Carom Mechanic Directory

zensteve

zensteve

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have spoken with the best carom mechanics in the country. I am the exclusive Verhoeven distributor in the U.S. I am also on the board of the USBA. I have a dog in this hunt.

Do not mis-understand. I am more than happy with the carom mechanics I use. Most of us would like to avoid poorly installed carom tables in general and be able to give future carom table owners certified carom table mechanics in their area

Should we establish a carom table mechanic directory? There is a huge distinction between a pool table mechanic and a carom table mechanic. The USBA would be interested in establishing a directory for our members and carom table owners.

Having certification as a carom mechanic would be ideal. Perhaps a workshop/seminar similiar to what was done some years ago in Chicago for pool table mechanics would be key.

I am open to discussion and implimentation of both a directory and certification. I am posting this in the table mechanics forum as well.

However, please share your thoughts and comments in the carom forum.
 
My suggestion is to have any certification criteria (and hopefully the training also) come directly from the manufacturer(s).
 
Thanks for the kind words chief - just trying to do my part :cool:

I've been speaking with the pocket table mechanics for some time now, in an effort to establish some certifications and standards. It hasnt gone very smoothly :rolleyes: as everyone has different ideas as to whom is qualified to be an authority in the first place, other than the manufacturers themselves.

And even then its still difficult because the manufacturers cant or wont agree on standards either. aaarrrgh..
 
Tables

Gabriel's are different animal than a verhoeven or a GC carom table.
Brunswick did installation certification many years ago but that fell thru because of employment swings of the dealers.
the manufacturer is redpondsible for the training. But for instance- Connelly don't have a clue how to build a pool table now that they changed hands, let alone know how to install the cloth or tables properly... But I believe diamond was in the same rutt till RKC set them straight... Diamond listened and did not go bankrupt because they was headed that way. Diamond Seams to be going strong now'
Yura and jay is the only mechanics I know of that work on carom tables or heathed 3C tables on a regular basis.
Many of us talked about a standard certification, but there are many hills to climb.
I got so frustrated working on and with the biggest pieces of shit tables and even worse tables in my area that are equal with firewood and customers expect me to have them playing like a high end commercial tables. For a lack of words I'm honest and tell them the tables junk but they demand it be done anyway. So I work on the table to the best of my ability and the table keeps falling apart as working on it or in the days to come. I explain how the tables manufactured before I start and they act like I never told them...
So.. have been working in a factory for the last 3 years and pick and choose the tables I care to work on in my free time.
I hope the billiard installer/fitter/setup guy/table mechanic progresses to a real profession across the map.
-
Thanks
Rob.M
 
dontlitethat said:
Gabriel's are different animal than a verhoeven or a GC carom table.
Brunswick did installation certification many years ago but that fell thru because of employment swings of the dealers.
the manufacturer is redpondsible for the training. But for instance- Connelly don't have a clue how to build a pool table now that they changed hands, let alone know how to install the cloth or tables properly... But I believe diamond was in the same rutt till RKC set them straight... Diamond listened and did not go bankrupt because they was headed that way. Diamond Seams to be going strong now'
Yura and jay is the only mechanics I know of that work on carom tables or heathed 3C tables on a regular basis.
Many of us talked about a standard certification, but there are many hills to climb.
I got so frustrated working on and with the biggest pieces of shit tables and even worse tables in my area that are equal with firewood and customers expect me to have them playing like a high end commercial tables. For a lack of words I'm honest and tell them the tables junk but they demand it be done anyway. So I work on the table to the best of my ability and the table keeps falling apart as working on it or in the days to come. I explain how the tables manufactured before I start and they act like I never told them...
So.. have been working in a factory for the last 3 years and pick and choose the tables I care to work on in my free time.
I hope the billiard installer/fitter/setup guy/table mechanic progresses to a real profession across the map.
-
Thanks
Rob.M
Click to expand...
Thank you for your candid response and the integrity to step into this subject. I haven't looked at the me Mechanic forum for a couple hours but last I looked 0 response. I was waiting for the WHY question.

Glad to see there's a mechanic that doesn't think there's nothing here I don't already know.
Believe me. There Is. It's not complicated but small details matter big time.

Example: Folding/Stapling the corners. Big difference doing it right or wrong. Only one way plays correctly.
 
zensteve said:
I am open to discussion and implimentation of both a directory and certification. I am posting this in the table mechanics forum as well.

However, please share your thoughts and comments in the carom forum.
Click to expand...

2 cents:

get a representative from the factory, to hold a training session (or sessions), for mechanics to get 'certified'.


but here's another question to consider; does a factory trained 'certification' guarantee that a particular mechanic will be a reputable businessman?

likewise, how long exactly should a certification last?

i'm not trying to be discouraging - just throwing it out there to chew on
 
Zensteve.... Before USBA Org. put their stamp of approval on a Carom Mechanic . Wouldn't USBA have Their GuideLine written on.. What Requirement They expect??? Other than Table Manufacturers Requirement. And Which USBA Members would sign that approval?

Just Honest Questions.

Off the Subject... When was the Last Training or Qualifation of USBA Referees for CPA or UMB events?
 
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IMO a QUALITY pool table mechanic should have no problem with a carom table. What is it that makes a carom table so differant? I have installed and worked on carom tables many times, other than installing a set of k55 upside down (first and only time) I have had no problems. I think a hack is a hack and and a certification will do them no good anyway.
 
chalkdust said:
IMO a QUALITY pool table mechanic should have no problem with a carom table. What is it that makes a carom table so differant? I have installed and worked on carom tables many times, other than installing a set of k55 upside down (first and only time) I have had no problems. I think a hack is a hack and and a certification will do them no good anyway.
Click to expand...

But how does one become a " quality " mechanic to begin with, if not thru proper training?

For example, as mentioned above, there is a right way and wrong way to fold and attach cloth. Where does one learn this? How do you align a full length cushion so that it installs exactly straight from one end to another? How does one deal with rails that are misaligned or bowed. How does one deal with table heating systems if one has no electrical engineering experience?

As Glen has pointed out time and again, there is a distinct difference between someone who can "assemble" a table and someone who can repair or make adjustments to a table.

And then there's the customer. How do they know that you have a clue? Certification is an industry standard and is also the most effective way to protect the consumer from costly mistakes made by inexperienced boneheads.

There's no such thing as just "knowing" how to do something the right way, the knowledge has to come from somewhere. Certification, or at the very least, 'proper training' will ensure that the knowledge is coming from the right places.
 
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Hi chalkdust,

Firstly, thanks for the input.

Secondly, I am a big fan of Glen and his work. I hope to work on a project with him shortly. It may have an affect on carom tables in the U.S. going forward.

Thirdly, you may want to rethink the notion that a good pool table mechanic and a good carom table mechanic are one in the same.

Heating systems and P37 profile rubber are two examples. Please don't under-estimate this difference.
 
chalkdust said:
IMO a QUALITY pool table mechanic should have no problem with a carom table. What is it that makes a carom table so differant? I have installed and worked on carom tables many times, other than installing a set of k55 upside down (first and only time) I have had no problems. I think a hack is a hack and and a certification will do them no good anyway.
Click to expand...
Please please don't go here. Just because there's no pockets to cut in don't think that makes things that much easier. I will tell you I will not let glue ever touch my table. Sure you can stretch it tight but IMO not right. Argue if you will. I'm firm. Gave another clue earlier but never mind. Problem is there's not enough 3C business so no reason to take the time to learn the difference. Sorry testament
 
Good Reply

Thank You to the last two replies... I am lucky and have been trained by a very knowedgeable mechanic. You make very good points on the heating systems and rubber. I am that guy that will tell a someone " I must do some research and will be back to make it right"... Not needing to do this would be a good thing.


Thanks for the reply Dave

Mr. Bond, can't wait to see your place.
 
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