Pocket inconsistency and ball kick out on Olhausen Tables.

Slide Rule

ConservativeHardLiner
Silver Member
Pocket inconsistency and ball kick out on Olhausen Tables.

From the nameplate
The Best in Billiards
Featuring Accu-Fast Cushions


1 General table view


The remainder are clockwise from the far corner.
2


3


4


5


6


7




Two tables were purchased a number of years ago. The tables retain
the original cushions. I have taken photos of both tables, and the second
table is similar.

The problem seems to be the cut angle primarily on the corner pockets.
They kick out balls quite frequently.

Side pockets should have a 102 degree bevel.

Corner pockets should have a 141 degree bevel.

If the corner pocket facings were parallel to each other that would be
135 degrees, (90 + 45) so 141 degrees would be 6 degrees from that.

Our rails seem to be 12 to 20 degrees off from 135 degrees. Double to
triple the bevel.


I would appreciate confirmation of my crude analysis and general
statements.

Do the side pockets appear correct?

What course of action is necessary to correct ball kick out at the corner pockets?

Is there a web site or other reference that details what is generally
followed in setting up 9 foot table rails?

What model rail cushion should be provided when the table is repaired?

Is there a mechanic that you would recommend in the Toledo/Sylvania Ohio area?

I can use all the help I can get.
Thanks,

Al

:D :D
 

JC

Coos Cues
Pocket inconsistency and ball kick out on Olhausen Tables.

From the nameplate
The Best in Billiards
Featuring Accu-Fast Cushions


1 General table view


The remainder are clockwise from the far corner.
2


3


4


5


6


7




Two tables were purchased a number of years ago. The tables retain
the original cushions. I have taken photos of both tables, and the second
table is similar.

The problem seems to be the cut angle primarily on the corner pockets.
They kick out balls quite frequently.

Side pockets should have a 102 degree bevel.

Corner pockets should have a 141 degree bevel.

If the corner pocket facings were parallel to each other that would be
135 degrees, (90 + 45) so 141 degrees would be 6 degrees from that.

Our rails seem to be 12 to 20 degrees off from 135 degrees. Double to
triple the bevel.


I would appreciate confirmation of my crude analysis and general
statements.

Do the side pockets appear correct?

What course of action is necessary to correct ball kick out at the corner pockets?

Is there a web site or other reference that details what is generally
followed in setting up 9 foot table rails?

What model rail cushion should be provided when the table is repaired?

Is there a mechanic that you would recommend in the Toledo/Sylvania Ohio area?

I can use all the help I can get.
Thanks,

Al

:D :D

Not sure how you are measuring but looking at those photos I am pretty sure the corner pockets are around 143-144 degrees.

No way they are 20 degrees from parallel.

JC
 

Travis3c

AV Pool Nut
Silver Member
Looks to me that the facings have a curve in them which can cause kick outs. The angles from here look about 142-144 to me by looking at them from your photos which can elevate the kick outs also. Olhausen uses horrible facing material also which is a problem by itself. Just my 2 cents of info.

This fix is a breeze by a good table mechanic.
 

Slide Rule

ConservativeHardLiner
Silver Member

Larger photos

s01c.jpg



vwop.jpg


 

rexus31

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
What's the down angle of the pocket cuts? If the down angle is less that 12 degrees, kickout will be a problem because when the ball hits the pocket facing it isn't forced downward into the pocket but will hit the facing and bounce out. The dreaded "Olhausen Rattle".
 

fastone371

Certifiable
Silver Member
I don't know if it is a result of the photograph or what but that pocket looks a mess. The left cushion looks like it has more angle than the right, they look curved, and the slate cut radius does not look like it is centered in pocket opening. (my observation is based on the large photograph, also I am not a mechanic, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last nite)
 

JZMechanix

Active member
Silver Member
+1 for Mr. Ebert. :thumbup:

If you want your table to play at its best, you need to have the cushions replaced, rails recalibrated, and subrail extensions added to the ends of the rail. After the extensions are added, the pocket angles can be permanently modified to make the pocket play better and not have the "death rattle" like you (and every other Olhausen owner) are experiencing.

Josh can handle this type of work... give him a call
 
Last edited:

Slide Rule

ConservativeHardLiner
Silver Member
I don't know if it is a result of the photograph or what but that pocket looks a mess. The left cushion looks like it has more angle than the right, they look curved, and the slate cut radius does not look like it is centered in pocket opening. (my observation is based on the large photograph, also I am not a mechanic, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last nite)

No your observations are the same as mine.

It does look to be a mess. And the pocket rails are not symmetrical with each other.

The angles vary from pocket to pocket.

Al

 
Last edited:

Slide Rule

ConservativeHardLiner
Silver Member
+1 for Mr. Ebert. :thumbup:

If you want your table to play at its best, you need to have the cushions replaced, rails recalibrated, and subrail extensions added to the ends of the rail. After the extensions are added, the pocket angles can be permanently modified to make the pocket play better and not have the "death rattle" like you (and every other Olhausen owner) are experiencing.

Josh can handle this type of work... give him a call



Josh?
Is this Josh Ebert
Absolute Billiard Service
Dayton, Ohio
(937)609-2049
www.AbsoluteBilliardService.com



Cushions replaced. yes.

Rails re-calibrated. Does this mean the angles to the pocket opening?

Subrail extensions. Not sure what this means.

A link describing or discussing any of this would be appreciated.


Olhausen Tables
I didn't know pockets was a general problem with Olhausen. It would
seem that they would be interested in a technical correction.


Background at Senior Center
These are not my tables, but tables I play on daily. They are owned
by a Senior Center. As such, I have to convince a few others that there
is a problem, and there a workable and specific solution.

The former person in charge of the tables, playing and scheduling thinks
the pockets are perfect. It is a barrier or a stumbling block for correction.
The current person in charge is a beginner and interested but naive.

I have to sell the story, and encourage either donations for repair or
appeal to the center for the work. Hopefully, the next time the tables
are covered, the rails can be corrected.


Self Education
As such, I need to educate myself about the issues. I am an engineer
retired electrical. The technical side should not be an issue. Any
recommended books or other resource material would be appreciated.

The rebounding seems fine, and the playing other that a wax seam issue
have been working well. We keep the blinds drawn in order to prevent
heat cycling which was pushing up the wax between slate sections.

I like the tables other than the defective pockets.

Al

 
Last edited:

Slide Rule

ConservativeHardLiner
Silver Member
What's the down angle of the pocket cuts? If the down angle is less that 12 degrees, kickout will be a problem because when the ball hits the pocket facing it isn't forced downward into the pocket but will hit the facing and bounce out. The dreaded "Olhausen Rattle".

Not sure how a down angle would be measured.

Is it the offset on the pocket side of the rail down to the table?

I will have to find something to measure it. Or another photo.

Dreaded "Olhausen Rattle". Yes they are dreaded, especially if you
need to hit with energy or spin for position.

Al
 

rexus31

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Not sure how a down angle would be measured.

Is it the offset on the pocket side of the rail down to the table?

I will have to find something to measure it. Or another photo.

Dreaded "Olhausen Rattle". Yes they are dreaded, especially if you
need to hit with energy or spin for position.

Al

Slate level picks at one of the corners would be helpful in seeing the down angle.
 

Club Billiards

Absolute Billiard Service
Silver Member


Josh?
Is this Josh Ebert
Absolute Billiard Service
Dayton, Ohio
(937)609-2049
www.AbsoluteBilliardService.com



Yup, that's the guy. :grin:

I can fix them. Give me a call tomorrow and I'll talk to you about some different options. I've worked in senior centers, youth centers, apartment complexes, etc, so I understand everything needs to be approved by the bookkeepers. I'll shoot you a couple prices and we'll go from there. I look forward to hearing from you.

Josh
 

trentfromtoledo

8onthebreaktoledo
Silver Member
I Hope you come to Toledo!

Hey Josh:

If you make it to Toledo for this work, I would love to meet up with you over at Racktime! Play some games and talk ? Let me know if you are down. They have quite a few Diamond tables there. They all need maintenance! HEEEEELLLLLLP! lol, peace.

Trent from Toledo (419)491-7476
 

Club Billiards

Absolute Billiard Service
Silver Member
Hey Josh:

If you make it to Toledo for this work, I would love to meet up with you over at Racktime! Play some games and talk ? Let me know if you are down. They have quite a few Diamond tables there. They all need maintenance! HEEEEELLLLLLP! lol, peace.

Trent from Toledo (419)491-7476

It's a deal! I'd love to meet up. I'll keep in touch if I get up that way.

Josh
 

bigskyblue

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Olhausen "Death Rattle"

I have the same problem with my Oldhausen table. In fact the photos you posted lead me to believe that we're playing on the same table.

I contacted Olhausen costumer service and explained the problem.
They suggestion that since my table was over (10) years old, the problem
very likely could be hardened pocket facings.

If you search this website for Olhausen table pocket problems, you'll
find that this is a somewhat common problem with Olhausen tables.

Replacing the pocket facings on all of the pockets can only help.
 

rexus31

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Do these shots show what is required?

The angle shown is relatively consistent.



f81v.jpg


i8rs.jpg


audw.jpg

Yup. A degree or two more would make a difference but they don't look all that bad. Some of the Olhausens I have seen had almost vertical pocket down angle cuts.
 

Slide Rule

ConservativeHardLiner
Silver Member
Yup. A degree or two more would make a difference
but they don't look all that bad. Some of the Olhausens I have seen
had almost vertical pocket down angle cuts.

Thanks for the tip on drop angle.

I will have to summarize everything, then start my campaign at the Sr Center.

I could still use
a reference link, writing, video or book.



I enjoyed Pre-view of DVD on how to extend sub-rails.
Pre-view of DVD on how to extend sub-rails. in an April thread.

And also What's in a pocket? The answers.
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=145584 this June.

Al
 
Last edited:
Top