Anyone have experience carving Billiard Cue Racks?

[Tpoole1988]

Hey everyone,

Working on a custom pool cue rack for a neighbor. Most of it’s already done in VCarve — cue holes, beverage pockets, chalk notch, family name logo. The last piece is the bottom shelf for the balls.

Option 1) Carve out 4 crescent-shaped channels about 9-10 inches long to hold the 2.25" balls. Not sure how to draw the vectors or set up the toolpaths for the curves. I do have a 1/2 inch Bowl Bit to pocket out the curved channel.

Option 2) Just create a shallow profile-pocket of the 8-ball rack on the bottom shelf and offset 1/8" around the outer diameter of the rack; set the rack and balls inside — easier, but I’d prefer to do the channels if possible.

If anyone has files or tips for drawing these curves and their toolpaths, I’d appreciate it. The attached file has my “attempt” at the channels to give an idea of what it would look like if done properly. Also inside the VCarve file are some online images of racks with those channels— click on them, and you’ll see exactly what I’m aiming for.

Thanks in advance! Just need a little help finishing this.
Pool Stand Template 6-30-25.crv (1.6 MB)

[Spamming_Eddie]

Hi Tpoole,

I cannot open the file for my vcarve is of an older version. Could you post the pictures that show what you’re aiming for?

[Tpoole1988]

@Tpoole1988

Working on a custom pool cue rack for a neighbor. Most of it’s already done in VCarve — cue holes, beverage pockets, chalk notch, family name logo. The last piece is the bottom shelf for the balls.

Option 1) Carve out 4 crescent-shaped channels about 9-10 inches long to hold the 2.25" balls. Not sure how to draw the vectors or set up the toolpaths for the curves. I do have a 1/2 inch Bowl Bit to pocket out the curved channel.

Option 2) Just create a shallow profile-pocket of the 8-ball rack on the bottom shelf and offset 1/8" around the outer diameter of the rack; set the rack and balls inside — easier, but I’d prefer to do the channels if possible.

If anyone has files or tips for drawing these curves and their toolpaths, I’d appreciate it. The attached file has my “attempt” at the channels to give an idea of what it would look like if done properly. Also inside the VCarve file are some online images of racks with those channels— click on them, and you’ll see exactly what I’m aiming for.

Thanks in advance! Just need a little help finishing this.

[Spamming_Eddie]

I took a long hard look at your problem (at least what I think you want to achieve.

Besides using a 3D component that carves out the desired crescent, I’ve come up with something that might be good enough. It’s using a inward spiraling vector and the fluting toolpath to create a somewhat crescent pocket. (with extra fency ribs)

It’s only a consept and it can be tweeked to a much higher resolution but it’s the best I could come up with using the limitations of Vcarvepro and the time on my hands.

fluted pocket.crv (45.5 KB)

Maybe others have better ideas on how to tackle the problem.

If this is something you might want to use, I can elaborate a bit more on the how. I include the file for you to play with and zoom into.

[Tpoole1988]

That’s awesome. I had no idea that type of toolpath existed, but I love learning new stuff from people like you. I’ll check it out tonight and see if I can wrap my head around it. Thanks again so much!