Birth of a Pool Cue: Part #2 "The Journey"

As you may recall, Earlier this week I began my blog series with an introduction of the new Viking Cue custom cue plant in Middleton, Wisconsin. I ended after introducing our tour guide, Viking VP Rick Rolli. In part 2 of my 4 part series, I explore the factory floor, and give more insight into the company. Enjoy!

To start the tour Rick led us down to the production floor, tossed us some safety glasses, and quickly ushered us over to the lumber storage racks. I had only seen the factory from the offices up above, but actually being in the middle of all the action, hearing the buzzing of the saws, smelling the aroma of freshly cut wood, was a completely different experience. Rick showed us the western wall of the factory, which is dedicated to the storage of the wood that will be transformed into the custom cues. The wood for the cues rests neatly on racks stretching across nearly fifty feet of floor space. However, this area is more than just a pile of surplus wood; an important process is actually taking place, which is vital to the production of the cues. In a process known as seasoning, the wood is first cut to proper size and length, rounded off, and then carefully placed on the storage shelves and allowed to lie there for up to a year and in many cases even longer. The only time the wood is touched is to occasionally be turned, which ensures that the wood isn’t always lying on one side. Rick explained that seasoning is done because not all wood grows the same. Where the wood is grown, the climate, the type of soil it was rooted in--these are all factors that can alter the density of the wood, which can lead to inconsistencies in production. By allowing the wood to season for a long period of time, you allow the wood to relax, which creates a balance in density. This not only makes the wood easier to shape and design, but is also how Viking ensures that customers are getting a straight,quality cue every time.

I think that there is something special about products made from wood. Years ago I helped transport several pieces of barn-board furniture for a small store in my home town. These pieces ranged from plain coffee tables to extravagant entertainment centers built by craftsmen all over southern Wisconsin, some even hand carved by Amish carpenters. Despite the heavy lifting, I enjoyed filling up the van with these pieces, which were more works of art rather than consumer goods. The smell of wood stain filled the van. It was if we were still in the artisan’s workshop. It was one of the best jobs I ever had. Being down on the factory floor brought back my fond memories of working back at the furniture store.

While Rick discussed seasoning with us, he also showed us the different types of wood that are used. Hard-rock Maple was the first type he showed us. The wood is known for its strength, which is why most pool cue manufacturers prefer to use it. Hard Rock also has a consistent grain, which gives the cue a very clean look after it has been stained, and also is a perfect canvas if the cue is to be painted. Birdseye Maple was the next wood we saw. We could clearly see the circular shapes that resemble birds’ eyes. These shapes create a unique pattern that add beauty to the finished product. The Birdseye pattern does however make the wood more difficult to cut, which makes it more expensive, but worth every penny. The last wood Viking uses is the Tiger Striped Maple. This wood, like the Birdseye, has distinguishing pattern that is desired for its beauty. The patterns in both the Birdseye and Tiger-Striped woods also mean that they will most likely be stained rather than painted, which will allow the patterns to become more brilliant. One thing I found interesting about all of this wood is that most of it was harvested in northern Wisconsin, which is important because wood that is grown in colder climates tends to have tighter growth rings and are less likely to warp in the future. It is also less expensive to ship, which in turn lowers the price for the consumer.

Thank you for taking the time to read part 2. I’ll be sharing more later in the week!

Ryan T. McCann