pocket shimming

tradr48

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hey guys, will double or triple shimming pockets play well or would longer rails be the right way to go? Thanks!
 
I have double shimmed pockets on my home table.

If you want a professional look, get the rails lengthened, double (and triple) shims make the pockets play tight but never have the look of a properly setup table. That is, the table plays jut fine with tight pockets, but the extra shim is definitely noticeable.
 
I've asked about this same thing and got the same answer pretty much. I figured i'd jump in since i guess we're going down the same road here, forgive if i'm wrong.

Since some say rails is the better way to go for X reasons how does one go about picking the right rails? I know i have no idea about what is K33 or K55 or whatever the numbers are, does one need to buy long rails specifically or do they come long.

I have a diamond red label that's getting new cloth soon but wanted to do a reduction on the pockets a tad, I was looking into shims but since i want to do the rails also then killing two birds with one stone seems to be the route.
 
did know they had that section. Is it viewed almost as often as this side?
Not as much as the main page but you get answers from mechanics and others who sometimes don't go out here. It is a good section and has alot of good posts.
 
I've asked about this same thing and got the same answer pretty much. I figured i'd jump in since i guess we're going down the same road here, forgive if i'm wrong.

Since some say rails is the better way to go for X reasons how does one go about picking the right rails? I know i have no idea about what is K33 or K55 or whatever the numbers are, does one need to buy long rails specifically or do they come long.

I have a diamond red label that's getting new cloth soon but wanted to do a reduction on the pockets a tad, I was looking into shims but since i want to do the rails also then killing two birds with one stone seems to be the route.

You shouldn't attempt to do it yourself unless you really know what you are doing. Call a mechanic and let him do the whole job of buying and installing the cushions.

First off you need the right profile of cushion. You then need to add wood to the rails and cut at the proper angle. Then properly glue the cushions on and not stretch them in the process.

I was planning on extending the rails on my table until I found out the cost. Before that I took some foam packing material and also shims inserted it into the pockets to stimulate tighter pockets. The ledge really decreased in depth and that also had an affect. Figure out the toughness of the table using the sticky at the top of the forum.

I then decided or realized shooting balls into tighter pockets wouldn't make me a better player and I should concentrate more on mastering CB control.

🎱
 
Just shim pockets and rewrap the rails yourself. If you hate it spring for new cushions and have the pockets tightened by building up rail with wood and then an 1/8 " facing.

I had a double shimmed table home once. Only issue is when a ball hits end of facing straight on it can slow and alter end position of the ball. This is particularly true with the side pockets.
 
When I put my table together for 4 1/2 pockets, I put longer cushions on the rails. You still have to use the facings, but extending the rails is the best way to go IMHO
 
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