(and other construction techniques)

I've always liked the feel you get with a wood to wood joint.  It just feels better to me than anything using a brass insert in the shaft.  Recently, there have been many new thread forms introduced for use in joints: Uni-Loc's Radial & Quick Release, the copycat radials that are just slightly different, 3/8-11, 3/8-11 modified (smaller OD), 3/8-11.5, 3/8-14, etc, etc, etc.  Many of these have merit because they increase the contact between the screw & the wood.  This is good.  But then all your old shafts are no longer compatible with your new joint.  I was reluctant to make the switch to one of the "high contact" thread forms because I hated to leave my customers stuck with old shafts that were incompatible with new purchases from me.  Fortunately, I found another option: a modified 3/8-10 (Flat Bottom) that gives me the high contact & is compatible (with a 2 minute fix) with all my old shafts.  My old shafts all had a .302 minor diameter for increased strength.  I simply ream the .302 minor diameter to .308 diameter.

Predator & OB-1 shafts with the 3/8-10 threads are a direct bolt on replacement & can be used with no modification needed.  They use a .3125 minor diameter.  In fact, MOST 3/8-10 shafts use the larger diameter & will fit with no problem at all.

Click on the thumbnail above to see the differences between the standard 3/8-10 joint screw and the 3/8-10 FB screw I am phasing in.  There is a much nicer fit between the wood & the screw - almost 100% contact.  This is sure to contribute to a better feel & a much longer life for that snug fit.  As stated earlier, if you have spare shafts that are the old style, it's not a problem as they can easily be modified to fit the new pin.  It's a 2 minute fix.  Another benefit is that the new shafts will work on your old style 3/8-10 joints, too.  They will, however, be slightly looser than your originals.  This is actually the fault of the standard 3/8-10 screws available today.  These screws are typically .003" - .005" undersize on the pitch diameter and that is what accounts for the looseness.

Anyway, I'm happy to say that initial trials with the pin have been very successful.  The fit is great, the hit is great & modifying old shafts to fit has been proven to be quick & effective.  The new joint will be available - actually, it will probably become my standard thread - beginning in 2007.  

One change I will be incorporating into my "style" of cue is this:  due to the increased weight of the FB pin, I will not use a standard SS collar when using the SS FB pin.  Instead, I will use linen phenolic, ivory or even select hardwoods.  If you still desire a SS collar, I will use a thin walled, threaded SS collar or a shorter version of the standard SS collar.

Another shot at something a little different.

Comparative weights of different pins
(actual weights, not based on some chart)

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