No slate bed material?

[92GTA]

I'm reading through a book I got called "The Green Book". It talks about a material of some kind like MDF, etc, that should be under the pieces of slate on top of the table frame.

My table has no slate bed. The slate rests directly onto the top of the table frame and it looks like the cloth was stapled to the wood sides of the top of the table frame.

While I am restoring my table, should I build a slate bed out of MDF?

Is this common in cheaper tables? My table is in my signature, I understand it only retails for about $4,100 new.

 

[msubilliards]

I know some tables have the slate framed so that you can staple the cloth to the frame instead of having to glue the cloth to the slate. I have a cheaper table (AMF Playmaster Hanover) and it has 3/4" slate that is not framed and it plays just fine, quiet and the cloth(Simonis 860) is stretched nicely.

Let me know how the Artemis Cushions work out for you, I'm thinking having my table installed with them.

 

[Mr. Bond]

It is fairly common with cheaper tables, but I'm not positive about Olhaus.
One of the more experienced mechanics will know for sure....

However, if it was not originally designed/produced with a slate liner, you cant just add one without having to make other alterations.

But even if you did, I don't think you'd want MDF under there.

 

[92GTA]

Ok fair enough. I'm sure it will play fine but is there anything you guys would suggest maybe to put between the slate and frame anyway or just go without?

I have the table apart down to every single piece stripping and refinishing the wood so now's the time when I reassemble if I'm going to make an enhancements to the table...

Thanks!

 

[Jim Vondrell]

If the slate is proper for your table it should be 7/8" slate with a particle board liner glued to it. If you have 3/4" slate unbacked it is not original and if so you will need to add a slate liner or the table is going to be short.

 

[PoolTable911]

If the slate is proper for your table it should be 7/8" slate with a particle board liner glued to it. If you have 3/4" slate unbacked it is not original and if so you will need to add a slate liner or the table is going to be short.

Exactly what Jim said...:dance:

 

[92GTA]

If the slate is proper for your table it should be 7/8" slate with a particle board liner glued to it. If you have 3/4" slate unbacked it is not original and if so you will need to add a slate liner or the table is going to be short.

Then I guess I have a cheap knock-off :frown:

 

[Dartman]

If you do add a slate liner 3/4" poplar is a better choice then mdf or particleboard.

 

[Club Billiards]

If the slate is proper for your table it should be 7/8" slate with a particle board liner glued to it. If you have 3/4" slate unbacked it is not original and if so you will need to add a slate liner or the table is going to be short.

I also agree. I installed for a dealer in Cincinnati and Dayton for several years, and I've never seen an Olhausen that didn't have the slate backing. You may have after market slate, or you may not have an Olhausen.

 

[92GTA]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I might just have an knock-off.

So, before I go buying poplar, from the floor to the top of the slate, what exactly should be the height?

 

[reverend]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I might just have an knock-off.

So, before I go buying poplar, from the floor to the top of the slate, what exactly should be the height?

Somewhere in between 29 to 31 inches.

 

[Mr. Bond]

Thanks for the info guys. I think I might just have an knock-off.

So, before I go buying poplar, from the floor to the top of the slate, what exactly should be the height?

but if it is a knock off and wasn't designed with a liner, what are you hoping to accomplish by adding one?

 

[92GTA]

but if it is a knock off and wasn't designed with a liner, what are you hoping to accomplish by adding one?

I need to figure out exactly what my table is first, but to answer your question I simply want the correct height. If the height it correct the way it is, I won't bother.

 

[Mr. Bond]

Thats smart thinking...
...and for the record, I hope you didnt think I was trying to give you a hard time, just wanted to save you some extra time and expense

 

[Jim Vondrell]

Try posting some pics of your table inside and out and maybe somebody can help with labeling it. Also if your going through all the effort of redoing everything and your table is on the short side (close to 29") i would add the liner because i am 6' tall and 29" is uncomfortably short to me. Just sayin.

 

[Jim Vondrell]

To think of it you wouldn't have to add a slate liner persay? just strips of poplar to all the frame peices and cross/center beams

 

[92GTA]

To think of it you wouldn't have to add a slate liner persay? just strips of poplar to all the frame peices and cross/center beams

Exactly what I had in mind :thumbup:

 

[92GTA]

Try posting some pics of your table inside and out and maybe somebody can help with labeling it. Also if your going through all the effort of redoing everything and your table is on the short side (close to 29") i would add the liner because i am 6' tall and 29" is uncomfortably short to me. Just sayin.

All the pics I have so far are here:

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=274305

It has written on the head slate that is was built by SLO Billiards with a date in 1997. I suppose I could call them and see if they know.

 

[92GTA]

The top of my slate is about 30 3/4" from the floor so it looks like I'll leave it alone. The top of my wooden side rails from the floor is about 32 1/4".

Thanks!