How to Identify Pool Table Types
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video I'll discuss the different types of pool tables most readily available on the market today.
If you're looking to buy a used pool table, it pays to know exactly what you're looking at! Get the most bang for your buck when buying your used pool table. When you're well informed, you make the best possible choices when purchasing!
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Below is a full list of Amazon links to all of the tools and supplies I use to install pool tables FAST and easy!
Senco 3/8" upholstery stapler: amzn.to/3j5AGIk
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Wooden wedges (shims): amzn.to/3lRA37b
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The above list of tools covers roughly 95% of all of the tools I use. Some I use multiples (such as scratch awls, tack hammers, and wrenches/sockets). This list does not include shop-tools. These are just the tools a pool table mechanic would need "in the field" to get a table disassembled, reassembled, and leveled.
Some of the links and other products that appear on this video are from companies which Creative Restorations will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Each purchase made from these links will help to support this channel with no additional cost to you.
If you feel this video was helpful and wish to make a contribution to the channel, you are welcome to send a PayPal donation to:
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Very informative! Good video.
Thankyou very much!
Older video but i just found it. I just bought a 1969 Brunswick Sport King. Looking forward to getting it set up.
First of all. Great video series. Secondly, as I was watching your Pool Table cloth 101 video, I found myself thinking--wow. this guys looks familiar. I play a lot of pool and watch a lot of videos on techniques and equipment reviews, so naturally I thought that was why. Then I remembered you and I discussing alligator stew by a camp fire in Maine a few years back!! You were at my house with Amy!! Why in the world were we outside freezing and not inside shooting pool where it was warm??? Small world. Great videos. Look me up the next time you're in Maine--we'll play.
Small world indeed!
We had fun that night. Why weren't we inside playing pool??? Because you guys were out there lighting every firecracker in the state of Maine! LOL
Amy and I are hoping to get back up that way this coming October. So, yes! We'll have to get together again! I'll make gumbo again too! Everyone seemed to enjoy it.
@@CreativeRestorations Awesome!!! Still blows my mind though!!! Until then--take care!
I appreciate your channel. I bought a brunswick Monticello II and I was willing to save some money and help with tear down and setup; I learned a little from the person who has done several himself. Biggest thing was label everything! And bring muscle, lol.
Well, first I want to say thank you for identifying a good pool table. And also thanks for the info that I can’t recover the cheaper tables. My next will be a real slate table and that will be soon.
Great advice
One pool hall I play at has mostly Medalists, but they also have 6 or 7 Valley bar box tables set for free play. No coins needed, just regular rates. I'm not sure why they did that, but they did. They just had the bar boxes recovered, and they look great!
I have a bumper pool table which, yes, like an MDF pool table, is just a toy. Some are/were slate, but this was sold by Sears in 1973 and is as cheaply built as one could be. For that reason, you'll never find them used because they were typically thrown away. I got it third hand 20 years ago and it's been sitting in my garage waiting to be refurbished. My challenge is to make it playable for as little money and with as little effort as possible. The cloth and rubber are shot, but the particle board bed is virtually perfect and I'll reinforce with shelf standards. Cheap cloth from Amazon. The rails are actually mahogany and in good shape. Rubber will be EVA craft triangular strips. Have all the bumpers, but will get new rings. And will be modifying the "cabinet" slightly.
The point is that certainly no professional pool table technician would waste time on a trash game table, but if you are resourceful and cheap, even junk can be given new life--and for far less than it would cost to buy a new table or a used one that doesn't need rehabbing.
@ 16:47 melamine, some of those cheap tables are made with MDF medium density fibreboard, not to be confused with particle or chip board (I think you Americans have a different for both of those
What is a good brand for a amateur first purchase home pool table? I am enjoying all of the knowledge you are sharing.
I’d suggest the Brunswick Contender series. They’re fairly decent tables for the money.
I have a 1912 Brunswick "The Jefferson" that I am in the process of putting back together. I would love some guidance on the do's and don'ts of the process.
Aside from play area, what other stuff to consider when choosing table size
I'm just finishing my custom pool/dining table that I built with 1 inch thick MDF instead of slate, removable pro cut bumpers from Penguin (my pockets are about 4.25") and championship 4066 cloth. Not every non-slate table is a toy!
Know why the Pantheon and the Coliseum in Rome are still standing after thousands of years? The foundation. Nothing compares to a stone type playing surface. Your MDF table will never transfer your acquired skills to a slate bed pool table. Now if you are alone and will play ONLY as PLAYING around all is well and good. If, however, you intend on honing your skills it is imperative to get out and shoot with players on a slate bed who take pool seriously. If not have fun and good luck playing on your new table because it is fun. MDF tables are as Doug stated intended for games such as air hockey, foosball and ping pong etc.
Awesome video.
My grandfather has a 30year old plywood "Grodson" i learned how to play on that.
I have a 3pc slate table, looking to re-felt it soon, I'm it's second owner. I just discovered your channel i would love to be able to fix people's tables.
do all Olhausen pool tables have an attached Olhausen label on the table?
My first table was not only a cheap 'Slatron' table, but it was used on top of that. Some of the rails were dead, it bowed in the middle, and I literally had to nail plywood braces into the apron under some of the pockets to keep the balls from falling through. Total garbage, but at 14-years-old, I LOVED that thing. Played and played it until it was an even bigger pile of trash than when I got it. I actually got so good on it that I was the only one who knew the secrets of where you could/couldn't hit and could run out most of the time. It would be another 20 years before I bought my first Connelly.
I highly recommend these Walmart tables for a first time table if you're not that dedicated to the sport. You'll know in six months or less if you actually love pool or if you have just another flat surface to collect laundry and junk mail. Better to find out at $500 as opposed to 2k and up.
Drew....I played on my friend's Larry wood table at the age of 14 on Friday nights with our buddies and we played for money. No one could beat Larry on his table precisely of what you stated. He knew every roll on that table that we called (off-seas) and he cleaned up. When we began going to Morris's Penndel Poll Hall in Pa. (1963) Larry could not win a game and gave it all back with interest. I must say this out of respect: Morris was an old-time pool player who played with the best in the country in his day but always had time to come over and correct us on a bank shot and schooled us on English on the ball and how to play four balls ahead in straight 125. He made us all better shooters. The most important though was his advice about being hustled not only in the pool room but life. This was a good man. RIP.....M.
I notice many older tables have snooker pockets. Do you ever change the rubbers on these. How do you shape the rubbers? I looked high and low and never found out how to do this! Could you make a video on thi?
I would if I had a snooker table to work on. That would be a great video. Unfortunately, I don't get much call to work on them.
I recently bought a over sized 8' table from a local dealer. It was used, and I was told it was a Brunswick blonde. When they set it up, the internal frame was made of plywood The beams, rails and legs are made of hardwood. The slate is 1'',3 peices.. I looked all over for a brand and could not find one anywhere. It is very well built and am very happy with it. It plays very well. Do you think this might have been built over seas?
Can you talk about "outdoor" rated pool tables? I'd love to hear your thoughts on those.
I may very well do a video about outdoor table recommendations. Or, at least, how I would build one so it will last.
Hi. Thanks for the informative video.
I’ve a question. What do you think of olhausen 9 foot pool table? Considering buying one.
I only mean playability Comparing to Brunswick or Diamond?
Thanks
I really like Olhausen pool tables. They play on par with every other major manufacturer out there with the exception of Diamond. Would I say that they play better or worse than a Diamond? No. Diamond is another animal altogether. And, I'm not a fan of them (unless you're talking about a 3 piece, home-type Diamond with normal pockets).
I have said numerous times that the tight pocket Diamond tables are great as a practice table. However, if you want to enjoy the game with friends (specifically, friends who don't play as well as you) DON'T get a tight pocket Diamond. You will only end up frustrating your friends and they won't want to play on that table with you.
I do highly recommend Olhausen pool tables. So, if you can get one in decent shape at a good price, go for it!
I will be disassembling and assembling a table for the first time tomorrow. I plan to pick up a Hawthorn by Brunswick pool table for $675 when the asking price was $850 that will come with the table, sticks, balls and overhead light. Is this a good deal? Any advice taking it apart for transport? I just came across you content today and they are very informative.
There were a couple of different designs on the Brunswick Hawthorn. One is better than the other. You want to avoid the Hawthorn that DOESN'T have framed slate. If it doesn't have framed slate, then that means you have to glue down the bed cloth.
Also, the stretchers that span between the legs are problematic on both designs. There are small wooden blocks that are stapled and glued to the stretchers. On almost every Hawthorn I've come across, the staples are too short to actually hold anything securely and the glue fails. Total, there are 4 stretchers (two long, two short). Be very careful when disassembling the stretchers from the legs!
One of the main characteristics of a commercial table vs a home pool table is, the rail widths are much wider on commercial tables... which pros and better players much prefer.
What's your opinion on Playcraft? Thanks
Good information on this video, but there are one piece slate home tables, because I have an old 8ft Fischer that is one piece slate. From the information I gathered, most older tables were one piece slate, whether home or other vs most modern tables are 3 piece slate with the exception of coin operated ones.
There are VERY few one piece home pool tables. And, yes, I am aware of Fischer. But, one piece home pool tables are the exception and not the rule. 3 (and more) pieces of slate to comprise the top of a pool table has been the normal way of making tables since slate became the preferred medium. Slate became the industry standard (3 or more pieces) way back in the 1830's. 3 piece slate replaced single piece "billiard boards" that were made of wood and worked flat. Billiard boards were large (being one piece) and did not provide the weight necessary to keep a table stable. That additional weight came at a price. Single pieces of slate are EXTREMELY difficult to move. Especially when one considers multi-story homes and businesses. So, they were cut into 3 or more pieces, leveled individually, and the seams filled with either beeswax or Plaster of Paris.
Your Fischer table is the "odd duck" in the grand world of billiards - since it is a home table that has a single piece slate. As a matter of fact, most pool table technicians and amusement companies won't move Fischer tables. You need special equipment to move them that isn't worth the investment (since we only get a call to move them about once every 5 years or so)
I'm not saying that a Fischer is a bad table. I am saying that, one piece home tables are not common AT ALL.
@@CreativeRestorations Yes I agree with everything you said it is a rare table, and extremely hard to move (or get moved, learned that the hard way) I also learned watching this video the reason why my leveling seams off in spots even though its leveled. The 4 points is the only adjustment points, which makes sense. I stumbled upon your videos swiping through my feed about a week ago, and been watching them because of the great information you give. I am learning more about tables as you go along, thanks for the content.
Hey hey I bought a Golden West "matador series" table from a guy for $400. Golden West is here in Portland so imma have them break down and put it together as well. Was wondering what kind pockets are good with cushioning and also the best cloth I can get them to put on. Money no issue. Love your videos.
Not sure I understand the question. Can you be more specific about what kind of pockets you're wanting?
@@CreativeRestorations I noticed around the rim of the pockets are no cushion. Are there pockets with more padding than others on the market?
2nd ? I am kind of iffy about getting a multi piece or slate table
Some tables last a really long time. I've got a ~1880s Wagner 9ft four piece slate table.
I need help identifying my old coin operated table. The rail are aluminum with wood running down thru it. Sub rail. The bumper is glued ro this metal rail. The metal rail fits snug it another metal piece or frame. The sub rail and bumper is screw down ro the frame. Help. Who makes this table?
1 piece slate
Hello. Great video! My dad has a home pool table, but we don't know what brand/model it is or if it's one piece or three piece slate. Would you be able to help me identify it with pictures and/or more info? I can see the slate under the pool table, but I only feel/see one thing that could be a seem in it. It's to one side of the center pocket (above wooden plank), but not the other side. There are two horizontal wooden planks on the sides of the center pockets underneath, with about a 1-2" gap between board and slate. Then there's another wood plank that runs horizontally down the middle (center pocket to center pocket) and it's right up against the slate. The only vertical/long boards are part of the ball return. Also, there are 0 markings of brand that I can find, and the table is at least 30 years old and has a wooden ball return system (not coin operated). Let me know if you can connect and/or want to help. Thank you!
You're welcome to contact me through the information provided on my website:
billiardsofneworleans.com
More than likely it's a one piece slate if it at 8 or 9ft and is more than 30 years old with a boxed style.
Marcus, single-piece slates have never been in the majority for home-type tables. Single piece "billiard board" tables were how tables were made prior to the 1830's. But, 3 or more pieces of slate has been the industry standard since, again, the 1830's.
I specifically didn't mention "billiard board" construction tables because it is EXTREMELY unlikely that the average person will run into a 190 + year old table when looking for one to buy. I also didn't mention single piece slate home tables for that same reason. Although they do exist, they were only made by a very few companies (Fischer being one of them). And, as time goes on (and more people figure out that even professional pool table technicians won't move them) more and more of those 1 piece slate tables get discarded.
@@CreativeRestorations Thanks for the info and you are correct they're Extremely rare, but do exist. Enjoy your video content, and keep them coming
👽 thx.
Have a ? How to measure a 9 foot pool table, and also is there a 1 piece slate for such a table,
When you say "measure", are you asking about the overall length of the table or the playing dimensions? Typically, for measuring a table, I measure the width of the slate. 41" is a 3.5' x 7'. 51" is a 4' x 8'. 53" is a 4' x 8' oversize. And 57" is a 4.5' x 9'.
Optimum space around a pool table for playing is an additional 5' on all sides. So, add 10' to the length and width of the playing dimensions to get optimum (minimum) room size needed.
Is the Cannon pooltable a good table?
They were a Chinese made table (as I don't believe they're still being made and sold under that name). And with anything coming out of China, it's really hit or miss. So, it really depends on which model it is and how much the asking price is. Personally, I would stick with American made.
Is Sportcraft pool table a slate table
None that I've seen have been.
"Sportcraft" is an extremely low-end "pool table" (I put that in quotes because it's technically a pool table but, it's really just a toy) sold by Academy Sporting Goods. Although they may make (or have made) real slate tables, I've never come across one. EVERY example I've seen is glued and stapled together in such a way as to make service down the road impossible. Not to mention, they can be bought new for under $600 (approximately the same price of having a REAL pool table moved).
Unless you're buying a brand new one STRICTLY for kids (under the age of 15) to play on - and destroy - I would stay away from Sportcraft like the plague!
What would you recommend in the 3000.00-3500.00 range? Thanks.
New or used?
@@CreativeRestorations New. Also forgot to mention I would probably go with a 7 foot table.
Olhausen makes EXCEPTIONAL tables in that price range. I'm quite fond of them.
@@CreativeRestorations Awesome. Thank you so much for your reply.
One more question if you don't mind. Money aside, do you prefer the Olhausen or the Diamond? I have read really good things about both brands. Thanks.
Is it recommended to disassemble a table for transport? I'm looking at an Ole Hausen that is about 3 hours away. I would assume the chance of the slate shifting is pretty likely. I guess the benefit of that would be that I wouldn't have to pay a crew to move it. I could do it myself and transport it safely and then reassemble.
Yes. ALWAYS disassemble a table when possible. Moving it whole is a good way of hurting someone or breaking things!
@@CreativeRestorations ok thanks. Certainly makes sense. Also, if the cloth is in good shape can it be reused or should it typically be replaced? And how much does each piece of slate weigh typically for a full size table?
The cloth can almost always be reused. And, each slate weighs roughly 250 to 300 pounds.
@@CreativeRestorations ok thanks. I'll be recovering it anyway. The was cat hair all over it and I just didn't like the thought of the cat walking and sitting on it and getting it dirty. I also found the one of the slates had apparently been cracked and repaired. The repair is smooth as glass and we handled it carefully. Would a company like Brunswick ever do repairs like that? I would assume that they'd just trash a piece of broken slate, if it even ever happened. I'm not worried. The repair seems perfect but I just wondered if pool table techs will ever repair slate or if it was a factory thing.
I have repaired slate before. It isn't easy. And, it never comes out perfect. But, for some people, it's better than shelling out over $1000 on new slates.
Some slate quarries will repair a cracked piece before it has ever been milled. When they do it like that, it's every bit as good as if it had never been broken. As for a manufacturer doing a repair like that, no. NEVER. They would MUCH rather sell you a new set of slates. Or, better, a whole new table. And, yes. The manufacturers would typically throw away any slates that are cracked, badly chipped or aren't suitable for use in any other way.
What about non slate top tables
I don't consider non-slate top tables to be "real" pool tables. Those are basically disposable toys.
Is marble okay instead of slate?
I've never seen a table that uses marble. Never heard of it either. I have seen marble veins in the slate.
In all actuality, marble would be cost prohibitive. Wouldn't make sense to use it either since it would be covered with cloth.
@@CreativeRestorations Very few pool tables use it, a vendor that sells snooker tables uses marble in their cheaper offerings. Just saw wondering if it was an okay slate subtitute.
Melamine. Since you asked.
What about accuslate?
"Accuslate" is a fancy sales way of saying "particle board". It's only used on the cheapest of tables that I would classify as toys rather than true pool tables.
have you hear of this pool table call BRINKLUN