How McDermott Cues Are Made

Take a tour through our facility and learn how a McDermott Cue is built from start to finish.
0:00 | Intro
1:13 | Butt Cell (Part 1) - Tri-Core Butt Sections Machined
4:56 | Butt Cell (Part 2) - Tri-Core Butt Assembly
7:28 | Bosto Cell - Inlay Pockets Cut, Gluing & Stringing Inlaid Cues
8:52 | Shaft Cell (Part 1) - Dowel Selection & Machining
10:30 | Shaft Cell (Part 2) - Gluing Station
11:56 | Finishing Cell
13:09 | Spray Booth
14:33 | Final Assembly
17:40 | Laser Engraving & Weight Bolt Check
19:09 | Outro
www.mcdermottcue.com/
Music: www.bensound.com/royalty-free-...

[@monica93304]

I've had McDermott cues for the last 30 years. I won't play with anything else. It's such a pleasure to pull out of the case and folks compliment me on such beautiful cues.

[@terrywells3955]

Ive had one now for about two months and I'm loving it .

[@davismillard3822]

Never had a clue how much work goes into a good cue. Impressive! Beautiful result!

[@M0J0HAND]

Imagine making these cues in quantity before CNC and computerized manufacturing.

[@SOMEONE23145]

a wooden chair or table you can buy for $100 has more wood and effort put into it, yet they sell this thing for $500+ looool

[@NeverMetTheGuy]

Hey McDermott, you restored my father's cue about two years ago, and I'm still blown away by the quality of work, and especially the customer service. You really surpass virtually any customer service experience I've ever had. Thanks for everything, and you'll have my business once I get to the point that I earned a Big Boy cue like yours.

[@DavideUrso]

O

[@pasuljay7580]

welcome pal!

[@zeusdarkgod7727]

@@pasuljay7580 I take it you work at McDermott?

[@Cody2nd]

Hey man, I know it’s 2 years later. But you don’t have to earn or deserve a nice cue! Having a cue you truly love will actually help your game consistency a ton plus you’ll enjoy playing more. If you can afford it, BUY IT. Even if you’re a beginner. Although if you’re a beginner I wouldn’t recommend a super small diameter shaft.

[@MrJoebiz24]

Incredible technology blended with hand craftsmanship. My dad and uncle owned a "pool hall" (billiard parlor is too snooty) from the 1950"s thru the 70's. I grew up in there. This video brought back the sights, smells and the memories of all the unique characters that frequented the place. Thanks to McDermott for sharing......

[@fredkelly6953]

There is a tactile beauty in a good cue. You can feel the craftmanship in every shot.

[@karlshaner2453]

I wouldn't call these cues, high craftsmanship. More like assembly line marketables...Good cues? Yea...High end? not really.

[@allgf]

They are great cues . Top notch quality, what more could a person ask for

[@jimvalim1567]

I enjoyed the process of the cue manufacturing so much that I ordered one! I really like the fact that it's American made! Thanks for making the video!

[@elpacho....9254]

America is the continent, maybe you mean the United States.

[@saltymouse1813]

I’ve played with a McDermott cue for years! It still plays like I just received it. Thanks for the video.

[@dominikz.1376]

Thats not possible sir. Its like saying a cheap little Chrysler car with 150,000 miles drives just like when I bought it.

[@dominikz.1376]

Agreed

[@bob733333]

@@dominikz.1376 Pool cues do not have moving parts like a car does.

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

*THE McDERMOTT CUES ARE HAND CRAFTED TO PERFECTION AND SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!!*

[@M0J0HAND]

Are they really "HAND CRAFTED" when this video shows that most steps of production are on computer controlled machines?

[@koolaidman007]

My first cue was a McDermott and I'll never look back, beautifully made cues right here in the USA.

[@jackdotzman2908]

Wow, had no idea what it takes to design and produce a cue. Can’t believe the attention given to the quality of your cues which, by the way, are beautifully made. Thanks for taking the time to share your behind the scenes look at what goes into your product. From Missouri

[@matthicks1545]

Same here! I now see why these pool cues are so pricey.

[@superdevilden]

Sxmn.

[@theodoresprague3849]

I work in a steel and brass cnc shop so the process is so similar machine wise. Not to mention I've played only with their cues since I started playing pool 7 years ago. This video was a treat. Thank you!

[@truckguy6.7]

I was given a McDermott Cue in 1997. Shot for 20 years and stopped playing around 2017 as there are no billiard halls around my area anymore. I sold my cue last year and I miss it so much, I want it back even though I really don't shoot anymore. I really miss it.

[@siddharthbhandari464]

Don't worry man you will get it back

[@ryanmccarthy8625]

Should've just kept it in the closet.

[@jmt4b04d4v]

I wish you get it back, I also miss my first two piece cue which was stolen.

[@ryanmccarthy8625]

@@jmt4b04d4v I can't stand a low-down fucking thief that steals personal property from others. Ripping off stores is one thing, I really don't care about that but you understand what I'm saying.

[@steveandulsky566]

What an awesome insight into how quality cues are made. Thank you for the education. I guess I better start saving up for my McDermott cue!!!cues!!! I love the fact that it's made right here in the USA 🇺🇸!!!

[@IcemanSK]

I'll be watching this about once a week for the next 14 weeks while you make my custom cue. It'll help me remember why I need to be patient as I wait. Quality can't be rushed. Thank you!!

[@toddfields9385217]

how long did you have to wait ?.. mine said an 8 to 10 week wait butis already being shipped just 2 weeks later . will arrive in 3 weeks from purchase .. way better than the 8 to 10 weeks i was prepared to wait

[@IcemanSK]

@@toddfields9385217 It was about 16 weeks total wait from order to the time I received it. There was a big back up and lots of orders during the time I ordered mine. I'm glad your wait time was shorter.

[@robertriley6213]

I bought my McDermott cue in and about 1985 I was on a pool league for a spell , it went to Spain once and 15 different states it’s still in really good shape and sadly it’s not been used for the last 10 years , this was amazing to see how the cues are made the care and well thought out process to ensure they will last for many years. Thanks for a wonderful cue

[@coppertop1875]

Want to sell it?

[@albertrodriguez7784]

I have seen before how cues are made,but this video helps me appreciate the McDermott cues I have. Thank you,and I will always recommend McDermott Cues.

[@mateskure7402]

I have a 20 year old cue from this company and have never played with a better cue. Thank you very much.

[@doozowings4672]

Love my McDermott Cue's , I still have my first cue from back in 1994 and still use it today. Great Video

[@honusbigtime591]

Same. 1991

[@justinwilliamson6355]

I absolutely LOVE my McDermott G-407. I'll never use another Brand. Thank You, for producing such wonderful Cues.

[@scottbehl216]

Went there and ordered my 1st one about 35 yrs ago and still looks new ! And I've always broke with it ! Still as straight as an arrow. Got another one 2 yrs ago. Both have 2 shafts. I love them. Got my grandson one when he was 6.

[@subdue8182]

Ima start saving up for one of these. I will pay extra money for something that people take their time and skill to create. I appreciate people who take pride in their work.

[@722DL]

Gives a person a better understanding on how and why McDermott is the best...

[@felixescarenosr.1827]

Over the years I have accumulated three buttes and six shafts. All are still true and in excellent shape. The first cue I bought in 1971, the shafts are all snooker shafts, ranging from 17 Oz. To 18 Oz. and range from 17,17 1/2 to 18 mm. THANKS FOR A GREAT PRODUCT.

[@cletustollery6914]

As a third generation woodworker and cabinetmaker, I appreciate this craftmanship! I bought my first "big money" McDermott cue 30 years ago and still love it! My kids argue about it like my first shotgun and i think they are waiting on me to pass away so they can have em both... KIDDING! Great kids but they love both and after 30+ years,, guns and the cue shoot straight as the day I got em! Great to see an American made product still kicking ass! Definitely not that way in the cabinet business, sadly.

[@brjones27]

This was my favorite cue growing up. I really want another one!

[@BATANGPASLAKTV]

owning just 1 cue like this. perfect in all aspect. is like a dream.

[@grobbs666]

Funny timing, I bought my first McDermott the day this came out! I love it so far!

[@jonnycarroll6676]

I bought mine at a pawnshop for 30$ years ago and have made many time's that back. Thanks.

[@luis9555100]

I'm not in the market for a cue. But I appreciate hard work like this. So I will be looking at what you guys got now.

[@TheMrMused]

Got my first McDermott cue in 1984. I still have it to this day and I'll pass it down to my grandkids!

[@jmanatee]

Love my McDermott Cue.. Just got my son his first McDermott Cue.

[@JuanMendoza-sp5vt]

I need a cue...dad!!!lol

[@Janosch_on_fire]

i have your g229 cue and every time i see it ore take it out of my case, its like you met the love of your live. actually seeing how the cue you use every day is made was really inspirering. i appreciate your work

[@timothyjohnson4285]

Impressive, very impressive! A wood-workers EYE CANDY! I have a new found appreciation for such quality in a relatively simple tool. Now, I refuse to watch anymore BAR FIGHTS where such instruments are used in anger.

[@johnjohnon8767]

I'm not a consistently good pool player, but I am an amateur wood worker. You guys surpass my skills. And yes I'm looking for a better cue, yours is one I'm looking at. Thanks

[@Harryjones05]

That's some of the nicest craftsmanship I've ever seen, I don't even play Pool and got recommended this video randomly, however I'm glad I did, it was awesome work!!! 👍🏻👌🏻

[@liljohnnie69]

Now maybe a video on how your cue cases are made. I bought one several years ago and couldn't be happier. Top quality at a very reasonable price.

[@chrishardee8487]

I've been playing with McDermott cues ever since I started playing at the age of 15, (1986) The look, style and feel, has always made McDermott my favorite cues. Currently I'm saving and trying to convince the wife to let me buy the NG05 stinger break/jump and "hopefully" the G433. I'm no longer the young boy I once was, but as long as I'm able to play, it'll always be a McDermott in my hands.

[@derkoprolalist2737]

Hmm. Der kostet nur um 620€ (G433).

[@stevescott6503]

I never thought about how much work went into making a cue. I have a couple of cues, I got from garage sales, will have to look and see if one of them is a McDermott. I hope so after seeing this.

[@jcarter2575]

I had a McDermott about 30 yo when I shot a lot of pool. I made the mistake of selling it back in the day. I recently started shooting again. I ordered a G339 and am itching to get it and shoot with it. This video fuels that fire even more.

[@michaelrobinson6629]

Just got my new McDermott cue with a 12 millimeter Defy shaft. Absolutely love it.

[@chasedavis7231]

I got a 12m and exchanged it for a 12.5, had to much bend or flex for me for a carbon, the hit felt good though

[@michaelrobinson6629]

@@chasedavis7231 I ordered the 12.5, but got a call from seyberts saying the didn't have anymore in stock. The only thing I'm not sure about is the tip. I've always used triangle.

[@chasedavis7231]

Did urs have that weird flex? Is it cause of it being 12mm? I messaged mcd and they said they would exchange it if u pay the shipping Jusy contact them I had mike gulyassy put a g2 medium on mine

[@michaelrobinson6629]

@@chasedavis7231 Not that I noticed. How does it hit with the g2? That's the only layered tip I really like.

[@chasedavis7231]

@@michaelrobinson6629 great, I just didn't like the flex , felt like a wood shaft, I thought cf had zero bend, my other has no bend And the g2 hit great

[@shanekennethjamesaustin3949]

What beautiful craftsmanship! I would be honoured to own one of these cues.

[@VetteWay2Fast]

Wow that’s a lot that goes into producing a cue. Beautiful result as well!

[@patrickbaker2802]

i have a few Mc Dermott cues, and they play well. My best cue is a Schoen with an extender and it is trustworthy. When i play less than well, i go to a Roy Black cue, and all problems seem to vanish. THen i go back to Schoen. My McDermotts are solid cues that send the balls wherever i hit them. I like the luxury of having a dozen decent , solid, well-made cues, and i notice they are all older than 21 years, which means i can take them into a bar and use them there.

[@bassproable]

I still have my 80s McDermott from playing in tournaments.

[@pierrerossouw6083]

I discovered my love for snooker/pool/billiards when I was about 9 or 10. I almost immediately fell in love with quality cues and started collecting them. Today I own anything from the classic Joe Davis 600 to completely hand-turned cues from exotic woods to novelty cues that fold together to become a walking stick or a cue made from extruded aluminum and injection molded plastic! But my favourite will always be my Riley; I had the butt re-worked, cored and re-weighted. It's not the most expensive cue in my collection, but I've spent more time with that thing than any human on this planet. What a treat to see inside the McDermott factory. And their cues are just marvelous!

[@erryairlangga]

It's not just a cue..it's a piece of art! Love and really want to have that beutiful art!

[@ynotcougar]

Ive had my McDermott since I was 16 years old. I purchased it in 1977 for $175. Lost in a pool game 1ce in Indy but luckily the guy I was playing gave me a chance to win it back. I did and never bet my stick again. I'm 61 now and she is resting up stairs now next to the pool table.

[@zman7133]

These people are true craftsmen!! The whole process is amazing!!

[@derkoprolalist2737]

Wenn das Meiste die Maschinen machen, darf es sich ''Handwerk'' nennen?

[@boodaghost6896]

Thanks for producing this. I've owned an EB-5 for almost 30 years and love this stick! It's easy to realize now why the upper end cues cost so much. Y'all put a lot of work into the detailed ones. Well done!

[@silvakevin1]

Thank you. It’s nice to see that America can still manufacture a beautiful product! Those cues are sweet. Will definitely buy one when I’m good enough for the stick

[@MisterItchy]

Wonderful to watch! Now all I need is a pool table and a house with a room big enough to put it in!

[@noahbluesky1218]

Love the D-Series tee shirt dude was wearing!! I play with an old D and love it. Have purchased extra shafts and had them turned to match. Great video!!

[@lakebound4556]

Wow. Very cool. Awesome video and process. Craftsmanship is alive and well. Great job McDermott.

[@peeps977]

I inherited 7 of these cue's from grandfather and I never used in one's, it just in such good quality it looks as he bought yesterday.

[@eliothowell8654]

I have a GS02 and it's been just great. Trying to justify buying another cue. The woman with the clover tatoo on her forearm is a real team player! Great video, thank you.

[@1960fusion]

amazing, absolutely beautiful workmanship!

[@andrewteal3016]

Great video! I ordered a G229 from my retailer just yesterday as my first McDermott cue. Super excited to see that was the example cue selected (not my cue but somebody's G229) for this video. Thank you for the well shot and narrated video.

[@windmillabc]

Absolutely fantastic video - hats of to the people involved in this lovely craft.

[@Brykk]

I still use an 80’s model D series. I own roughly 30 cues, and this one is still my go to. Original irish linen, original inlays, and original shaft. 100% original and plays just as well as the day i bought it.

[@alexhathcock1380]

My D5 is my all time favorite, followed by a D18.

[@jimsoderbom5884]

I have a McDermott from about 30 years ago! I was so excited to buy it back then.

[@biagiocozza8875]

Fantastic cues, amazing process making one.

[@breakingballswithtony6897]

Never realized so much work and craftsmanship went into a cue. Beautiful!! Like that they have a pool table on site...for break time:) lol nonpun intended.

[@brianschumaker5912]

Look Into some of the custom cues... where all the inlays are cut by hand! Now THAT is craftsmanship.

[@ptrtng6307]

I want a cue like that... it’s a piece of art. 👏😎

[@roberthidrogo1466]

⁰⁰0

[@drew7481]

Can’t say how many videos I’ve watched through and through, but this was fantastic.

[@vitalikliber]

Jamie looks awesome in the beginning of the video. I have all my cues from McDermott . They always take care of me! Thank you guys!

[@larrybyard8888]

Had my McDermott made for me in 1982 by Dave Law master cue builder Mcdermott , took it in for revamp in 96. by Dave. still shoot(not much) with it it 2021.. Dave took me on tour of the facility.. great place..

[@lonetown]

I have 2 G cores and can say they are fantastic cues and the aftercare is also fantastic. That and a Simonis cloth give me endless pleasure.

[@AverageOverlander]

So much work, incredible.

[@blackmamba3427]

Simply amazing video and manufacturing process. Awesome piece of art and masterpiece.

[@waynemartin9098]

I love my McDermott cues. They're all I buy. I had no idea though that I could send the butt end of my cue back, to be matched up with any new shaft, I want to buy. I might have to think about doing that, in the near future, for the last one I bought.

[@PorkBarrel.]

They're cutting the OD of the shaft with saws to reduce tool pressure creating less deflection i.e. making it straighter. Very smart!

[@LuciusFelix]

Wow, craftsmanship is amazing

[@ponleduderacing2802]

I've had mine for over 25 years. It could use a little love. I need to get a hold of them

[@jasonlinton9902]

Im ordering the grizzly cue this week when i get my paycheck its a real beauty

[@ivannoneyah7888]

I had the privilege to use a set of pool cues by McDermott and was immediately impressed by the quality and balance and minimal vibration in certain conditions

[@Redneckrino]

Omg I have to have one now. So much time and care goes into these.

[@grege2383]

I bought mine in 1989 a D13. As a young sailor in Norfolk Virginia I saw it in the display case in Q-Master billiards. I begged Barry (the owner) not to sell it for the 2 weeks I would need to get the money. A year later I was a victim of an armed robbery. It didn't get a scratch, I got a concussion. I shot pool with it about a month ago - it was like going for a walk wearing well broken in shoes molded to my feet. I love it just as much now at 52 as I did at 21 seeing it in the display case.

[@widgetno1]

Love the mixture of high precision robotics craftsmanship and duct tape. Choosing the right tool for the job.

[@roldatanir8520]

I love McDermott Cue. wish to upgrade someday. more power to you guys.

[@justdoingitjim7095]

I bought a McDermott D-9 in 1980 for $300. It had a Bird's Eye Maple forearm and linen wrap. After my eyes gave out on me and I couldn't shoot anymore, in 2018 I auctioned it on Ebay and got $500 for it. That included the custom case with an extra matched shaft. Someone got a great deal on an awesome cue. I made a lot of money with that cue.

[@robertchristy9883]

I have 4 (1 is a masterpiece series). Only 3 now someone stole my D17. Gave 1 to a friend, 1 to my Dad, and will get 1 for my Mom. Thanks for the video.

[@jmt4b04d4v]

Beautiful work, thanks for sharing it 🎱🙂👍🏽

[@413xxx86]

Even the entry level starter kits are damned good!!! Love to support my home state business’!! Much respect for the showing of the process. I’ll be sure to send mine in when the time comes for a full service!

[@djsnowman06]

I bought two lucky cues for my wife and i. I can honestly say they are the best cues ive played with, even compared to the other more expensive brands. I cant imagine what the upper mcdermott brands are like. One day maybe...

[@Cody2nd]

@@djsnowman06just get a sneaky Pete from high end company. You get ALL the features from their top tier cues, without the hefty price tag….inlays and designs cost a TON, as they are extremely time consuming.

[@tacratt6091]

Beautiful work! I figured they were more expensive than they are!

[@BhaaskarDesai]

Anyone who watches this will instantly have the urge to play.

[@bertraminc9412]

Very beautiful American made cues!

[@heavyq]

Absolutely love my McDermott!!

[@ronmueller3074]

Very Educational. I never realized how much work went into making a pool stick. Now I only wish that I could afford one of Your Cues From WIS. now live in Florida. GPG !!!

[@BTC_DNA]

So satisfying to watch!

[@aaronlbuchanan9861]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@jimofthenorth8090]

Fantastic and fascinating video folks.

[@jond8881]

Worth every penny, great sticks👍

[@bubbacole1657]

Great video on how a cue is made. Never played with a McDermott, I'm a Schon man. But great info here..

[@arvinpanganiban5192]

Confidence in your Craft 👍🏼🙂... Mc Dermott Cues, i am impressed with your Cue Making Process...now i know what my next Cue/ Shaft is. Thanks for this video

[@benjia.outlawedchainsaws9165]

I just ordered a g229 and i can't wait for it to get here especially after watching this video and reading some of the comments

[@rickwidlund3512]

Fantastic video.

[@cardguys]

Super high quality!

[@jack_of_all_trades_master_none]

Best $200 I ever spent when I bought my GS Series GS13. It's paid for itself 10 times over. I purchased one of the last made GS13s with Birdseye Maple butts. Whoever stained my cue did an amazing job as well as whoever chose the wood blank. I've had that cue for over 5 years now and it's still straight. The only thing negative I could say about it was the Tiger Everest tip that came on it. I've since had 5 or 6 SIB tips installed over the years. I own some other cues but they were given to me. Certainly will buy another Mcdermott when its time or send mine in to be refurbished. The laminate has started peeling around the joint collar and sleeve. Which is to be expected considering I was playing 5 times a week 3-6 hours each day.

[@donaldshields2483]

Very interesting I don’t know too much about the cues but it looks to me like a beautiful one and I’m sure you take a lot of pride in them God bless

[@RogueExploration]

Pretty damn cool build process