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POOL TABLES
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Pool Tables
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Important Features of a Billiard Table - What to Look for and Why
A solid wood frame is considered best on a pool table for two reasons: 1)
the overall strength and 2) the screw holding capacity. When you consider
that the frame is supporting as much as 500 pounds, the strength of the
frame is crucial. Solid wood is without a doubt the strongest and most
desirable frame.
Screw holding capacity is also very important because the frame either
screws or bolts together and the slate screws down to the frame. If the
frame does not have good screw holding power, it will not maintain its
rigidity. Solid wood has better screw holding capacity than either plywood
or particle board.
The design of the frame is also extremely important. If the table utilizes
frame supports that go both the length and width of the table, make sure
the frame supports the slate on all surfaces of the frame. Beware of
"stacked" frames where only part of the frame touches the slate. The frame
of many tables consists of the table cabinet and cross members. Tables
built in this manner should have cabinets sides and ends of at least 1"
thickness to permit slots to be routed to receive and support cross
members. Cabinets of insufficient thickness generally have blocks attached
to act as supports for the cross members.
Top Rails
There is a vast difference on the market today among top rails. Most top
rails are made either of particle board or solid wood. Solid wood rails
are the best for many reasons.
The cushion rubber glues directly on the surface of the rail. After years
of play, should the cushion rubber need to be replaced, a particle board
rail usually chips and becomes unsuitable for re-gluing when the old
cushions are removed. This problem does not exist among wood rails.
Solid wood rails are also better than particle board rails when it becomes
time to replace the cloth. Featherstrip grooves tend to "spread" on
particle board rails, which may make it impossible to replace the cloth.
Solid wood rails hold staples more securely on the underneath side of the
rails where the cloth is stapled. Particle board simply does not have the
staple holding power of solid wood.
Balls will also rebound faster over a longer period of time with solid
rails. Solid wood rails have livelier playing characteristics than
particle board rails.
Laminated Top Rails
If you are purchasing a table that has laminate on the rails, make sure
the laminate is burn and scratch resistant high pressure laminate. A high
pressure laminate will give added years to the life of your billiard
table.
Two Piece Rails
Tables that have a two-piece (rail cap and rail base) wood rail often
times have a pine rail base. A rail base made of poplar is far superior
because poplar is stronger than pine and it holds staples better. Rail
caps should also be from a hardwood so that they don't scratch or dent
easily.
Cushions
There are three important features to look for in a cushion. First, the
cushion should be a full profile K-66 cushion. Second, the cushion should
be canvas-backed. The canvas on the back of the rubber helps adhere the
cushion to the rail and the canvas on the top of the cushion controls the
action of the rubber so that more accurate and consistent play is
achieved. Finally, the cushion should be a good grade of rubber,
preferably Grade A. The higher grades of cushion rubber provide excellent
rebound quality. Many tables use an inferior B or C Grade.
Diamond-Honed Slate Playfields
Most slates available today are three-piece diamond honed matched and
registered. Diamond-honing results in a smooth, level playing surface.
Matched and registered simply means that the three individual sections
were cut from the same slab.
Historically, slate playfields have come from a variety of countries such
as Italy, Portugal, Spain and Brazil. Italy for years was the primary
source of most of the slate playfields imported. In recent years an
increasingly higher percentage of slate is being brought in from Brazil.
Tests conducted in 1992 by the University of Missouri Department of Mining
Engineering at Rolla, Missouri, indicates the Brazilian slate is of
superior strength and possibly more suitable for pool table playfields.
Generally, the thicker the slate the better. 3/4" slate on seven and eight
foot models usually provides an adequate playing surface, but 1" slate if
preferred on larger models. If the slate is framed (has a backing glued
and screwed to the back of the slate) make sure the backing is solid wood
and not particle board or plywood. Slate is heavy and the weight can cause
the particle board or plywood to compress, resulting in an uneven playing
surface.
Cloth - A Wool/Nylon Blend is Best
A wool/nylon blend billiard cloth is generally considered best. Nothing
has proven to wear better than wood and nylon and still maintain the
professional playability. Usually a 20 oz. cloth with an 80% wool and 20%
nylon content is desirable.
Leg Construction
The entire weight of a billiard table rests on its legs. For this reason,
solid leg construction is a must. Generally, most tables have either four
individual legs or two pedestal-style legs. If pedestal-style legs are
utilized, make sure they are framed with solid wood and not particle board
or plywood. If four individual legs are used, make sure the legs are of
sufficient strength to manage the weight of the table. Finally, examine
the method of which the legs attach to the table. This can determine the
rigidity of the entire table.
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