So I picked this up the other day

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GrizzlyThunder:

--- Quote from: ChadTower on June 16, 2017, 02:47:41 pm ---

It was $100 delivered. Gotta keep that in context.

Be glad he didn't have me try to deliver it. I'd still be sitting around trying to load it into my truck.

--- End quote ---

Haha well this poor guy would have been too if I didn't do most of the lifting.

--- Quote from: knave on June 16, 2017, 04:25:27 pm ---My dad picked up a cheap table like that for our basement. we used it as is for 15 plus years and while the felt was worn and it made the balls travel slow...it was even for everyone and after a night of drinking no-one cared.

So enjoy.

--- End quote ---

I definitely will. It's not the best game but it's still going to be fun and serve its purpose. Thanks.

05SRT4:
Good price, fun project. I need to go dust off my pool table now.

RandyT:

I'm guessing that this is a very old table, which has been modified over the years, and lost it's slate bed long ago.

After the felt is removed, set up the table as level as possible, and see how the balls roll on the bare MDF. This will give you a really good idea as to the condition of the top. If it's really bad, don't waste money on the felt, before you consider replacing the top. Bare MDF is an awful material for the top, as it sucks moisture like sponge. The newer "slatron" tables are nothing more than 3/4" melamine coated board, but as that material is plastic sealed top and bottom, just sealing the edges can make it much more moisture resistant than other wood tops.

Also pay close attention to the rails. Make sure they still have good bounce, and aren't dried, stiff, broken or rotting. Check to make sure that the wood backing material is securely attached to the rubber, and that it's good enough to be securely attached to the frame. If they are loose, you will get really bad action on the table.

If you start running into problems, it'll probably cost more to fix than it's worth. If that's the case, there's no shame in cobbing it together the cheapest way possible just to get some use out of it. Otherwise, it'll likely turn into a money pit,

ChadTower:

--- Quote from: RandyT on July 04, 2017, 01:39:30 pm --- If that's the case, there's no shame in cobbing it together the cheapest way possible just to get some use out of it.

--- End quote ---

Seems like that was his plan all along anyway.

RandyT:
I'm in the process of restoring a late 70's vintage bar table, myself. The slate has been repaired and felt has been re-done. It's also the third table I have owned, so I have a fairly good idea as to what to look for, and how problems can affect usability.

Cheap felt costs at least $60, so slapping it on a top which is so bad that balls do an "S" trajectory when traveling down the table, or roll away from the pockets, will just be a waste of time and money. Folks who don't play the game might initially think that a bad table will still get used, but the frustration makes it get old very quickly and it will collect dust. Your guests will also complain about it incessantly, if you can even get them to play on it more than once (voice of experience :).)

If the top is bad, it's better to spend a bit extra and at least replace the top with 3/4" melamine (with sealed edges). If the rails aren't perfect, that's something most casual players can live with.

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