05/10/2026
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.
I wanted to give an update on what has been going on in the shop lately. Leading up to the Super Billiards expo last year I was having issues with my inlay machine acting erratically and in some cases making unwanted moves. After the show I tried resetting the computer and reloading the software. Everything seemed to work fine. I ran it for several days just moving but not cutting anything. It seemed everything was good. Unfortunately I was wrong.
Once I started trying to inlay various things the machine was loosing position at random times and obviously that’s no good for precision inlays. It was determined the machine was not holding the cue in position with enough force and when getting too far away from the center line of the cue or component, it would rotate out of position when cutting and ruin the piece.
I have been building a new inlay machine in the background over the last several years. Now it has become a priority to get it completed and put to use. Also have a new mill I acquired last year. It was needed power brought to it and rewiring of old leads as well as some updates. My plan is to hold off on cues until it and the inlay machine are completed and operational.
I was going to start posting some photos of the progress as I go along.
Just finished up with a rotary phase converter to supply 3 phase power to the mill and rewiring the power cords. Started installing the pneumatic drawbar system. Still need to update the digital readout system and level the mill. It is nice to see it running and verify there are no crazy noises or damage in the motor/head. Should have it ready to work in a couple days minus the DRO.
Once it’s completed it will be used for the completion of the inlay machine.