Tightening Brunswick pockets.

L

Limpkinw

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have a Brunswick 8ft table that has pockets just a bit bigger than the Grand Canyon, or about 5 and 1/2 inches.

I spoke to a local table guy and he suggested shimming the pockets but he said the rails go dead in that spot when you hit it flush, which will not work. Also he is talking about only 1/8 an inch on each side. I need to take about an inch total off of the pockets if possible.

Is there any information out there on how to do this? Do I need to buy rails? Make rails? etc.

Thanks in advance, this is a great community!
 
I'm not a table mechanic by trade but I have had this work done to my table. The proper way to tighten the pockets is to add wood to the subrails, a.k.a. extend the subrails, install new cushions and cut the pockets to whatever size you want.
 
i think i have the same problem. pockets are 1/2 in larger than what i would have wanted. for gold crowns, does subrail extensions really needed? or you can put just facings on the pockets like 1/4 inch on each side?
 
If you want the pockets to play correctly then subrail extensions are the way to go.

Stacking facings in the pockets openings is the cheap way to go, and you will notice how differently the pockets play vs the sub-rail extensions.

It is your choice really, you can spend some additional money and have the work done right, or you can go the cheap route with additional facings.

I guess you need to ask yourself, how important is all of this to you?
 
So for a 5.25 in corner pocket, what maximum thickness of cushion facings can be added on either side so not to affect the playability of the table?
 
Pockets

If you want the table to play right than, subrail extensions are the only way to go. If you shim it than hard shot down the rail will end up jawing even shots you know you hit good. If your going to do it, do it right. If you have a local pool hall that has a table with the pockets tightened to shoot a few shots down the long rail with some speed and watch them jaw. Seen it on very table that has bad the pockets shimmed, rather than the sub rails extended. If you extend the subrail a you will only need a 1/8 - 3/16 facing to finish the pocket, and they will play right!

Where are you located? There are a few guys that post here one may be close, to you, or you can ship to any of them. Also what kind of table do you have? That will determine if its worth spend the money to do the job right or get another table.


Picture is of my GC II with subrail extensions and Artemis cushions. Installed by Donny from SDBILLIARDS.

IMG_49352012.jpg


(Disclaimer) DONNY DID NOT INSTALL THE TABLE IT WAS DONE BY A LOCAL INSTALLER (Okinawa). The pocket finish was my attempt to show him how I wanted it done.
 
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I am in Madison, Wi. The table is a Brunswick as mentioned above, I think the model is Avalon. I believe the subrail extension is the way to go. So far I have not found anyone in the local area who does it. I think I will have to ship them out. Any idea what this costs?
 
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