Slate Repair

[TableTek]

I recently was given a great set of GC4 slates, with one hitch. The corner pocket had a crack running diagonally across on the foot. I have used this technique once before to fix a side pocket antique slate that someone decided to lift without unbolting. On the antique, it needed new backing wood so I did the following on both sides. I use PC-7 which is a metall based epoxy. The backing on the GC4 slate was in great shape so I tried it just on the top. The process is listed below..
1) Identify shape of crack, break slate clean if you need.
2) Grind some clearance grooves were slate matches, along with at least 1/4 chamfer on top surfaces to fill.
3) Use something flat to bolt 2 slate pcs to after initial epoxy application, tap with mallet to fit and take air bubbles out.
4) Once seam is attached, fill chamfer with PC7 as well, grind down and stone flat.
5) Reinforce joint by using 8-32 threaded rod as rebar, use 1/8" diamond router.
6) Grind just above the slate surface with angle grinder and then use a flat object with 80-120 grit paper to plane flat. I used a large angle block because it was close. Prefer to use 18x12x4 granite surface plate with paper on finished side.

Let me know what you think..
Rob

 

[gmillioni]

nice repair. couldnt u just buy another slate for the cost of reapir. lol
hey its gerald, in memphis. im still working on the facings for my regina table. i think they are coming along ok. more work than i thought, but not difficult. hope to see you in december. 901 412 9618

 

[TableTek]

Slate Repair vs Replace

Hi Gerald,
You are correct, for most situations like this I would suggest just replacing the slate. These were given to me and I felt like using them on my playing table. In the case of an antique table, this may be the only option though. I look forward to meeting you when I come down for the holidays, better get practicing! I am!
Rob

 

[david(tx)]

I recently was given a great set of GC4 slates, with one hitch. The corner pocket had a crack running diagonally across on the foot. I have used this technique once before to fix a side pocket antique slate that someone decided to lift without unbolting. On the antique, it needed new backing wood so I did the following on both sides. I use PC-7 which is a metall based epoxy. The backing on the GC4 slate was in great shape so I tried it just on the top. The process is listed below..
1) Identify shape of crack, break slate clean if you need.
2) Grind some clearance grooves were slate matches, along with at least 1/4 chamfer on top surfaces to fill.
3) Use something flat to bolt 2 slate pcs to after initial epoxy application, tap with mallet to fit and take air bubbles out.
4) Once seam is attached, fill chamfer with PC7 as well, grind down and stone flat.
5) Reinforce joint by using 8-32 threaded rod as rebar, use 1/8" diamond router.
6) Grind just above the slate surface with angle grinder and then use a flat object with 80-120 grit paper to plane flat. I used a large angle block because it was close. Prefer to use 18x12x4 granite surface plate with paper on finished side.

Let me know what you think..
Rob
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Not able to be a critic of your work but it looks good:smile:. One of the criticisms of the Valley bat tables is the slate shelf in the pockets isn't as deep as the Diamonds.

Wondered if it would be possible to adhere an extension to a slate or whether it would be cost effective to get a slate made with a deeper corner shelf. Thinking aloud here but i'd bet getting a slate other than a standardized size would be more expensive.


Do you know how much replacement slates cost for say a Gold Crown?There are a bunch of cheap Valleys that have cabinets that are in good shape. Just trying to figure the value in something like that.

 

[TableTek]

retrofitting a Valley

Hi David,
Thanks for your reply about the slate work, it is a work in progress. Next time I find a broken slate I am going to try to glue the seam, then see how strong it is. About the GC slates, I have yet to buy any so I am not of much use there. You could retrofit a Valley slate for deeper shelves but it would take time you would only do for your own table (much like these GC4 slates on my practice table). The design of the Valley is so much more of concern that even with the revised slate design it is a long ways off than a stock Smart table. You can get a Valley playing much better by either using the Ridgeback rails from RKC or having a new set of hardwood rail liners made with quality cushions and larger hardware. Just a matter of if it is worth the time, these tables are everywhere so its not going to add to the resale value if you dump a grand into it. Talk to you later
Rob

 

[david(tx)]

Hi David,
Thanks for your reply about the slate work, it is a work in progress. Next time I find a broken slate I am going to try to glue the seam, then see how strong it is. About the GC slates, I have yet to buy any so I am not of much use there. You could retrofit a Valley slate for deeper shelves but it would take time you would only do for your own table (much like these GC4 slates on my practice table). The design of the Valley is so much more of concern that even with the revised slate design it is a long ways off than a stock Smart table. You can get a Valley playing much better by either using the Ridgeback rails from RKC or having a new set of hardwood rail liners made with quality cushions and larger hardware. Just a matter of if it is worth the time, these tables are everywhere so its not going to add to the resale value if you dump a grand into it. Talk to you later
Rob

Thanks for the reply, i'm hard headed , i know the Diamonds are superior , but i like the looks of the Valleys , don't know why. Don't like the bulky looking legs on the Diamonds.

There is a glut of Valley tables and i had some thoughts about the vending side and making the Valley a better playing table on the cheap. It is just an idea now , i'd have to learn table set up and repair for it to be viable.

Don't know why vendors don't maintain their equipment , i'd think it would be a draw for people. I always remember places with good tables and would repeat business where they are it if it was me.

I've only played on one Diamond and it was quiet and had nice rails to play off of.I didn't play on it long enough to notice a difference in the pockets.

 

[gmillioni]

this really was awesome work. demonstrates your ability to think out a solution to a sticky problem. many skills at work here.