Tried this and it works very well. However, having done it, a few additional comments. First, I suggest starting by using a leather conditioner (I used Apple), but ONLY on the outside of the pocket's webbing. Not inside, as the balls will pick it up and ruin your felt. Apply it liberally several times, leave for an hour or so, then wipe off. That will soften and help moisturize the leather from the outside, and help prevent cracking or splitting when you inflate the rubber ball. Second, be VERY careful inflating whatever type of ball you use (I used a six inch Pilates exercise ball, which was perfect). You want to push the pocket out just enough to reshape it more balloon like. Too much and you'll split it. Finally, when you put in the damp cloth or towel, remember you only want to moisten the leather, not soak it. So don't leave the towel too long. As the video said, 30 to 45 minutes should do it. Also, after putting the towel in, crawl down to take a closer look to be sure it's in contact with all of the leather inside the pocket, not just in a few places. Ideally, it would be all of it.
Thanks Henry, that would work too, especially if you have softer leather than mine as it might soften the leather as well. In my case, I wanted to reshape them but keep the stiffness / shape afterwards.
Tried this and it works very well. However, having done it, a few additional comments. First, I suggest starting by using a leather conditioner (I used Apple), but ONLY on the outside of the pocket's webbing. Not inside, as the balls will pick it up and ruin your felt. Apply it liberally several times, leave for an hour or so, then wipe off. That will soften and help moisturize the leather from the outside, and help prevent cracking or splitting when you inflate the rubber ball. Second, be VERY careful inflating whatever type of ball you use (I used a six inch Pilates exercise ball, which was perfect). You want to push the pocket out just enough to reshape it more balloon like. Too much and you'll split it. Finally, when you put in the damp cloth or towel, remember you only want to moisten the leather, not soak it. So don't leave the towel too long. As the video said, 30 to 45 minutes should do it. Also, after putting the towel in, crawl down to take a closer look to be sure it's in contact with all of the leather inside the pocket, not just in a few places. Ideally, it would be all of it.
Got the same pockets with the same problem. Doing this video now, hope it works.
I love this. This is the kind of McGyver'ish DIY I can get behind.
What model and brand pool table is this? I bought a Brunswick that is identical and can't figure out the model
Hey, it’s a Connelly San Carlos.
Use shoe leather stretching spray,easy to use and will do quick wonders to stretch and form the leather.
Thanks Henry, that would work too, especially if you have softer leather than mine as it might soften the leather as well. In my case, I wanted to reshape them but keep the stiffness / shape afterwards.