For all you would-be-flamers!

[pocketpared]

Rep to you sir for a fine post.

I went against a personal rule that I have of myself and posted in a thread that I had not read. I hadn't even read the first post, I just saw Hu as the last person posting in another multi-page thread by RKC. I commented because what I had seen on that one page was what I see every time I dare to read anything RKC posts. I didn't have a need to read the whole thread. Same stuff different day...

I'm glad I didn't read the thread because I wasn't aware that he once again publicly bad mouthed Ernesto. I thought people were bringing it up from the last time he did it.

Someone said "the haters" were jealous because RKC is the best & we're not. I know nothing about table mechanics, nor do I care to so getting jealous because he is better at it than I am is ludicrous. I couldn't care less. My issue with RKC is called a personality conflict, not jealously. The guy is full of himself which is off putting to most people and annoying.

RKC, I wouldn't care if you could run circles around Ernesto when it comes to table mechanics. The fact of the matter is that he is a better man than you will ever be. The pool world would be a much better, more respected place if we could figure out how to clone Ernesto and do away with the pontificating people like yourself.

I said RKC's the best at "something"..the clown/haters aren't. Work on that comprehension a little.
And as far as someone stating if you have worked with RKC you're not qualified to judge his work but if you haven't...you are...huh?

 

[realkingcobra]

Ernesto is the best table mechanic on the west coast, and probably in the country.

Now that I've had time to think about what you said, lets see here, for you....this should be very simple....show some proof to back up your statement....because being THAT good, there should be SOME simple way of showing that....now isn't there? Unless that statement is nothing more than YOU running your MOUTH again

Glen

 

[cuetechasaurus]

Now that I've had time to think about what you said, lets see here, for you....this should be very simple....show some proof to back up your statement....because being THAT good, there should be SOME simple way of showing that....now isn't there? Unless that statement is nothing more than YOU running your MOUTH again

Glen

But wait, you said you wanted to lay off the subject on him...make up your mind.

I said "probably the best in the country" because it's my opinion. People have said you are the best in the country. Lots of people have also said that about him. Everyone's entitled to their opinions. If you're asking what I base my opinion on, it's from playing on his tables for years. Even when he does entire poolrooms with 20+ tables in one go, they all play practically perfect. The man works his ass off and he does incredible work to boot.

There's no doubt you do the same. You just have an attitude problem that makes you less personable.

I think you are threatened by him. You get jealous if I say that someone other than you isn't the best in the country. Relax.

 

[realkingcobra]

But wait, you said you wanted to lay off the subject on him...make up your mind.

I said "probably the best in the country" because it's my opinion. People have said you are the best in the country. Lots of people have also said that about him. Everyone's entitled to their opinions. If you're asking what I base my opinion on, it's from playing on his tables for years. Even when he does entire poolrooms with 20+ tables in one go, they all play practically perfect. The man works his ass off and he does incredible work to boot.

There's no doubt you do the same. You just have an attitude problem that makes you less personable.

I think you are threatened by him. You get jealous if I say that someone other than you isn't the best in the country. Relax.

To say I'm jealous of Ernesto, is to say you know nothing about me. I can't do all the work I have in the waiting, so I have to turn away most of the work simply because I can't do it all, so what is there to be jealous about, to feel threatened by?...Think about it, I DON'T need the extra work, I teach other mechanic's how to improve THEIR skills, then pass them all the extra work I have in their area...so explain "jealous and treatened"....what does that mean...in YOUR words?

Glen

 

[cuetechasaurus]

To say I'm jealous of Ernesto, is to say you know nothing about me. I can't do all the work I have in the waiting, so I have to turn away most of the work simply because I can't do it all, so what is there to be jealous about, to feel threatened by?...Think about it, I DON'T need the extra work, I teach other mechanic's how to improve THEIR skills, then pass them all the extra work I have in their area...so explain "jealous and treatened"....what does that mean...in YOUR words?

Glen

Then next time, call the guy up and tell him what your problem is instead of bashing his work publicly. Do you understand why I'm a little ticked off at you now?

 

[realkingcobra]

Then next time, call the guy up and tell him what your problem is instead of bashing his work publicly. Do you understand why I'm a little ticked off at you now?

So, pointing out that Ernesto is using the wrong cushions on GC tables, and not saying anything else about his workmanship....is BASHING his work?....is that what you're saying? And what you're telling me, is that I should have called up Ernesto, who's been working on tables for more than 20 years and KNOWS what he's doing....to TELL him that he's not doing something right?...that he SHOULD aready know?...hmmmm, I'd have to think about that....because I think that would be like showing a Ford mechanic...how to change spark plugs, when in order to be a "Ford mechanic"....he should already know how to do that

Glen

 

[Dartman]

...
I said "probably the best in the country" because it's my opinion. ...

OHH - THATS "YOUR OPINION"
In other words you've never played on a Jay Speilburg table or a Mark Gregory table or an Al Conte table, etc.

Next time you make a statement with NOTHING to back it up you might think about adding "IMO"

Best in California and probably best in the country my ass.
Had you said Ernesto is "ONE" of the best in the state, country or even the world nobody would argue that.
And FTR - I'd match a Donny table with an Ernesto table any day of the week.

 

[Dartman]

So, pointing out that Ernesto is using the wrong cushions on GC tables, and not saying anything else about his workmanship....is BASHING his work?....is that what you're saying? And what you're telling me, is that I should have called up Ernesto, who's been working on tables for more than 20 years and KNOWS what he's doing....to TELL him that he's not doing something right?...that he SHOULD aready know?...hmmmm, I'd have to think about that....because I think that would be like showing a Ford mechanic...how to change spark plugs, when in order to be a "Ford mechanic"....he should already know how to do that

Glen

Let's not get into the Ernesto / K66 thing again.
If people like the way that setup plays then who's to argue.
Let it go.

 

[perfectpocketz]

I really don't believe that anyone is the best, and just who could ever prove it.....mostly who cares.
People's ego's will never change in the pool world......someone that is my friend says I'm the best, people that like Ernesto say he is the best, as well as Glen, and so on, and so on.....when does it stop.

Take the compliments and move on.....because no one is the best, we all take a lot of pride in our work, and it shows.....that's all. For the first time, players are starting to understand the difference between a really good table, and a not so good.

Back in the 70's we were just glade to gamble on a table, and the shit we played on then.....well trust me players today would scream bloody murder if they had to play on those tables.
We've learned to make cue's better.... the knowledge of the game is better....the tables have come a long way. We are just trying to keep up with the demands of the players. Have any of you ever heard a player say that ball faded in.... that don't count....no way....but if that ball fades out....all you hear is how bad the table rolls.

Glen has spent a lot of time trying to figure out what changes are needed to make tables play better.....as I've done myself. Believe me..we are on the right track.....does that mean we are the best.....not even close. We're just trying harder, and put more time in our work than most do.

Some of the best players in the world have been gambling on the tables I've just done.....all I hear is
Mark this table plays great......ten minutes later, Mark you need to check that table, man it's rolling off bad.

So now I'm not so good....right? We're just learning more and more about tables.....and no one is the best....and no one is going to ever be the best......just do the best you can, and walk away.

I still (20 yrs.) later make mistakes, but I correct them and learn not to make them again.
I don't post much work on here, but I do enjoy looking at Donnie's...Josh....Glen..Shane..and everyone that posts pics. They're proud of the work, and that's great....it's not ego.....it's help for some.

If you don't like the posts, or what some of the mechanics have to say......so what, let it go....all everyone is doing is hurting the trust people have in us.

Remember it's just a pool table, we're not hurting anyone trying to get them perfect.

How about some positive thought's and words for a change from everyone.
(I thank Rick for the mention of my name a long side of some of the greats)

Hope you all have a great day!

Thank you
Mark Gregory

 

[pulzcul]

Glenn, I put a table together 2 weeks ago for a tournament we had. It was my first. I used your thread on how to strech 860 on the rails. They came out perfect. And the table was the center piece of the weekend. The table in this thread would be the centerpiece anywhere you put it! You had my respect before this thread ,now you have my admiration sir! TAP TAP TAP

 

[realkingcobra]

Glenn, I put a table together 2 weeks ago for a tournament we had. It was my first. I used your thread on how to strech 860 on the rails. They came out perfect. And the table was the center piece of the weekend. The table in this thread would be the centerpiece anywhere you put it! You had my respect before this thread ,now you have my admiration sir! TAP TAP TAP

Thank you pulzcul, one of these days I'd like to spend my time just traveling around the country working with as many other mechanics as I possibly can in the hopes of someday creating some kind of uniformity in the way commercial tables play in the future....because the mechanic's of this industry are the backbone of the tables once they've left the factory

Glen

 

[smokey]

story time - a tale from medical history...

a story that reflects on the topic & some of your comments...

long ago, i'd estimate somewhere in the50's/60's the way surgeons dealt with breast cancer was by mastectomy [and there were varying procedures but all were severe gross removals & disfigurement]. this was a very disturbing procedure for women to endure physically and emotionally as well as greatly disfiguring. women were heartbroken. some great guys, only cared for their beloved, but some guys just were just terribly disturbed by this disfigurement too. human nature is what it is.

there was this doc; a young man who challenged the autocratic elder physicians, the "best of the best" surgeons in America. this young man spoke with great determination against this autocratic, stogy, rich, doctors. i'll never forget seeing him in his khaki chinos and navy sport jacket , debating against these autocrats in their 'perfect suits.
they criticized this young doctor in a deplorable manor. i was shocked to see what most considered erudite physicians behaving like 'mad dogs' against him.

they all insisted that "the" way they handled this grossly invasive surgery, was "the only" way to handle this procedure.

well, i believed in this doctor. intellectually, i felt he had them [about 5 of them; 5 against 1] beat by a mile. it also reminded me of Plato's 'Allegory of the Cave', a personal treasure from my reading.

in time, this young doctor proved that lumpectomies could remove the cancer without all the devastation that mastectomies caused. it was later considered a major breakthrough in medicine. 'all' surgeons today agree.

and even now, some are able to be treated with just radiation and no surgery.

i enjoy azb a lot. i learned a lot here. i admire many of you, not just great players, but as people, expressing yourselves.

to the point at hand: some of the negative posters on this thread i admire. maybe it is your writing, or you mind or insight; 'usually'. but on this thread, i don't get it, and that is why i included the story above.

i know you got my point already, but just the same i will add this...

glen is trying his best to "add" to this sport. he would be a fool to call ernesto. and why bother - ernesto "thinks/knows" his gc + k66 with altered rails is the cat's meow of pool tables. do you think glen or the pool gods could convince him otherwise [and that only refers to one guy and one thing, but look at all the other things glen has done when you cast a stone] - as by all indications everybody to the last man standing thinks this is just counterproductive and cannot make a good table? and if you 'think', well, i like ernesto's manner, then i will accept whatever he does no matter it goes against proper table diagnostics. then castigate glen therefore, well - i won't say more than, i promised a friend on azb that i would 'watch myself' so i must keep my word and not tell you really what i normally would face to face.

and as far as doctor98 is concerned, i will just say 2 things:

1. he is not my cup of tea and further; glen helped this joker out a lot so i could care less he waited for his money.

2. did any of you check his [doctor98] past posts and read all his nonsense and trying to squeeze the last 1/4 cent out of every deal he was ever involved with.

i could elaborate further, but let me just say this...

to one who has the insight [hopefully helped by the above illustration] no further explanation is necessary, but to one who still can't "get it" no understanding will ever be possible. again, as stated in the beginning paragraph; human nature is what it is.

i, and many others for sure are very happy that glen is trying to lead the way, from 'wood, stone and cloth' to great playing tables by learned & professional techs.

get it, or, not...
enough said

all the best,
smokey

 

[realkingcobra]

I guess I have this crazy idea that if you're playing on a Diamond, it should play like a "Diamond" no matter where it's located. Same goes for the GC's, no matter which model GC it is, no matter where it's at, it should play like a "Gold Crown". That way when players chase tournaments around the country, or world for that matter, if they're playing on either of these tables....they should know what to expect when it comes to the play of these tables. Brunswick changed the models of the GC's from 1 though 5, but they never changed the way the table was intended to play. If you really think about it, a GC5 shouldn't play ANY different than a GC1 if they're using the same cushions now I know pockets are going to be different, depending on where they're located, based on the players playing on them, BUT....pockets don't have ANYTHING to do with the open playing surface as far as the speed and banks are concerned, and no matter what model GC you're playing on, they should ALL play the same. And yes, I know that even cloth can be different, but even that is a consistent from one GC to the next. Like I said, I'm not talking about pockets or cloth, or slate shelfs, only about the 50x100 playing surface of all GC's and Diamonds....players should be able to expect to be playing on the same tables....from each of these 2 manufactures. And I'm NOT saying that these two tables should play the same as each other either....just consistant...from location to location, tournament to tournament.

Glen

PS. When customers ask me to work on their pool tables, rebuild the rails and the whole 9 yards, in most cases they tell me they want it to play like a "Diamond" when I'm done. I CAN'T make a GC play like a Diamond, because it's NOT a Diamond, no different than I CAN'T make a Diamond play like a GC. BUT...what I can do, is make ANY GC play like a GC should play as far as pocket opening go, and as far as cushion speed and banks are concerned, and yes...to some extent, Diamond does share in some of these spec's. ProCut pockets are a terminology pretty much pioneered by Greg Sullivan, as well as everyone's understanding of 4 1/2" corner pocket openings....being "ProCut" as well as pocket angles and such. Slate shelves can vary, that's a manufactures choice, not mine. Leather pockets vs plastic or rubber pocket liners...ALL a manufactures choice, not mine. I just work with what I have on hand...the TABLE

 

[perfectpocketz]

I guess I have this crazy idea that if you're playing on a Diamond, it should play like a "Diamond" no matter where it's located. Same goes for the GC's, no matter which model GC it is, no matter where it's at, it should play like a "Gold Crown". That way when players chase tournaments around the country, or world for that matter, if they're playing on either of these tables....they should know what to expect when it comes to the play of these tables. Brunswick changed the models of the GC's from 1 though 5, but they never changed the way the table was intended to play. If you really think about it, a GC5 shouldn't play ANY different than a GC1 if they're using the same cushions now I know pockets are going to be different, depending on where they're located, based on the players playing on them, BUT....pockets don't have ANYTHING to do with the open playing surface as far as the speed and banks are concerned, and no matter what model GC you're playing on, they should ALL play the same. And yes, I know that even cloth can be different, but even that is a consistent from one GC to the next. Like I said, I'm not talking about pockets or cloth, or slate shelfs, only about the 50x100 playing surface of all GC's and Diamonds....players should be able to expect to be playing on the same tables....from each of these 2 manufactures. And I'm NOT saying that these two tables should play the same as each other either....just consistant...from location to location, tournament to tournament.

Glen

PS. When customers ask me to work on their pool tables, rebuild the rails and the whole 9 yards, in most cases they tell me they want it to play like a "Diamond" when I'm done. I CAN'T make a GC play like a Diamond, because it's NOT a Diamond, no different than I CAN'T make a Diamond play like a GC. BUT...what I can do, is make ANY GC play like a GC should play as far as pocket opening go, and as far as cushion speed and banks are concerned, and yes...to some extent, Diamond does share in some of these spec's. ProCut pockets are a terminology pretty much pioneered by Greg Sullivan, as well as everyone's understanding of 4 1/2" corner pocket openings....being "ProCut" as well as pocket angles and such. Slate shelves can vary, that's a manufactures choice, not mine. Leather pockets vs plastic or rubber pocket liners...ALL a manufactures choice, not mine. I just work with what I have on hand...the TABLE

Glen, great post, very well said...your knowledge of pool tables goes far beyond what people really understand about pool tables.
Your work on tables is truly amazing, and you care about the big picture more than anyone will understand.

I've gotten to know you this past year, and the knowledge you have shared with me....well I really get blown away with all your ideas, and the way you are always trying to better everything you do.

I don't believe for one minute that any other mechanic has shared the knowledge...the pics.....or ideas better than you have.
YOU ARE TRULY ONE OF THE GREATEST TABLE MECHANICS IN THE WORLD !!!!

Glen, the mechanic's all know the changes you have made, and have thought us better ways of working on tables.

The way you glue the cloth on the table is awesome, no better way in the world. IMO
The finished pocket, well who don't love that look?????

The tooling that you just came up with for the rails to play perfect, it don't get any better than that.:grin-square::grin-square:
I believe in you as a person, and in the ways you master pool tables.

I thank you for the knowledge you have shared with me, and it has made me a better mechanic today.
Keep up the great work, and never stop sharing your work with us on here.

You may not be able to make a Diamond play like a GC, or a GC play like a Diamond, but I know first hand what ever table you're working on always comes out better than both of them.

You and I understand that statement, and in time everyone else will as well.
I can't wait to use the tooling on the GC......I know it will be awesome....Thanks to you.:wink:

Have a great day
Mark Gregory

 

[cuetechasaurus]

Let's not get into the Ernesto / K66 thing again.
If people like the way that setup plays then who's to argue.
Let it go.

Good post.

And what I said about Ernesto probably being the best in the country, it was my intention to portray it as my opinion.

 

[ShootingArts]

the way folks are

Good post.

And what I said about Ernesto probably being the best in the country, it was my intention to portray it as my opinion.

Just the way people are. I'm sure that they raved about Ernesto's work eleven years ago just as they raved about Glen's recently and if Ernesto or Oscar comes back in eleven years and changes the rails back to the way they were to begin with the customers will be thrilled again. Many customers like "new and different" which is what keeps most manufacturers in business.

Some folks just take customer's compliments a bit too seriously and let them go to their heads. It's nice when your customers think you are the best, many of my customers felt that way about me, not so nice when you think you are the best and above all others in your field.

Hu

 

[realkingcobra]

Just the way people are. I'm sure that they raved about Ernesto's work eleven years ago just as they raved about Glen's recently and if Ernesto or Oscar comes back in eleven years and changes the rails back to the way they were to begin with the customers will be thrilled again. Many customers like "new and different" which is what keeps most manufacturers in business.

Some folks just take customer's compliments a bit too seriously and let them go to their heads. It's nice when your customers think you are the best, many of my customers felt that way about me, not so nice when you think you are the best and above all others in your field.

Hu

Hu, now is this a fact, or just your opinion? Believe me when I tell you, tables I've rebuilt the rails on....are never going to be changed out again to play differently!

Glen

 

[realkingcobra]

Hu, now is this a fact, or just your opinion? Believe me when I tell you, tables I've rebuilt the rails on....are never going to be changed out again to play differently!

Glen

Hu, I have an idea, why don't you take some pictures of YOUR table and post them up here, so we can all see what kind of a mechanic YOU are, to be able to judge what kind of mechanics everyone else is. I mean, you seem to THINK you KNOW so much about my trade....show everyone you KNOW what your talking about....pretty please:rotflmao1:

Glen

PS. I think YOU are jealous....of MY workmanship....maybe even feel threatened a little

 

[cuetechasaurus]

PS. I think YOU are jealous....of MY workmanship....maybe even feel threatened a little

No that doesn't really work. A while back someone made a topic praising Ernesto's work. You came in that topic and bashed his work.

This topic was made by you, praising your own work. The people that bashed you in this topic just plain don't like you because

A. the point made above,

B. you have an attitude and an ego problem

and now, the latest,

C. you make countless boasting topics, and you insult people's intelligence by claiming that you are just trying to "raise the bar for other mechanics". Gimme a break, that is too funny.

 

[realkingcobra]

No that doesn't really work. A while back someone made a topic praising Ernesto's work. You came in that topic and bashed his work.

Tell you what, I'll pay you $100.00 IF...you can find one thread, or even ONE remark that I've made about Ernesto's craftsmanship such as..."he can't recover rails"...or "he can't recover slates, he can't level pool tables"...anything of the sort, THEN....that could be considered to be "bashing" Ernesto's work. But to say that he's using the wrong cushions I don't consider to be an attack, or "bashing" as you and Hu would put it. That's just information that the cushions are the wrong ones for Brunswick GC tables, and if they were the correct ones....I wouldn't be rebuilding and replacing the K66 cushions on 8 of the GC's at Malarkeys Pool & Brew in Tacoma, WA.....AND, I wouldn't be getting SO many PM's to do the same thing to a lot of tables in pool rooms in California...now would I?

I mean think about it, I've never said ANYTHING negative toward or about Ernesto in the past or present...if I have....SHOW some proof....otherwise I'm entitled to my OPINION....and it just happens to be of the same OPINION of every well known quality table mechanic, as well as the BRUNSWICK CORP.

Hey, I know what you can do....how about YOU call up Malarkeys and tell the OWNER there....or maybe ALL the customers that are playing on the tables I've rebuilt....that they don't play right, and that they should ask me to put them back to the way the tables were before I corrected the cushions....maybe YOU have enough pull to pull that one off....but I got a $1000 that says you won't get anywhere with THAT conversation

Glen

PS, Better yet, why don't you go into the business of working on pool tables for a living....then maybe you'd LEARN something about this trade!