How long to make pool cue from scratch?

This depends on the wood, the level of intricacy of the design, and the anticpated quality of the cue and its finish. Some cue makers can take more than 18 months to turn a cue to its finish size to minimize chance of warping. Then the construction can range from hours to weeks depending upon intricacy. Finally, as many as 25 layers of lacquer, each hand polished will finish the cue, so there is drying time between each as well. Add it all up, and the best pool cues take about 2 years, and possibly more. Less intricate and more affordable custom cues can be made in 6 months that arguably are just as good.