesetwo most popular forms of jumping there are several stylistic differences. There are convincing arguments advocating that one way is better than the other. The fact is, the best one for you is the one that makes you feel the most comfortable and you work hardest at to develop your jump skill proficiencies. Don’t just try one way to decide. Over the coming lessons, I hope to break down the techniques of jumping and the different types of jump shots. I promise to bring you clear and accurate information to learn from. This jumping drill and many others can be found in the newly released Book and DVD by The Drill Instructor, BOOT CAMP.
The Short Jump Shot by The Drill Instructor
For some of you, it’s about time you learned how to jump a cue ball. For others, it’s time to perfect your jumping skills even more. While some people would rather complain that jump cues don’t belong in the game, most of whom, I guess, don’t jump very well themselves, jumping is an integral part of pocket billiard games and a jumping cue is nothing more than a tool that can make executing the jump shot more effective. You still have to work at becoming proficient with a jump cue and the jump shot.
Jumping, Part 1 - The Short Jump Shot The #1 most asked question I hear is: Where do I hit the cue ball? 1. For this practice illustration, I’m using an Aramith Pro pool ball. 2. Space the solid object balls up the center line of the table, as shown above. 3. Place the striped object balls (which represent the cue ball) IN LINE WITH EACH SOLID BALL aiming into the side pocket, approximately ½ diamond length apart, as shown in the illustration. 4. Be sure each stripe is perfectly horizontal and the numbers are in line with the side pocket. 5. The shaft of your jump cue is elevated to about 45°. 6. The tip of the jump cue is aimed directly at the colored paint line between the numbered and clear white sections on the object ball. 7. Aim to jump-shoot the striped object ball over the solid ball and into the side pocket. 8. Be sure your back grip hand or fingers are very loose at all times. 9. Hit and follow through with the same speed and force as if you were stabbing a steak knife deep into an apple or like spearing a fish. The #2 most asked question I hear is: How do I hold the jump cue? Here is where much can be said about the different techniques for jumping. Many players like to use what I call the “crouch-n-chicken” technique. Other players use the “darting” technique. Among thesetwo most popular forms of jumping there are several stylistic differences. There are convincing arguments advocating that one way is better than the other. The fact is, the best one for you is the one that makes you feel the most comfortable and you work hardest at to develop your jump skill proficiencies. Don’t just try one way to decide. Over the coming lessons, I hope to break down the techniques of jumping and the different types of jump shots. I promise to bring you clear and accurate information to learn from. This jumping drill and many others can be found in the newly released Book and DVD by The Drill Instructor, BOOT CAMP.
7packs & a few 10s, and second, he earns most of his living playing pool, the rest, playing Poker. He has played some great pool players including Johnny Archer, Larry Nevel, Shane Van Boening, Jeanette Lee & Kelly Fisher. Yes, that is good!
Sponsored by Jacoby Custom Cues, Billythekid has made a name for himself in the industry. In addition to his ability to run many racks in both 8 & 9ball, some very impressive accomplishments will always make him proud, but still very humble! He does not brag. He plays pool. He plays it very very well. Though not much of a typical national league player, Billy will try to get weeks in subbing so he can qualify for national tournaments, BCA, VNEA & WSPA. Instead, he is deeply into and well known in the tournament scene with quite impressive wins therein: Top Wisconsin Road Player & Top Amateur Semi Pro Player, and is one of the best one-handed players in the country, established not via tournaments but by Challenge Matches.
Billy said [He] “was never really a bad player” & always “very competitive, a good eye.” He was his father’s pool instructor. That he is an instructor is ironic in that Billythekid does not practice! However, he does consider himself a “constant student.” In terms of plans for his future, Billythekid Lasse sees a He does own & for help has referred to “The 99 Critical Shots in Pool”, Ray Martin, & “Playing off the Rail” which is a road player’s guide. The next book he will read is “The Inner Game of Tennis”, W. Timothy Gallwey. All three books are wellknown and used by folks in the industry.
Billythekid Lasee
by Missy Capestrain
Pronounced: Bi-lee-thuh-KID- LA za-ay, and that’s Lasee not Lasso. Billythekid is quite the character with some very interesting talents not held by many. His unique abilities include “the gift of face manipulation” and “study of Jedi Mind Powers at L.O.L. Academy for the talented.” At 33 years old, he can be considered somewhat of a “Young Gun”, and actually was as he played during his teens and 20s. Billy was born & raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Aside from Thekid’s more unique abilities, he is a talented Poker Player – of smaller venues – and a very adept, self-taught pool player- of both local & national venues. He has won 11 State titles playing during national pool league tournaments. Actually, he can be considered a semi pro player because first, he is that good, putting together a 12pack in 9ball (ran 12 racks in a row), a 17pack in 8ball along with many
Billy’s mother (RIP), has passed. “She was [as a player] OK” as is a step brother. It is Antigo, WI to where, at 17 years old, he moved from Milwaukee to care for his mother during her illness. He and girlfriend Kaylee Reimer– who does not play pool, but is a great supporter- have made it their home. Billy made it a point to say that his grandma is probably his biggest supporter!
“wild open track”. If he didn’t “make enough money to keep [his] living, [he] would get a job”. He is happy to continue upholding his image as a great Midwest player in both tournaments and Challenge Matches, all the while remaining cordial & “humble”, his most important contribution in increasing respect for the game of pool & its community. Billythekid Lasse practices what he preaches. He just doesn’t practice pool! Thank you, Billy, for letting us rope you in for a fun interview & opportunity to know you as player & person & write an article. In her 35+ years of pool playing, Missy has been deeply involved with many aspects of the sport. She and her husband ran a BCA 8-Ball League for 15 years, as well as three person 9-Ball, Singles 8 & 9, and Scotch Doubles part of that time. She ran a Junior BCA/BEF Junior League—the largest and longest running in her area—for 13 years, with year end banquets and tournaments for all of the leagues. She has run tournaments for all ages and levels of play groups, and is a Certified BCA Instructor with concentration on children and females.Missy has played at local, regional and national venues. She even has a $6400 fundraiser tournament for Domestic Violence and Wheelchair Players under her belt. Many, many hours have been donated to the sport with 300+ in free lessons and clinics for juniors. She is happy to be writing articles for Sneaky Pete Mafia Magazine, presently.Missyhas been, and will continue to be, a true ambassador of the sport.
A strongly held personal conviction, Billythekid considers as well his mission in life is to make pool better, a more respectable sport. The humble person that he is, Thekid often is seen mingling with players & nonplayers alike. He takes time to stop, shake hands and be sincere. He likes to thank others for their support & admiration all Photo Credit: Billythekid Lassee the while remaining humble & honest. Tigerlilyz Photography
Holding himself to the same standards as others, Billy places great importance in his motto “Say what you mean & mean what you say.”
7packs & a few 10s, and second, he earns most of his living playing pool, the rest, playing Poker. He has played some great pool players including Johnny Archer, Larry Nevel, Shane Van Boening, Jeanette Lee & Kelly Fisher. Yes, that is good!
Sponsored by Jacoby Custom Cues, Billythekid has made a name for himself in the industry. In addition to his ability to run many racks in both 8 & 9ball, some very impressive accomplishments will always make him proud, but still very humble! He does not brag. He plays pool. He plays it very very well. Though not much of a typical national league player, Billy will try to get weeks in subbing so he can qualify for national tournaments, BCA, VNEA & WSPA. Instead, he is deeply into and well known in the tournament scene with quite impressive wins therein: Top Wisconsin Road Player & Top Amateur Semi Pro Player, and is one of the best one-handed players in the country, established not via tournaments but by Challenge Matches.
Billy said [He] “was never really a bad player” & always “very competitive, a good eye.” He was his father’s pool instructor. That he is an instructor is ironic in that Billythekid does not practice! However, he does consider himself a “constant student.” In terms of plans for his future, Billythekid Lasse sees a He does own & for help has referred to “The 99 Critical Shots in Pool”, Ray Martin, & “Playing off the Rail” which is a road player’s guide. The next book he will read is “The Inner Game of Tennis”, W. Timothy Gallwey. All three books are wellknown and used by folks in the industry.
Billythekid Lasee
by Missy Capestrain
Pronounced: Bi-lee-thuh-KID- LA za-ay, and that’s Lasee not Lasso. Billythekid is quite the character with some very interesting talents not held by many. His unique abilities include “the gift of face manipulation” and “study of Jedi Mind Powers at L.O.L. Academy for the talented.” At 33 years old, he can be considered somewhat of a “Young Gun”, and actually was as he played during his teens and 20s. Billy was born & raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Aside from Thekid’s more unique abilities, he is a talented Poker Player – of smaller venues – and a very adept, self-taught pool player- of both local & national venues. He has won 11 State titles playing during national pool league tournaments. Actually, he can be considered a semi pro player because first, he is that good, putting together a 12pack in 9ball (ran 12 racks in a row), a 17pack in 8ball along with many
Billy’s mother (RIP), has passed. “She was [as a player] OK” as is a step brother. It is Antigo, WI to where, at 17 years old, he moved from Milwaukee to care for his mother during her illness. He and girlfriend Kaylee Reimer– who does not play pool, but is a great supporter- have made it their home. Billy made it a point to say that his grandma is probably his biggest supporter!
“wild open track”. If he didn’t “make enough money to keep [his] living, [he] would get a job”. He is happy to continue upholding his image as a great Midwest player in both tournaments and Challenge Matches, all the while remaining cordial & “humble”, his most important contribution in increasing respect for the game of pool & its community. Billythekid Lasse practices what he preaches. He just doesn’t practice pool! Thank you, Billy, for letting us rope you in for a fun interview & opportunity to know you as player & person & write an article. In her 35+ years of pool playing, Missy has been deeply involved with many aspects of the sport. She and her husband ran a BCA 8-Ball League for 15 years, as well as three person 9-Ball, Singles 8 & 9, and Scotch Doubles part of that time. She ran a Junior BCA/BEF Junior League—the largest and longest running in her area—for 13 years, with year end banquets and tournaments for all of the leagues. She has run tournaments for all ages and levels of play groups, and is a Certified BCA Instructor with concentration on children and females.Missy has played at local, regional and national venues. She even has a $6400 fundraiser tournament for Domestic Violence and Wheelchair Players under her belt. Many, many hours have been donated to the sport with 300+ in free lessons and clinics for juniors. She is happy to be writing articles for Sneaky Pete Mafia Magazine, presently.Missyhas been, and will continue to be, a true ambassador of the sport.
A strongly held personal conviction, Billythekid considers as well his mission in life is to make pool better, a more respectable sport. The humble person that he is, Thekid often is seen mingling with players & nonplayers alike. He takes time to stop, shake hands and be sincere. He likes to thank others for their support & admiration all Photo Credit: Billythekid Lassee the while remaining humble & honest. Tigerlilyz Photography
Holding himself to the same standards as others, Billy places great importance in his motto “Say what you mean & mean what you say.”
& Darren Appleton
?
There has recently been discussion and even some controversy over a new product on the market called Cheqio (check-e-oh). According to the Cheqio website, the product is, initially designed for, “Precision sportsmen to stay focused and concentrated for a longer period of time during demanding situations.” Cheqio comes in two forms; the Precision Capsule and the Precision Drink. Long-time pool professional and Cheqio customer, Darren Appleton talks about the right way to use the Cheqio products, and why he believes it can beneficial to anyone’s game when used correctly. It was the World 8-ball Championship in China, 2015 Semi-final match. Appleton, tied up the match at 19-19 in a race to 21. It was close to 11:00 pm, and players had been going non-stop since 9:00 in the morning.
“This was the biggest pressure situation I’ve ever been in,” says Appleton while recalling the late night make-or-break match. Any player at this point would be shaky, tired, fatigued and even mentally drained. But, not Darren Appleton. “Without Cheqio, I would not have won that match,” Says Appleton. The match ended with Appleton winning 21-19. A Cheqio associate discusses how the need for another ‘energy product’ came about: “Rudy [the company owner] and one of his business partners used to play snooker and they expe-
rienced their own lack of concentration. There were already lots of supplements for sports [and] fitness, athletics, sprinting, etc. But not for precision sports, such as snooker, pool, billiards, darts, golf, etc. To fill in this gap, they contacted experts in dietary supplements in order to develop a product that would increase focus, concentration and stamina.” Because Cheqio is an all-natural product, it has none of the negative side effects that other energizing products such as Red Bull, Coffee or energy shakes, have.
[Baseball is also a sport that’s quite suitable but the roots of our founder are in billiards].” Maybe someday this product will stretch across a broader spectrum of athletics, but for today it stays in concentration and mental stamina-heavy competition.
Darren Appleton has been using Cheqio for 1.5 years (and started during the Mosconi 2014), but has officially been sponsored by the brand for a year. He names a few Pool Professionals that also use Cheqio says the only negative complaint they have and swear by the product: Ralf Souquet, Jayson gotten is the taste of the drink, but Shaw, Karl Boyes and Scott Frost. All, “that’s something we guess people ”Without Cheqio, undoubtedly established, competitors. need to get used to: Not a sweet I would not have Appleton’s advice for people who want drink and the pure taste of saffron won that match.” to use Cheqio but are skeptical is this; and other nutrients.” “Take the time to experiment. [Don’t be naive.] Try one in the morning or one at night to “I used to drink a lot of coffee, which was stupid,” says Appleton. He also comments on how he used start.” to drink shakes for energy but, “they’re a pain in the Appleton says he looks forward most to playing ass to make all the time.” Shane Van Boening, “because of his break. He Cheqio is simple and consistent. Appleton’s brings out the best in me.” routine is one that works for him. On days that he knows will be long days, he takes a Precision Maybe, with the help of Cheqio, we will see some Capsule at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and again at 5pm. different outcomes in Appleton’s future matches. On longer days when it gets to be a grind around 7pm or 10pm, Appleton will have a Precision This is not a product that will change you magdrink or another Capsule to make it through. ically in minutes, but if used correctly, could increase your mental stamina and concentration “You need to find out how much or little works for exponentially. you. Not everyone is the same”, warns Appleton. Now, Cheqio is not for all athletes or competitors. For more information on Cheqio, visit their webIt seems to be blowing up in the billiards, darts and site at Cheqio.com. archery world. Here’s what Cheqio had to say about Author: Jeanna Diedrich that: “We are targeting in pool, billiards, darts, golf and other precision sports, In these sports, you need to be focused all the time. Even a 1% better focus could be the difference between winning or losing said several players. And who know, maybe in the future the more active sports could benefit from Cheqio as well.
& Darren Appleton
?
There has recently been discussion and even some controversy over a new product on the market called Cheqio (check-e-oh). According to the Cheqio website, the product is, initially designed for, “Precision sportsmen to stay focused and concentrated for a longer period of time during demanding situations.” Cheqio comes in two forms; the Precision Capsule and the Precision Drink. Long-time pool professional and Cheqio customer, Darren Appleton talks about the right way to use the Cheqio products, and why he believes it can beneficial to anyone’s game when used correctly. It was the World 8-ball Championship in China, 2015 Semi-final match. Appleton, tied up the match at 19-19 in a race to 21. It was close to 11:00 pm, and players had been going non-stop since 9:00 in the morning.
“This was the biggest pressure situation I’ve ever been in,” says Appleton while recalling the late night make-or-break match. Any player at this point would be shaky, tired, fatigued and even mentally drained. But, not Darren Appleton. “Without Cheqio, I would not have won that match,” Says Appleton. The match ended with Appleton winning 21-19. A Cheqio associate discusses how the need for another ‘energy product’ came about: “Rudy [the company owner] and one of his business partners used to play snooker and they expe-
rienced their own lack of concentration. There were already lots of supplements for sports [and] fitness, athletics, sprinting, etc. But not for precision sports, such as snooker, pool, billiards, darts, golf, etc. To fill in this gap, they contacted experts in dietary supplements in order to develop a product that would increase focus, concentration and stamina.” Because Cheqio is an all-natural product, it has none of the negative side effects that other energizing products such as Red Bull, Coffee or energy shakes, have.
[Baseball is also a sport that’s quite suitable but the roots of our founder are in billiards].” Maybe someday this product will stretch across a broader spectrum of athletics, but for today it stays in concentration and mental stamina-heavy competition.
Darren Appleton has been using Cheqio for 1.5 years (and started during the Mosconi 2014), but has officially been sponsored by the brand for a year. He names a few Pool Professionals that also use Cheqio says the only negative complaint they have and swear by the product: Ralf Souquet, Jayson gotten is the taste of the drink, but Shaw, Karl Boyes and Scott Frost. All, “that’s something we guess people ”Without Cheqio, undoubtedly established, competitors. need to get used to: Not a sweet I would not have Appleton’s advice for people who want drink and the pure taste of saffron won that match.” to use Cheqio but are skeptical is this; and other nutrients.” “Take the time to experiment. [Don’t be naive.] Try one in the morning or one at night to “I used to drink a lot of coffee, which was stupid,” says Appleton. He also comments on how he used start.” to drink shakes for energy but, “they’re a pain in the Appleton says he looks forward most to playing ass to make all the time.” Shane Van Boening, “because of his break. He Cheqio is simple and consistent. Appleton’s brings out the best in me.” routine is one that works for him. On days that he knows will be long days, he takes a Precision Maybe, with the help of Cheqio, we will see some Capsule at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and again at 5pm. different outcomes in Appleton’s future matches. On longer days when it gets to be a grind around 7pm or 10pm, Appleton will have a Precision This is not a product that will change you magdrink or another Capsule to make it through. ically in minutes, but if used correctly, could increase your mental stamina and concentration “You need to find out how much or little works for exponentially. you. Not everyone is the same”, warns Appleton. Now, Cheqio is not for all athletes or competitors. For more information on Cheqio, visit their webIt seems to be blowing up in the billiards, darts and site at Cheqio.com. archery world. Here’s what Cheqio had to say about Author: Jeanna Diedrich that: “We are targeting in pool, billiards, darts, golf and other precision sports, In these sports, you need to be focused all the time. Even a 1% better focus could be the difference between winning or losing said several players. And who know, maybe in the future the more active sports could benefit from Cheqio as well.
McDermott Glove Review I recently had the pleasure of doing a product review on the new McDermott glove.
I have to first off start by saying that I have used many different gloves and finger sliders recently. McDermott has been a leader in cues for many years and this is a newer product launch for them. The glove comes in its own box and ready to go on and be played with. The mesh on the underside is really breathable and allows it to stretch to fit the size of your hands. For those who are wearing the glove, it’s largely in part because you have sweaty hands and that makes your shaft not slide through your fingers as easy as it should. In most cases, proper shaft maintenance will allow a smoother gliding. When that is not the case, you are looking for a glove that fits your personal needs as a player.
the only part of the glove that could use a little more research and development. When you extend that portion the velcro grabs on the spandex and over time I can see that being an issue. Honestly, the glove is really well constructed and I give it a 5 out of 5 Sneaky Pete’s. It’s a good investment for the price and will last you more than a season if taken care of. I would like to see the glove in a full finger and a half finger version. To my knowledge the glove only comes in a left handed glove and I’m not sure if McDermott has intentions of making it in a right handed version.
MSRP: $25 The Billiard Glove provides a smooth and consistent stroke by reducing friction between your hand and the shaft. Features: • • • • • •
Lightweight, stretchable material for enhanced comfort Breathable mesh palm with cushioned pad Fingertip cut-outs for increased feel Adjustable Velcro strap White clover logo 82% nylon/18% spandex
Available sizes: S, M, L Designed for right-handed players.Glove fits on the left hand.
This glove has open fingertips and fits a little large. I usually wear a medium in just about everything that I use. This glove has all the seams reinforced and I really like that feature. I feel that this glove will last a long time with plenty of use. The glove has a leather palm piece sewn into the construction swayed side up and allows you to have a little more traction on the table. Whether you use an open or a closed bridge this glove will suit your needs. This glove is consistent with some of the other product on the market in price and general design. The glove has an adjustable velcro tab that tightens the glove over the wrist. I see that being
Garret Troop is the owner and CEO of Sneaky Pete Mafia. He created this community as a way to being together people that have a love of billiards. He has never had a passion for anything like he has for Sneaky Pete Mafia. He hopes to bring together a group of people that and create a family of those that share his passion. Photo: Shaylyn Troop
McDermott Glove Review I recently had the pleasure of doing a product review on the new McDermott glove.
I have to first off start by saying that I have used many different gloves and finger sliders recently. McDermott has been a leader in cues for many years and this is a newer product launch for them. The glove comes in its own box and ready to go on and be played with. The mesh on the underside is really breathable and allows it to stretch to fit the size of your hands. For those who are wearing the glove, it’s largely in part because you have sweaty hands and that makes your shaft not slide through your fingers as easy as it should. In most cases, proper shaft maintenance will allow a smoother gliding. When that is not the case, you are looking for a glove that fits your personal needs as a player.
the only part of the glove that could use a little more research and development. When you extend that portion the velcro grabs on the spandex and over time I can see that being an issue. Honestly, the glove is really well constructed and I give it a 5 out of 5 Sneaky Pete’s. It’s a good investment for the price and will last you more than a season if taken care of. I would like to see the glove in a full finger and a half finger version. To my knowledge the glove only comes in a left handed glove and I’m not sure if McDermott has intentions of making it in a right handed version.
MSRP: $25 The Billiard Glove provides a smooth and consistent stroke by reducing friction between your hand and the shaft. Features: • • • • • •
Lightweight, stretchable material for enhanced comfort Breathable mesh palm with cushioned pad Fingertip cut-outs for increased feel Adjustable Velcro strap White clover logo 82% nylon/18% spandex
Available sizes: S, M, L Designed for right-handed players.Glove fits on the left hand.
This glove has open fingertips and fits a little large. I usually wear a medium in just about everything that I use. This glove has all the seams reinforced and I really like that feature. I feel that this glove will last a long time with plenty of use. The glove has a leather palm piece sewn into the construction swayed side up and allows you to have a little more traction on the table. Whether you use an open or a closed bridge this glove will suit your needs. This glove is consistent with some of the other product on the market in price and general design. The glove has an adjustable velcro tab that tightens the glove over the wrist. I see that being
Garret Troop is the owner and CEO of Sneaky Pete Mafia. He created this community as a way to being together people that have a love of billiards. He has never had a passion for anything like he has for Sneaky Pete Mafia. He hopes to bring together a group of people that and create a family of those that share his passion. Photo: Shaylyn Troop
A Biography: Joe Pechauer ~ April Larson Due to his father, Jerry Pechauer, being a member of the pool world for many years; Joe had it in his blood to do something involving this wonderful sport. Ever since he could see over the table, he took part in doing what he could to learn what he could about pool. Until around the age of 20, Joe was more into playing, than producing cues. Yes, he helped with the business up until this age; but until the business needed him most, he wanted to play. Looking back on it now he will never forget the winning eight ball of the tournament he won when he was only 15 years old, defeating 45 men. That’s quite an amazing feat.
His shop consists of three different sections. A retail showroom, a sawing section and the main shop. It is quite the large shop as well. It is a total of 15,000 square feet. That space is where all the magic of the makings of their cues happens. Must be quite the sight inside that building. That is indeed where Joe’s favorite cue he ever built was made which was the 2013 People’s Choice Cue of the Year.
Pechauer is a company whose products are made in the U.S.A. This is very hard to find as many cues are now made overseas. It is very important to Joe that his products remain made in the U.S.A. and in his shop. He actually makes every As many sons do, part of the cue Joe took after his (except the tip and father. Watching, rubber bumper) admiring and learnso that he can make sure that his products are ing about the fascinating art of making a pool to the highest standard possible. He also takes cue. He still has his hands on every single cue that makes its way out of the shop to make sure pride in being a part of the American Cuemakers Association and admires many of the cueit is of the best quality and precision. His favorite part of creating a new cue is placing the maker members and their work. inlays in the cue. Joe loves seeing the natural Joe would like to thank a couple people for beauty pop out of the exotic woods. It truly much of his success in the pool industry. He is an amazing sight, which is why he takes so was very inspired by two important people in much satisfaction when seeing all the beauty and wonder in all his work while staring at his his life, his father and Fred Mali. They had the finished projects and taking in how all his hard same passion he did which was figuring out how to build the machines needed to build work has turned into something magical. the best cues possible and that will hold up The Pechauer company is a family based busi- through everything a cue goes through and what materials were needed to make the best ness. That being said, he takes very good care of all his workers as they do to him. It is a lov- cue as well. Much teamwork was needed to get ing environment at the shop between him and where he and his company is now. all his colleagues. He values everyone the same.
He would also like to thank mom and dad for all they do for the company and his family, Polly (his wife) and Jake and Riley (his two sons) for being as understanding as they can be with having a husband and father who is part of a business that means so much to him.
maple, and the main shop where all of the cues and cue parts are made.
AL: What is the plan for the future? JP: The plan for the future is to keep promoting the all made in our USA shop cues while updating some old equipment and always trying This being said, he has quite the future planned to make an even better cue. for his American company. He would love to just keep promoting and improving the cues. AL: How are competitors cues different In other words, just keep making the company than your cues? better and better. JP: There are so many other cues on the market. The quality is all across the board. Many are made overseas, and others made is the Interview questions and answers: US. There are some great cue makers whom I admire and some that I sometimes don’t seem AL: When did you know this is what you to agree with. At the end of the day the biggest wanted to do with your life? thing I always want people to realize is that JP: I have played pool since I was able to stand every single part of my cue is made in my shop over a table. My Dad was a very good play(except the tip and the rubber bumper). That is er and we played together a lot. While he was the only way that I can assure that every part doing repairs on cues in our basement, I startthat goes into my cues is to the highest staned playing around myself on it around age 13. dard. When I was 16 my dad quit his full time job to start the company selling pool tables and cues. It was called Custom Cues and Quality Billiards. I AL: Who is the man physically making the cues? did all of the pool table installs after school and JP: If I were only making 50-100 cues per worked in the store. From there I never really looked back. My Dad was the boss and my Mom year I could say that I am the only one making the cues. Because there are so many steps did the books. and areas in the shop so the cues can be made efficiently and with the best quality there are AL: Where do you want to see your cues go different hands working on the cues. There are in the future? JP: My hope is to be able to spend more time on excellent women and men and together we all the special custom cues. That is where the fun is! have our hands on the cues at different times. I do have my hands on every cue made in the shop. And the true custom cues which are my AL: What are your business ethics? favorite to work on are the ones that I spend JP: I feel that every person in my organization the most personal time on. is as important as the next. Because of being a family business that is the atmosphere I see in the shop and in the front office. I work alongside AL: Do you yourself ever play? JP: I do play maybe once a month in the winsome great people and we really all care a lot ter subbing on a pool team. So really not a lot. about each other. But I am enjoying playing more when I can. I played my most and best pool up until around AL: How big is your facility? age 20 then with the business getting busier it JP: My building is 15,000 sq.ft. It consists of a showroom for our retail store (pool tables, cues, got less and less. accessories). Our custom wood cutting where we AL: If so, what is your biggest accomplishment? do all of our log sawing and kiln drying of the
A Biography: Joe Pechauer ~ April Larson Due to his father, Jerry Pechauer, being a member of the pool world for many years; Joe had it in his blood to do something involving this wonderful sport. Ever since he could see over the table, he took part in doing what he could to learn what he could about pool. Until around the age of 20, Joe was more into playing, than producing cues. Yes, he helped with the business up until this age; but until the business needed him most, he wanted to play. Looking back on it now he will never forget the winning eight ball of the tournament he won when he was only 15 years old, defeating 45 men. That’s quite an amazing feat.
His shop consists of three different sections. A retail showroom, a sawing section and the main shop. It is quite the large shop as well. It is a total of 15,000 square feet. That space is where all the magic of the makings of their cues happens. Must be quite the sight inside that building. That is indeed where Joe’s favorite cue he ever built was made which was the 2013 People’s Choice Cue of the Year.
Pechauer is a company whose products are made in the U.S.A. This is very hard to find as many cues are now made overseas. It is very important to Joe that his products remain made in the U.S.A. and in his shop. He actually makes every As many sons do, part of the cue Joe took after his (except the tip and father. Watching, rubber bumper) admiring and learnso that he can make sure that his products are ing about the fascinating art of making a pool to the highest standard possible. He also takes cue. He still has his hands on every single cue that makes its way out of the shop to make sure pride in being a part of the American Cuemakers Association and admires many of the cueit is of the best quality and precision. His favorite part of creating a new cue is placing the maker members and their work. inlays in the cue. Joe loves seeing the natural Joe would like to thank a couple people for beauty pop out of the exotic woods. It truly much of his success in the pool industry. He is an amazing sight, which is why he takes so was very inspired by two important people in much satisfaction when seeing all the beauty and wonder in all his work while staring at his his life, his father and Fred Mali. They had the finished projects and taking in how all his hard same passion he did which was figuring out how to build the machines needed to build work has turned into something magical. the best cues possible and that will hold up The Pechauer company is a family based busi- through everything a cue goes through and what materials were needed to make the best ness. That being said, he takes very good care of all his workers as they do to him. It is a lov- cue as well. Much teamwork was needed to get ing environment at the shop between him and where he and his company is now. all his colleagues. He values everyone the same.
He would also like to thank mom and dad for all they do for the company and his family, Polly (his wife) and Jake and Riley (his two sons) for being as understanding as they can be with having a husband and father who is part of a business that means so much to him.
maple, and the main shop where all of the cues and cue parts are made.
AL: What is the plan for the future? JP: The plan for the future is to keep promoting the all made in our USA shop cues while updating some old equipment and always trying This being said, he has quite the future planned to make an even better cue. for his American company. He would love to just keep promoting and improving the cues. AL: How are competitors cues different In other words, just keep making the company than your cues? better and better. JP: There are so many other cues on the market. The quality is all across the board. Many are made overseas, and others made is the Interview questions and answers: US. There are some great cue makers whom I admire and some that I sometimes don’t seem AL: When did you know this is what you to agree with. At the end of the day the biggest wanted to do with your life? thing I always want people to realize is that JP: I have played pool since I was able to stand every single part of my cue is made in my shop over a table. My Dad was a very good play(except the tip and the rubber bumper). That is er and we played together a lot. While he was the only way that I can assure that every part doing repairs on cues in our basement, I startthat goes into my cues is to the highest staned playing around myself on it around age 13. dard. When I was 16 my dad quit his full time job to start the company selling pool tables and cues. It was called Custom Cues and Quality Billiards. I AL: Who is the man physically making the cues? did all of the pool table installs after school and JP: If I were only making 50-100 cues per worked in the store. From there I never really looked back. My Dad was the boss and my Mom year I could say that I am the only one making the cues. Because there are so many steps did the books. and areas in the shop so the cues can be made efficiently and with the best quality there are AL: Where do you want to see your cues go different hands working on the cues. There are in the future? JP: My hope is to be able to spend more time on excellent women and men and together we all the special custom cues. That is where the fun is! have our hands on the cues at different times. I do have my hands on every cue made in the shop. And the true custom cues which are my AL: What are your business ethics? favorite to work on are the ones that I spend JP: I feel that every person in my organization the most personal time on. is as important as the next. Because of being a family business that is the atmosphere I see in the shop and in the front office. I work alongside AL: Do you yourself ever play? JP: I do play maybe once a month in the winsome great people and we really all care a lot ter subbing on a pool team. So really not a lot. about each other. But I am enjoying playing more when I can. I played my most and best pool up until around AL: How big is your facility? age 20 then with the business getting busier it JP: My building is 15,000 sq.ft. It consists of a showroom for our retail store (pool tables, cues, got less and less. accessories). Our custom wood cutting where we AL: If so, what is your biggest accomplishment? do all of our log sawing and kiln drying of the
Twenty-six years of work within the industry, with twenty-four of them constructing custom cues, Bob Danielson (BDCuesAndComix.com) could never be seen as a new-comer to the world of billiards. Originally from Seattle, where he lived most of his life, before a decade in the Tri-Cities of southeastern Washington, now living on five acres of land into a dead end road by a farm a hundred times that size. I guess one could guess the peace and quiet was something Bob and family wanted. The veteran cue maker is known for his design for a 6 pie construction applied both in butt and shaft, which brings us to his interview on the SPM magazine’s cue maker’s issue. What Bob says is his particular style of unique construction is “…there is no A-joint. All my cues are based off the 6-pie construction that is used in
my shafts. The cues are simply 6 triangles of one or two species glued back together or used as a core with another species tenoned over the forearm or handle. Others have a 6-pie core of Purpleheart or Bocote with the other woods sleeved over. Most of my cues have little or no metal in them as I prefer to use the G-10 joint pins. Weight can be added by the use of the correct core and weight can be taken out by treatment of the triangles before gluing or if the cue is cored, by the use of a lighter core depending on final weight and wood species being used. I have made a couple of 6-pie Ebony cues that weighed less than 19 oz.” Asking Bob what had originally enticed him to make cues and of those with some influence he recalled,
“At the time there was really no one else besides Predator making LD (low deflection) shafts for the aftermarket and they were doing quite well. I spent 2 years figuring out how to make my version and getting equipment set up. Roger Petit was a big help in this. Dave Tice and I kicked around ideas about LD and laminates while Ron Kilby did testing on the new shafts. Bill Stroud told me some things about cue making in general that solved some problems and which I still incorporate today in my shaft and cue building. Getting players to try an LD shaft was tough unless they had already played with the Predator. If you couldn’t put a shaft in someone’s hands for them to try, it was hard to make them understand the advantages. Also not having large amounts of money for advertising or to go to the Trade Shows made for very slow going. In about 2001, I got into a partnership with a wellknown cue company. It didn’t work out and that venture ended 6 months later. It was during this time that I completed my first 6-pie laminated butts which are still in use today. I had sold a few butt blanks to a couple of cue makers previously, Joe Sanko being the first. Joe was already buying my shaft blanks at that time. His first cue was completed before Predator came out with their laminated break cues. After a 5 year break I went back to making shafts and the laminated butts. Recently I launched the SS360/2 second generation shafts along with more taper options.” Given the hours of tedious hard work behind the craft of cue making, I asked Bob what particular piece of work he was most proud of to date. “I built the Checkered Demon cue very early in my cue making and as events turned out it was a good thing I did. There are some minor things I would change on it at this point in time, but overall I am extremely happy with the finished product. The inspiration for the project came from my interest in Underground Comix and pool cues. By a stroke of luck I was introduced to S. Clay Wilson, one of the godfathers of underground comix. He liked my project idea and agreed to draw up a 6-panel scene depicting the Checkered Demon and Ruby the Dyke in a bar with a pool table. The resulting drawing is over the top in pure Wilson style. The cue is a 6-pie Purpleheart core with a forearm of Ebony/Ivory checkerboard and the same for the butt sleeve. Inlaid in this are curly Maple flames hand dyed deep red. The handle is segmented ivory where Howard Thomas of Sailorsdream scrim-shawed the artwork pretty much as closely drawn by Wilson as can be. There are checkerboard trim rings of Ebony/Ivory in all positions. The cue has a custom wood case, Birdseye Maple, also dyed red with an ivory inlay in the top
with a scrimshawed drawing of the Checkered Demon holding the shark cue. The original artwork, done to the exact size of the cue, was professionally framed.” Danielson included a side note to the cue’s story. Sadly, “…not long after Wilson finished my drawing, he had an accident that left him without memory for a long time. This left him completely without the ability to draw as before. I am not sure if he is drawing anything at this point, but it would never be the same style, ability, or storytelling finesse that he had before the accident.” Bob’s plans for BD Cues in the immediate future in 2017 “We will be looking to expand sales into the dealer market again, first with shafts and then with a line of basic cues. This assumes the plans for the rest of this year go well. Over the years, getting a good supply of maple boards for shafts has been the major problem, but one that seems to be solved at least for the time being. Exotic woods for cues will continue to see large price increases due to the loss of species to pick from and increased legislation banning sales to foreign countries. Cocobolo has just been added to the list of species you cannot export and it is a very popular wood for cue making.” I concluded one final question to Bob. Stating the every craftsman wishes to accomplish something after it’s all said and done. What does he hope to achieve with the end result? “…to have a body of work that I am proud of. To build cues that no one else has and that are known for excellent and consistent playability. As I see it, there is little reason for having beautiful cues that do not play well. Besides that, I want to continue to learn my craft and expand my sales of custom shafts and cues. This last year we got into Seybert’s Billiard Supply with a line of standard shafts and have been trying to catch up on work ever since.” Bob Danielson wanted to add appreciation to some. “A big ‘Thanks’ to those that have endured the wait for your shaft or cue as I have been feverishly trying to play catch-up since taking on these extra orders. My hopes are that by the end of this year the kinks will be worked out and delivery times with shorten considerably for shafts. The wait time for cues probably will get longer because of this, but I am trying to work that out also. Being the only employee has its drawbacks when things get busy.” Author: Keith Diaz Photo: Provided by author with permission from Bob Danielson
Twenty-six years of work within the industry, with twenty-four of them constructing custom cues, Bob Danielson (BDCuesAndComix.com) could never be seen as a new-comer to the world of billiards. Originally from Seattle, where he lived most of his life, before a decade in the Tri-Cities of southeastern Washington, now living on five acres of land into a dead end road by a farm a hundred times that size. I guess one could guess the peace and quiet was something Bob and family wanted. The veteran cue maker is known for his design for a 6 pie construction applied both in butt and shaft, which brings us to his interview on the SPM magazine’s cue maker’s issue. What Bob says is his particular style of unique construction is “…there is no A-joint. All my cues are based off the 6-pie construction that is used in
my shafts. The cues are simply 6 triangles of one or two species glued back together or used as a core with another species tenoned over the forearm or handle. Others have a 6-pie core of Purpleheart or Bocote with the other woods sleeved over. Most of my cues have little or no metal in them as I prefer to use the G-10 joint pins. Weight can be added by the use of the correct core and weight can be taken out by treatment of the triangles before gluing or if the cue is cored, by the use of a lighter core depending on final weight and wood species being used. I have made a couple of 6-pie Ebony cues that weighed less than 19 oz.” Asking Bob what had originally enticed him to make cues and of those with some influence he recalled,
“At the time there was really no one else besides Predator making LD (low deflection) shafts for the aftermarket and they were doing quite well. I spent 2 years figuring out how to make my version and getting equipment set up. Roger Petit was a big help in this. Dave Tice and I kicked around ideas about LD and laminates while Ron Kilby did testing on the new shafts. Bill Stroud told me some things about cue making in general that solved some problems and which I still incorporate today in my shaft and cue building. Getting players to try an LD shaft was tough unless they had already played with the Predator. If you couldn’t put a shaft in someone’s hands for them to try, it was hard to make them understand the advantages. Also not having large amounts of money for advertising or to go to the Trade Shows made for very slow going. In about 2001, I got into a partnership with a wellknown cue company. It didn’t work out and that venture ended 6 months later. It was during this time that I completed my first 6-pie laminated butts which are still in use today. I had sold a few butt blanks to a couple of cue makers previously, Joe Sanko being the first. Joe was already buying my shaft blanks at that time. His first cue was completed before Predator came out with their laminated break cues. After a 5 year break I went back to making shafts and the laminated butts. Recently I launched the SS360/2 second generation shafts along with more taper options.” Given the hours of tedious hard work behind the craft of cue making, I asked Bob what particular piece of work he was most proud of to date. “I built the Checkered Demon cue very early in my cue making and as events turned out it was a good thing I did. There are some minor things I would change on it at this point in time, but overall I am extremely happy with the finished product. The inspiration for the project came from my interest in Underground Comix and pool cues. By a stroke of luck I was introduced to S. Clay Wilson, one of the godfathers of underground comix. He liked my project idea and agreed to draw up a 6-panel scene depicting the Checkered Demon and Ruby the Dyke in a bar with a pool table. The resulting drawing is over the top in pure Wilson style. The cue is a 6-pie Purpleheart core with a forearm of Ebony/Ivory checkerboard and the same for the butt sleeve. Inlaid in this are curly Maple flames hand dyed deep red. The handle is segmented ivory where Howard Thomas of Sailorsdream scrim-shawed the artwork pretty much as closely drawn by Wilson as can be. There are checkerboard trim rings of Ebony/Ivory in all positions. The cue has a custom wood case, Birdseye Maple, also dyed red with an ivory inlay in the top
with a scrimshawed drawing of the Checkered Demon holding the shark cue. The original artwork, done to the exact size of the cue, was professionally framed.” Danielson included a side note to the cue’s story. Sadly, “…not long after Wilson finished my drawing, he had an accident that left him without memory for a long time. This left him completely without the ability to draw as before. I am not sure if he is drawing anything at this point, but it would never be the same style, ability, or storytelling finesse that he had before the accident.” Bob’s plans for BD Cues in the immediate future in 2017 “We will be looking to expand sales into the dealer market again, first with shafts and then with a line of basic cues. This assumes the plans for the rest of this year go well. Over the years, getting a good supply of maple boards for shafts has been the major problem, but one that seems to be solved at least for the time being. Exotic woods for cues will continue to see large price increases due to the loss of species to pick from and increased legislation banning sales to foreign countries. Cocobolo has just been added to the list of species you cannot export and it is a very popular wood for cue making.” I concluded one final question to Bob. Stating the every craftsman wishes to accomplish something after it’s all said and done. What does he hope to achieve with the end result? “…to have a body of work that I am proud of. To build cues that no one else has and that are known for excellent and consistent playability. As I see it, there is little reason for having beautiful cues that do not play well. Besides that, I want to continue to learn my craft and expand my sales of custom shafts and cues. This last year we got into Seybert’s Billiard Supply with a line of standard shafts and have been trying to catch up on work ever since.” Bob Danielson wanted to add appreciation to some. “A big ‘Thanks’ to those that have endured the wait for your shaft or cue as I have been feverishly trying to play catch-up since taking on these extra orders. My hopes are that by the end of this year the kinks will be worked out and delivery times with shorten considerably for shafts. The wait time for cues probably will get longer because of this, but I am trying to work that out also. Being the only employee has its drawbacks when things get busy.” Author: Keith Diaz Photo: Provided by author with permission from Bob Danielson
Aramith...
Ron Daniels: Twisted Tur tle Cues
Artist, painter, poet, musician – Ron Daniels does it all when it comes to the arts, including producing one of the most unique custom cues on the planet! He gets many of his talents from his grandfather who held over 140 patents in his lifetime relating to the medical field.
’cause that’s how I
roll.
Ron’s true passion of custom woodworking led him to discover, and patent, a method of producing extraordinary cues that can be made by only one man. You won’t find the usual cue decorations of points, boxes or inlays. His design is one-of-a-kind and, of course, it has secret ingredients that he won’t divulge. Each cue is truly oneof-a-kind. He did mention that he likes to use domestic woods and has found Indian Rosewood from an old barn, Hawaiian Kamani wood (a sacred Polynesian tree), Curley Mango, Bubinga and a few others. Each cue is made with a lot of thought and dedication to precision. They are a beautiful work of art. Since beginning his cue-making business in 2004, his cues have been in high demand. He has produced approximately 100 cues and has shipped them to Japan, Portugal, Kosovo, England, Canada, and, of course, many states in the USA. His current project consists of working with a pool league operator from Iran who is having him make cues for his entire league.
w w w . a r a m i t h . c o m 888.ARAMITH
Ron Daniels is a colorful and spiritual individual who is part of the Mackinac, Sault St. Marie Tribe of Indians and participates in many tribal rituals. Down-to-earth, no-nonsense, straight-up, say it like it is, kind of person, describes his persona. It certainly was a pleasure to have a chance to speak to Ron, and maybe, one day, own one of his cues! Peggy Mallen has been promoting the game of billiards for over 20 years as an avid player, a National League operator (TAP League), billiard retail store owner (G Cue Billiard Store) and billiard product manufacturer (Balabushka Cue Company).
Twenty-six years of work within the industry, with twenty-four of them constructing custom cues, Bob Danielson (BDCuesAndComix.com) could never be seen as a new-comer to the world of billiards. Originally from Seattle, where he lived most of his life, before a decade in the Tri-Cities of southeastern Washington, now living on five acres of land into a dead end road by a farm a hundred times that size. I guess one could guess the peace and quiet was something Bob and family wanted. The veteran cue maker is known for his design for a 6 pie construction applied both in butt and shaft, which brings us to his interview on the SPM magazine’s cue maker’s issue. What Bob says is his particular style of unique construction is “…there is no A-joint. All my cues are based off the 6-pie construction that is used in
my shafts. The cues are simply 6 triangles of one or two species glued back together or used as a core with another species tenoned over the forearm or handle. Others have a 6-pie core of Purpleheart or Bocote with the other woods sleeved over. Most of my cues have little or no metal in them as I prefer to use the G-10 joint pins. Weight can be added by the use of the correct core and weight can be taken out by treatment of the triangles before gluing or if the cue is cored, by the use of a lighter core depending on final weight and wood species being used. I have made a couple of 6-pie Ebony cues that weighed less than 19 oz.” Asking Bob what had originally enticed him to make cues and of those with some influence he recalled,
“At the time there was really no one else besides Predator making LD (low deflection) shafts for the aftermarket and they were doing quite well. I spent 2 years figuring out how to make my version and getting equipment set up. Roger Petit was a big help in this. Dave Tice and I kicked around ideas about LD and laminates while Ron Kilby did testing on the new shafts. Bill Stroud told me some things about cue making in general that solved some problems and which I still incorporate today in my shaft and cue building. Getting players to try an LD shaft was tough unless they had already played with the Predator. If you couldn’t put a shaft in someone’s hands for them to try, it was hard to make them understand the advantages. Also not having large amounts of money for advertising or to go to the Trade Shows made for very slow going. In about 2001, I got into a partnership with a wellknown cue company. It didn’t work out and that venture ended 6 months later. It was during this time that I completed my first 6-pie laminated butts which are still in use today. I had sold a few butt blanks to a couple of cue makers previously, Joe Sanko being the first. Joe was already buying my shaft blanks at that time. His first cue was completed before Predator came out with their laminated break cues. After a 5 year break I went back to making shafts and the laminated butts. Recently I launched the SS360/2 second generation shafts along with more taper options.” Given the hours of tedious hard work behind the craft of cue making, I asked Bob what particular piece of work he was most proud of to date. “I built the Checkered Demon cue very early in my cue making and as events turned out it was a good thing I did. There are some minor things I would change on it at this point in time, but overall I am extremely happy with the finished product. The inspiration for the project came from my interest in Underground Comix and pool cues. By a stroke of luck I was introduced to S. Clay Wilson, one of the godfathers of underground comix. He liked my project idea and agreed to draw up a 6-panel scene depicting the Checkered Demon and Ruby the Dyke in a bar with a pool table. The resulting drawing is over the top in pure Wilson style. The cue is a 6-pie Purpleheart core with a forearm of Ebony/Ivory checkerboard and the same for the butt sleeve. Inlaid in this are curly Maple flames hand dyed deep red. The handle is segmented ivory where Howard Thomas of Sailorsdream scrim-shawed the artwork pretty much as closely drawn by Wilson as can be. There are checkerboard trim rings of Ebony/Ivory in all positions. The cue has a custom wood case, Birdseye Maple, also dyed red with an ivory inlay in the top
with a scrimshawed drawing of the Checkered Demon holding the shark cue. The original artwork, done to the exact size of the cue, was professionally framed.” Danielson included a side note to the cue’s story. Sadly, “…not long after Wilson finished my drawing, he had an accident that left him without memory for a long time. This left him completely without the ability to draw as before. I am not sure if he is drawing anything at this point, but it would never be the same style, ability, or storytelling finesse that he had before the accident.” Bob’s plans for BD Cues in the immediate future in 2017 “We will be looking to expand sales into the dealer market again, first with shafts and then with a line of basic cues. This assumes the plans for the rest of this year go well. Over the years, getting a good supply of maple boards for shafts has been the major problem, but one that seems to be solved at least for the time being. Exotic woods for cues will continue to see large price increases due to the loss of species to pick from and increased legislation banning sales to foreign countries. Cocobolo has just been added to the list of species you cannot export and it is a very popular wood for cue making.” I concluded one final question to Bob. Stating the every craftsman wishes to accomplish something after it’s all said and done. What does he hope to achieve with the end result? “…to have a body of work that I am proud of. To build cues that no one else has and that are known for excellent and consistent playability. As I see it, there is little reason for having beautiful cues that do not play well. Besides that, I want to continue to learn my craft and expand my sales of custom shafts and cues. This last year we got into Seybert’s Billiard Supply with a line of standard shafts and have been trying to catch up on work ever since.” Bob Danielson wanted to add appreciation to some. “A big ‘Thanks’ to those that have endured the wait for your shaft or cue as I have been feverishly trying to play catch-up since taking on these extra orders. My hopes are that by the end of this year the kinks will be worked out and delivery times with shorten considerably for shafts. The wait time for cues probably will get longer because of this, but I am trying to work that out also. Being the only employee has its drawbacks when things get busy.” Author: Keith Diaz Photo: Provided by author with permission from Bob Danielson
Bar Box Adjustment ~ Tim “The Monk” Miller I don’t know what to think about this, but it seems that the big tournaments are held on a bar box more and more. There was a time when the pros would not compete on a small table with big pockets. Today, you see big money added and players coming from all over the world. The US Open Bar Box Tournament has attracted a group from the Philippines and New Zealand along with other countries. My concern is that the game is not the same when played on a bar box. There are a lot of adjustments you have to make. One is the angle towards the pocket. They are generally sharper than the big table, and you cannot get by with any kind of “push” in your stroke. Therefore, you must have a better stroke on a bar box. On this shot here[see featured article image] for instance, it
is easy to bring the cue ball back to the spot on a big table. Not so easy on a bar box. This is my warm up drill for tournament preparation. On the big table I can bring it back to the spot with a nice, firm, committed, dig in punch stroke with outside English. My stroke actually helps me pocket the ball. On the bar box, I must use a snip draw and load it up with a strong firm drive-through stroke. Not so easy to pocket the ball with this stroke. However, with a lot of practice you can master this exercise on a bar box. The point being, we approach shots in a different way from nine foot to seven foot tables. It becomes a different game. I wish you all the luck in the world as you pursue this great game. I now have my Road Player Training Program redesigned and affordable to all. Please go on my website and click on Road Players Training. Tim “The Monk” Miller has been serving the world of billiards as an educator for over 30 years, and has worked with top players worldwide. He’s written 20 books—selling more than a quarter of a million copies—and has produced countless DVDs. While currently touring the US, he makes his home in the Philippines where he does charity work and is building The Monk Billiard Academy. He will be returning there in November—when his US tour is done—so don’t miss out on your chance to improve your game with The Monk, summer 2015!
Aramith...
Ron Daniels: Twisted Tur tle Cues
Artist, painter, poet, musician – Ron Daniels does it all when it comes to the arts, including producing one of the most unique custom cues on the planet! He gets many of his talents from his grandfather who held over 140 patents in his lifetime relating to the medical field.
’cause that’s how I
roll.
Ron’s true passion of custom woodworking led him to discover, and patent, a method of producing extraordinary cues that can be made by only one man. You won’t find the usual cue decorations of points, boxes or inlays. His design is one-of-a-kind and, of course, it has secret ingredients that he won’t divulge. Each cue is truly oneof-a-kind. He did mention that he likes to use domestic woods and has found Indian Rosewood from an old barn, Hawaiian Kamani wood (a sacred Polynesian tree), Curley Mango, Bubinga and a few others. Each cue is made with a lot of thought and dedication to precision. They are a beautiful work of art. Since beginning his cue-making business in 2004, his cues have been in high demand. He has produced approximately 100 cues and has shipped them to Japan, Portugal, Kosovo, England, Canada, and, of course, many states in the USA. His current project consists of working with a pool league operator from Iran who is having him make cues for his entire league.
w w w . a r a m i t h . c o m 888.ARAMITH
Ron Daniels is a colorful and spiritual individual who is part of the Mackinac, Sault St. Marie Tribe of Indians and participates in many tribal rituals. Down-to-earth, no-nonsense, straight-up, say it like it is, kind of person, describes his persona. It certainly was a pleasure to have a chance to speak to Ron, and maybe, one day, own one of his cues! Peggy Mallen has been promoting the game of billiards for over 20 years as an avid player, a National League operator (TAP League), billiard retail store owner (G Cue Billiard Store) and billiard product manufacturer (Balabushka Cue Company).
1. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2.
First we need the materials that will be used to build it. an 18 in long by 1 1⁄2 square piece of Curly Maple an 18 in long by 1 1⁄2 square piece of Gaboon Ebony sheets of dyed veneers for the points and the rings a 1 in long Juma ferrule a G10 3/8-10 joint screw a 1⁄2 in diameter and 2 in long phenolic shaft insert a rubber bumper a 3/8-16 weight screw a Ultra Skin medium tip a 12 in long by 1 in diameter round black Juma a 12 in long by 1 3/8 in diameter round black Juma 2 Gaboon Ebony 1 in square by 12 in long for points a rough tapered 30 in hard maple shaft dowel a 3⁄4 in by 30 in long laminated maple coring dowel
4.
Next we make a pilot hole using an awl and the dead blow hammer.
5.
Then we will drill a 3/16 hole in both ends of each piece so we can hold them between centers on the lathe.
6.
With the Curly Maple piece mounted in the lathe, we begin to cut it with a router. The wood spins about 200 rpm and the router. with a 3⁄4 in straight carbide bit, spins at 20,000 rpm. The router travels up and down the lathe slowly turning the wood round.
We will start by making some square things round. A few tools are needed:
Most pool players have seen the many different pool In the beginning, I thought that I would build myself cues used by players everywhere. a few cues and build a few extra and peddle them off at the local pool hall and maybe this would pay for my Pool cues are different length, different weight, different cues too. The truth is that I am still losing money. I now diameters, and are mostly made from wood but, many have about $20,000 worth of tools and material but I other materials have been used. I intend to build a pool still haven’t made a profit. I tell people “I’m not making cue and show exactly how it is done, by me. a profit but, I’m losing less.” I say “by me” because there are many ways to build a pool cue. Some ways are better than others, but I will show you my way. I will show you with pictures and explanations exactly how it is done, from start to finish.
I built myself a few cues and some of the local league players asked about them when they saw me playing with them. A few of the best players in town offered to buy a cue if I customized them to their specs. So I made a few, using my best skills, materials, and techniques (at But before we begin, I will tell you a little about myself. the time). They were well liked because, it seems that I retired a few years ago after a long career of electronic my methods produce a cue with a nice hit. repair, mechanical repair, and technical training. Since I play pool and I thought that I could build a pool cue. I like to feel the cue strike the cue ball. I like the feed What did I know? I was like many other pool players. back you get when the vibration transfers down the shaft to the butt and to you hand. I thought that you throw a piece of wood in a lathe and you whip out a pool cue in no time. How hard could it Evidently, so did they. be, it’s just round wood? I wasn’t doing this very long before I came to see the big revelation. My first customers talked up my cues with other players I have never advertised my cues in any way. Before I A simple Merry Widow or Plain Jane cue can have as had been building cues for 6 months, I had a back log much as 25 hours of build time in it. The task of building of about 20 cues and back log has never been less than cues is a never ending learning experience. It involves a 20 for 3 years. myriad of intricate techniques, methods, procedures, and abilities. I am far from knowing it all. I feel that I I’ve said enough about me. Let’s build a pool cue. have just scratched the surface.
3.
We will use a center finder to mark the center of Maple and Ebony.
1. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2.
First we need the materials that will be used to build it. an 18 in long by 1 1⁄2 square piece of Curly Maple an 18 in long by 1 1⁄2 square piece of Gaboon Ebony sheets of dyed veneers for the points and the rings a 1 in long Juma ferrule a G10 3/8-10 joint screw a 1⁄2 in diameter and 2 in long phenolic shaft insert a rubber bumper a 3/8-16 weight screw a Ultra Skin medium tip a 12 in long by 1 in diameter round black Juma a 12 in long by 1 3/8 in diameter round black Juma 2 Gaboon Ebony 1 in square by 12 in long for points a rough tapered 30 in hard maple shaft dowel a 3⁄4 in by 30 in long laminated maple coring dowel
4.
Next we make a pilot hole using an awl and the dead blow hammer.
5.
Then we will drill a 3/16 hole in both ends of each piece so we can hold them between centers on the lathe.
6.
With the Curly Maple piece mounted in the lathe, we begin to cut it with a router. The wood spins about 200 rpm and the router. with a 3⁄4 in straight carbide bit, spins at 20,000 rpm. The router travels up and down the lathe slowly turning the wood round.
We will start by making some square things round. A few tools are needed:
Most pool players have seen the many different pool In the beginning, I thought that I would build myself cues used by players everywhere. a few cues and build a few extra and peddle them off at the local pool hall and maybe this would pay for my Pool cues are different length, different weight, different cues too. The truth is that I am still losing money. I now diameters, and are mostly made from wood but, many have about $20,000 worth of tools and material but I other materials have been used. I intend to build a pool still haven’t made a profit. I tell people “I’m not making cue and show exactly how it is done, by me. a profit but, I’m losing less.” I say “by me” because there are many ways to build a pool cue. Some ways are better than others, but I will show you my way. I will show you with pictures and explanations exactly how it is done, from start to finish.
I built myself a few cues and some of the local league players asked about them when they saw me playing with them. A few of the best players in town offered to buy a cue if I customized them to their specs. So I made a few, using my best skills, materials, and techniques (at But before we begin, I will tell you a little about myself. the time). They were well liked because, it seems that I retired a few years ago after a long career of electronic my methods produce a cue with a nice hit. repair, mechanical repair, and technical training. Since I play pool and I thought that I could build a pool cue. I like to feel the cue strike the cue ball. I like the feed What did I know? I was like many other pool players. back you get when the vibration transfers down the shaft to the butt and to you hand. I thought that you throw a piece of wood in a lathe and you whip out a pool cue in no time. How hard could it Evidently, so did they. be, it’s just round wood? I wasn’t doing this very long before I came to see the big revelation. My first customers talked up my cues with other players I have never advertised my cues in any way. Before I A simple Merry Widow or Plain Jane cue can have as had been building cues for 6 months, I had a back log much as 25 hours of build time in it. The task of building of about 20 cues and back log has never been less than cues is a never ending learning experience. It involves a 20 for 3 years. myriad of intricate techniques, methods, procedures, and abilities. I am far from knowing it all. I feel that I I’ve said enough about me. Let’s build a pool cue. have just scratched the surface.
3.
We will use a center finder to mark the center of Maple and Ebony.