This wood endures many turnings in the process of becoming a shaft. Shaft length varies, with the average being 29 inches. The first 2 to 6 inches of wood, from the joint forward, has an impregnable high-gloss finish that protects from dirt and moisture. The remaining area, up to the ferrule, is open-pore wood with a very smooth surface. Shaft diameter is constant for the first 6 to 14 inches below the ferrule, then it grows larger to match with the joint.
Shafts vary in stiffness based on the length and style of taper to which they are cut.
A short taper has less flexibility and produces a firmer hit, while longer tapers provide more flexibility and a softer hit. Shafts affect the weight, balance, feel, and playability of a cue. The joint provides precise alignment of the shaft and butt, allowing the transfer of impact energy to travel the cue's length. PIN - A threaded metal pin, glued into the end of the forearm, secures the connection. The pins vary in width, length, thread pitch, and channel depth.