best drop pockets for a valley?

danutz

Banned
i just picked up a 8' valley (older one), and i'd like to find the best fitting drop pockets i can to put in it because i find the ball return system to loud.
I've tried doing this b4 using some plastic web pockets off some sears table, and they did'nt work. They might've if i had wanted to cut into the return system, but i do not want to do that. I would like to find some that fit well just taking the rubbers out. Thanks.
 
I don't know that there's a drop pocket on the market that will fit a Valley. The problem is that the depth of the pocket is so shallow that once you get a ball or two in there you won't be able to fit any more. The pocket will be too full to make more.

You could always improvise like the cheap kids used to do in the bars and put some plastic cups down into the pocket. ;)

Of course your other option would be to quiet the ball return system. Obviously that would take more work, but would fix the problem.
 
Bummer... I may try to quiet down the return system when my 860 gets here, using the old cloth. stuffing rags under the slate works pretty good too, just looks kinda tacky, lol.
 
Bummer... I may try to quiet down the return system when my 860 gets here, using the old cloth. stuffing rags under the slate works pretty good too, just looks kinda tacky, lol.

Yeah, that will be your best bet is to line the tracks with the old cloth. Just make sure to leave the cutouts for chalk/dust to fall through. I wouldn't put anything under the slate unless you're intentionally shimming for level.
 
Ok, thanks. Do you think tacking a small block of wood in there so the balls can't roll down would be ok? I've just never been a fan of ball returns. I think it's easier to walk around the table to get the balls, than bending down to fish them out of the tray.
 
Ok, thanks. Do you think tacking a small block of wood in there so the balls can't roll down would be ok? I've just never been a fan of ball returns. I think it's easier to walk around the table to get the balls, than bending down to fish them out of the tray.

Yeah, you can put whatever you want in there. Just keep in mind what anything you attach will do to the table as far as keeping it in good condition if you ever want to get rid of it, or change your mind about the return.
 
Right on, thanks. I plan on keeping this one for a long time. Mostly because i don't want to have to move move one again, lol. I'm still recooperating from moving this one. T'was one heavy mofo, lol, and i'm getting to old for this sh!t:) After i get new rails on it, shim the pockets, and get the simonis 860 on it, i hope to just enjoy it for years to come.:)

Think there's enough here to do the whole table?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120727063835&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
 
Shove some big sponges down in the tracks which will back the balls up to make it more like a drop pocket table. You can get the sponges at an auto parts store....for washing a car/truck;)
 
Shove some big sponges down in the tracks which will back the balls up to make it more like a drop pocket table. You can get the sponges at an auto parts store....for washing a car/truck;)

I know someone who did this. Worked like a charm. No work either.
 
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