Transforming Pool Cue Rest

So as my followers may be aware, I'm getting more into playing pool ( two little 'ibles in chalk holders, links at bottom ok the page). So in that spirit I have conceived perhaps the greatest cue rest imagined! I present the transforming cue rest. It folds up compact, to fit in a cue case and is used on bar tables to hold your cue while not in use. This is my own original design.

Please vote,

favorite, follow and most importantly build!

A video of it in action can be found here:

http://youtu.be/jo8ql5KfYGg

Other instructables I referenced earlier on chalk holders can be found:

https://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-Custom-Chalk-Holder/

And

https://www.instructables.com/id/Chalk-Holder-20/

Step 1: Tools & Materials

Tools:

Table saw
Belt sander
Drill press
Scroll saw
Hammer
Punch set
Hack saw
Tape measure
Square
Drill bits
Clamps


Materials

1/4" x 4" x12" wood (I used alder)
3/4" African hard woods
Wood glue
1/8" brass rod
3/8" brass rod
Wood finishing producers
Sand paper
2 part epoxy
Leather

Step 2: Concept

Typically this would be done on autocad or other 3d or drafting application. However I'm in the process of building a new PC and do not have access at the moment. So please bear with me! I really wanted a cool and useful folding pool cue rest to bring to my pool matches. I was in the shower and this idea struck me! I have a few other designs but this was the most elegant.

Step 3: Measure, Measure Again and Cut

As stated in the "concept" page, I did not have a 3d model or schematic to go off of. I just worked it out as I went. I took a lot of pictures about the sizes and lengths used.

I drew and cut out a arm, used that to mirror the second. Then I used that to make the upper and lower parts of the arms (to make the arms flush). I then started on the main body. I figured out the length I needed based on the arms in the closed position. I then cut the slot area for the main body and the circle "1 ball" for the center. I used a African hard wood for the one ball, I apologize for not having the name of the wood handy. I drilled the center of the 1 ball out and cut a matching circle of alder to fit. I tried to inlay a #1, however, it was a little messy as it was a first attempt at in laying. I learned a lot! I then cut the rear mounting for the brass rod and slotted it. I also cut a slot in the arms to hide the brass when closed. I centered and drilled the holes for the rest of the brass rods. After all the pieces were cut I began to glue the parts that needed to me glued.

Step 4: Sand Sand Sand

Take your time here to ensure you have a smooth and polished product! I used mostly 100 grit sand paper, this really bring the grain out as you sand it smooth. And remember, always sand with the grain!

Step 5: Fit It Together

After sizing, bending and fitting the 1/8" brass rod for the arms I made the mounting pins out of 3/8" brass rod. I peened the 1/8" brass rod into the 3/8" to hold it into place. It took a while to work all the parts perfectly to ensure smooth operation after all parts fit I finished gluing the rest of the parts together. Saving the rear block for last.

Step 6: Fine Tune

I added small steel square rod in the rear of this as weight. I used 2 part epoxy to hold them in place. I also installed magnets in the front of the arms to make sure it stays closed and also in the bottom of the slider, to ensure it stays open. This solution worked out very well. After everything was in place I glued the rear block to the main body. This proved to be more of a challenge then one would think. I then used a 3/8" brass rod to attach the "1 ball" to the slider, through the arms, this to was affixed with 2 part epoxy.

Step 7: Finishing the Piece

After I finished sanding, I used my go to finish of Danish oil and wax coating. I also attached rubber pads to the bottom. I glued a soft, fine grain leather to the notches where the cues rest, to avoid scratches. After giving time to let the oil and was dry it is ready to use!

Step 8: Final Thoughts

This turned out amazing! It was as I pictured it, and it really is a head turner at the pool hall! I'm more than satisfied with the outcome.

Any questions or comments are welcome!

Please vote!

A video of it in action can be found here:

http://youtu.be/jo8ql5KfYGg

Other instructables I referenced earlier on chalk holders can be found:

https://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-Custom-Chalk-Holder/

And

https://www.instructables.com/id/Chalk-Holder-20/

Comments

[borgem]

I really want to make this, but add in a spring-loaded feature, where it latches in the closed position (ball number as the release?) with a compressed spring that throws it open. Gonna have to give this some more thought, but I think it could be done relatively simply...famous last words.

[desertsniper]

Thanks man! I'll keep an eye out for your stuff too.

[Solderking]

nice to see another pool enthusiast on instructables! I've been playing for years. I've got a little instructable related to pool on my page. great work indeed!

[desertsniper]

The squeeky wheel gets the grease! I have noticed that the time of day and day of week play a part in getting the projects featured too. I'm guessing more often then not the editors of these pages are very busy! I thought this project was feature worthy too, thanks. let's just hope I get enough votes to make it prize worthy! Or the rubberband gun I designed, that thing is pretty nifty!

[Solderking]

sure got my vote!

[desertsniper]

​I have always wanted to learn more about electronics, my knowledge is limited to "LEDs and 555 chips lol. If I run into a issue getting my better projects featured I typically send a mail to some one, very humbley, asking why it was not featured and what I can do in the future to provide better content and get it featured. In fact this project seemed like it had got over looked and I sent an email (very humbly)asking if it had any issues.

[Solderking]

Just like pool practice makes perfect!I qwill be joining a league hopefully this summer. I have been wondering why some of my stuff wasbbeing overlooked. Gets frustrating after a while but doesn't keep me from making stuff. Hopefully my new instructable is feature worthy. Just waiting for the parts. Your instructable was definitely feature worthy!

[desertsniper]

I have a few billiards related 'ibles! More to come! Thank you I really dig this cue rest! Hey, you have some really cool stuff on your page!

[Solderking]

I like the chalk holder! Im subbing to you for sure! Thanks! Not a lot of my stuff gets noticed as much as I hoped but if one person likes it then that is all that matters

[C I A H]

great build, im a billiards lover myself, it looks like your rear block is big enough to cut out a small section just big enough for a table chalk or possibly put a spot on the bottom of the piece where when you close it for storage it would slide over the top of the chalk closing it in

[desertsniper]

Thank you! Pool is a great sport/game! As to your question about the chalk, yes! And it was considered, but I personally did not need it. One of my other 'ibles is on a chalk holder! So I use that. Great observation though, thank you! Please vote too!

[guicarlorobelli]

Very neat idea.

[desertsniper]

Thanks! I'm glad you guys like it!

[Mrballeng]

This is really cool. Great work.

[desertsniper]

Thank you very much! Please don't forget to vote!

[LaggggTimedOut]

very cool. definitely going to make this.

[desertsniper]

Thank you! If this does well then I'll build a few other designs I came up with. I'd love to see a picture of your build so please share! One tip though, reinforce the connection point at the tip of the arms. It is a weak point. Thanks again, and please vote when it gets approved into the contests I entered it into.