If you have any other questions, please contact us.
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How do I determine the size or my pool table? |
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Measure the inside of the table, from bumper to bumper, then compare it with the table below.
TABLE SIZE (in inches)
6ft = 36 x 72 7ft = 40 x 80
8ft = 44 x 88 8os - 46 x 92
9ft = 50 x 100 10ft = 56 x 112
(measured bumper to bumper) |
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Q. Should I attempt to assemble my own pool table?
A. If you are so inclined, yes. It isn't as difficult as some would have you believe. And, my newest book, Pool Table Assembly will guide you to a professional job.
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Q. What is the best pool table made?
A. A lot of people, including me, like the older Brunswick classics like the Gold Crown or Anniversary. However, there are many excellent tables made today, the only caveat is that you have to pay for it. Remember, a cheap table is cheap for a reason.
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Q. Can I move my pool table without dismantling it?
A. Almost all tables should be disassembled before they are moved, even for carpet replacement, but crating isn't always necessary.
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Q. Which is better a one-piece slate table or a three-piece slate table?
A. A regulation three-piece table is the better of the two because the slate will be oversize and will extend beneath the rails giving them a solid attachment.
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Q. Is a ball return table better than pockets?
A. No. It's simply a matter of preference. I actually find ball returns more of a nuisance than help, and some games, like One Pocket, are difficult to play on a ball return table.
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Q. Should slate be crated before moving?
A. Not necessarily. Most moving companies require that you crate them before they will move them, but if you're doing the job yourself, it isn't required.
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Q. Are spots required, and if so do you need one at both ends of a pool table?
A. No spots aren't required, but some means of locating the foot spot (where the balls are racked) is a requirement, and this is usually done with a spot; however, it can be located where the long string crosses the foot string. The head spot does not need to be indicated.
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What is the significance of slate? |
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Slate is inexpensive, plentiful, has sufficient weight, and stays relatively flat. |
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Q. How does the cue ball return work on a coin-operated table?
A. There are three types of mechanisms that trip a cue ball and send it to the end of the table and separate from the other balls. The most popular is the magnetic system. The cue ball is standard weight and size (6 ounces and 2 1/4 inches) but has iron chips or an iron core embedded. A magnet inside the table pulls the cue ball to the side. Next is and oversized cue ball (2 3/8 inches). A spring or shunt bar sends the ball to the side. The third system is a heaver or oversize ball that trips a balance and dumps the ball to the side.
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Q. What is pool table felt?
A. Billiard fabric (or cloth) is not felt. Billiard fabric is a woven combination of worsted wool and Nylon. Nylon gives it strength and wool gives it bulk. 'Worsted' is a term used in the production of wool. One of the processes in the production untangles, cleans, and lays the fibers straight and side by side. This process is called carding. Another process is called combing, which creates worsted wool. Combing removes shorter length fibers. Worsted fibers are then spun or twisted tighter than other woolens, which make them finer, smoother, firmer, and stronger; and an excellent billiard fabric.
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Q. How do I know what cushion rubber is on my table?
A. Most modern pool tables have K-66 profile cushions. Older large table, like Brunswick Gold Crowns have K-55 profile. Older coin-operated tables used U-23 profile and newer coin-operated tables use K-55 profile. Measure the width and thickness and compare that to the sizes we have listed under cushions.
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Q. What are the measurements for replacement rails for coin-operated table?
A. Measure an end rail from the longest edge to the longest edge to determine the rail set number.
Valley Tables Replacement Rail Set Numbers:
#7855: Model 78, 6 foot Valley with 29 inch long end rails and 35 X 68 inch slate.
#8555: Model 85, 6.25 foot Valley with 32 1/2 inch end rails and 39 X 75 inch slate.
#8855: Model 88, 6.5 foot Valley with 33 3/4 inch end rails and 40 1/4 X 77 ? inch slate.
#9355: Model 93, 7 foot Valley with 36 1/2 inch end rails and 43 X 83 inch slate.
#10155: Model 101, 8 foot Valley with 41 inch end rails, 47 ? X 91 ? inch slate.
#3855: Model 38 (New Valley 7 foot table from ZD-7 and newer) with 36 1/2 inch end rails.
For old 7 foot Valley tables that used wood screws for mounting, call 602-843-0804
Dynamo Tables Replacement Rail Set Numbers:
#1755: Model 17, 6.25 foot Dynamo with 32 1/2 inch end rails.
#2755: Model 27, 6.5 foot Dynamo with 33 3/4 inch end rails.
#3755: Model 37, 7 foot Dynamo with 36 1/2 inch end rails.
#4755: Model 47, 8 foot Dynamo with 41 inch end rails.
#575: Model 57, 9 foot Dynamo with 47.75 inch end rails.
United Billiard Tables (UBI)
Each rail may have 4 sliding rail bolts or 4 fixed rail bolts.
#UBI755: 7 foot United Table with 36 inch end rails.
#UBI855: 8 foot United Table with 42 inch end rails.
Replacement Rail Details
Made from #1 Clear poplar
Premium K-55 cushion rubber
Saw-tooth T nuts
Smooth cushion facings are glued and stapled.
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Q. How can I tell what kind of pockets my table has?
A. #6 pocket irons are the most common irons. There is a round lug on each end of the iron that inserts into the rail ends. Screws or bolt come from the bottom to secure the irons. Not as common are #3 irons, which have a rectangular flanges that are bolted to the top of the rails. Both types of pockets are known as "antique" style. Antique tables came with variety of pocket iron types. ? Older #3's are similar to new #3's except they have a narrower and longer flange. ? Older #6's also have a longer (deeper) lug than new #6's. ? "G" irons look similar to #3 irons but are also different in length and width. ? 20th Century irons are a thicker iron and have small screw holes at the outer edge of the iron for a metal shield to mount. ? #5 irons are a smaller and thinner than #6's. ? Wenco irons have square lugs instead of round like #6. ? "Special" #5's are similar to Wencos except the side irons have no lugs. ? Other irons available were #10, #7, and BCE Snooker irons.
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Q. Why does my pool table has inside pockets?
A. Most "modern" style tables have interior pockets (or buckets) made of rubber, plastic, or leather. These are neither inferior nor superior to outside designed pockets, just different.
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Q. How do I care for leather pockets?
A. Leather pockets need some care to give you years of service. Periodic cleaning with a damp soft cloth will help but don't use a detergent. Rub or spray leather conditioner applied to both the inside and outside will keep the leather soft and give it long life. Also, avoid direct sunlight or cover the table with a quality vinyl cover.
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Q. Why did the finish come off my pockets?
A. Pool cues rubbing across the top of the pocket is the biggest culprit. Usually this happens because it's an inferior product with a painted finish that can easily rub off. Quality pockets are finished with a dye that is steeped into the leather which will take much more abuse.
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Q. Can older pockets or nets be replaced?
A. Yes. We usually send the original irons to a pocket manufacturer to have them re-leathered to insure a proper fit.
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Q. Does it matter if the table is a ball return style?
A. No. This type of table is also known as a "Gully" table. Gully tables can be either antique (interior pockets) or modern (exterior leather pockets). One is not necessarily better than the other, only different.
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