How are inlays placed in pool cues?

Question

i have just begun turning cues and i know how the points are layed but wasn't sure if I had to have a special machine for the inlays or if I could do them by hand

Answer 1

Points are generally spliced. Inlays are usually routered with a CNC machine or a Pantograph, but can be done by hand.

For everything related to cue building I would highly recommend getting a book and/or videos. One of the best and most recommended sources of info and cue building tools would be Chris Hightower. Check the link below.

Answer 2

McDermott has a video on their website of the cuebuilding process.  Somewhere in it is the inlay part.  But yeah, CNC router to cut out the shapes, and then glue them in by hand.

www.mcdermottcue.com > McDermott Experience > Factor Tour Video

or direct link below.