Brushing vs. Vacuuming

T

thejoe

New member
Hey, I'm new to this forum and own a room in Chicago.

I recently replaced the felt on my tables with Simonis 860. I am debating the best way to maintain them. To brush them or to vacuum them. How often...brush them every night? Vacuum once a week, or every night. What about Chalk-off? What type of vacuum to use, shopvac (2-3hp)?

Any tips you might have on a maintenance schedule would be great.

Thanks
The Joe
 
Vac Tables Every Night.

I have tryed just about Every Brand of Vac out there and found what i think is the best for getting the job done.

All 48 tables get done with:
View attachment 48227

View attachment 48230
Link To Buy This Brush: http://eurekaservice.stores.yahoo.net/floorwallbrush.html

the Eureka Boss series Vacs with a special brush attachment with Notched bristles ideal for Pool Tables.
Its made from nonmarking Rubber and gets under the rails and we have used this setup for over 15 years.
Always Vac the length of the table not side to side!

All The Floors over 20,000 SF get done with Oreck Vacs:
View attachment 48228
28" Wide ComVac

View attachment 48229
Weighs only 8 lbs.

The Oreck XL2000RH & The Oreck ComVac


The Com Vac has Grooming chevron brush
Floating brush barrier
Balanced extruded brush roller
Rugged 360° front swivel wheels for short turning radius
5-position height adjustment
Cord wrap
Fold-down handle
Dust retentive felt, heavy-duty outer filter
Welded steel frame in structural foam housing
Industrial quality universal motor with cast metal fan
Protective wrap-around bumper guards
Top-Fill system eliminates clogging

I Hope This Is helpfull: Steve
 
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thejoe said:
I recently replaced the felt on my tables with Simonis 860. I am debating the best way to maintain them. To brush them or to vacuum them. How often...brush them every night? Vacuum once a week, or every night. What about Chalk-off? What type of vacuum to use, shopvac (2-3hp)?
Any tips you might have on a maintenance schedule would be great.
Click to expand...

In my experience, vacuuming is a lot better than brushing the cloth `coz when you brush, the dusts will only fly onto the air then will eventually go down again onto the table or to somewhere else in the room. Moreover, with brushing, you'll just be pushing the dust/dirt into the corners. Vacuuming will eliminate the dust/dirt at once. It would be nice to vacuum your table after the game. However, if you're operating a pool hall with lots of traffic, it's more convenient to brush the table from time to time then vacuum it at the end day. Therefore, vacuuming everyday will be great to keep your cloths really clean.

What type of vacuum? You won't need very powerful vacuum cleaners as they might loosen the cloth. As long as it can suck the dusts & dirt then it's fine. You may want something that has interchangeable ends so that you can even clean the corners of the rails.

I don't know about chak-off, but using a damp cloth after vacuuming brings back the color of the cloth and removes other stubborn dusts and dirt left by the vacuum cleaner.

As mentioned, don't brush/vac the table from side to side, rather brush/vac from the foot to the head table. When brushing, don't scrub nor scrape the cloth with the brush! Brush the cloth lightly to prevent lints or even holes :)
 
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spw62 said:
I have tryed just about Every Brand of Vac out there and found what i think is the best for getting the job done.

All 48 tables get done with:
View attachment 48227

View attachment 48230
Link To Buy This Brush: http://eurekaservice.stores.yahoo.net/floorwallbrush.html

the Eureka Boss series Vacs with a special brush attachment with Notched bristles ideal for Pool Tables.
Its made from nonmarking Rubber and gets under the rails and we have used this setup for over 15 years.
Always Vac the length of the table not side to side!

All The Floors over 20,000 SF get done with Oreck Vacs:
View attachment 48228
28" Wide ComVac

View attachment 48229
Weighs only 8 lbs.

The Oreck XL2000RH & The Oreck ComVac


The Com Vac has Grooming chevron brush
Floating brush barrier
Balanced extruded brush roller
Rugged 360° front swivel wheels for short turning radius
5-position height adjustment
Cord wrap
Fold-down handle
Dust retentive felt, heavy-duty outer filter
Welded steel frame in structural foam housing
Industrial quality universal motor with cast metal fan
Protective wrap-around bumper guards
Top-Fill system eliminates clogging

I Hope This Is helpfull: Steve
Click to expand...


The Brush that i use has little openings in it so you don't get to much suction on the cloth and with the Boss vac it has enough suction to get under the rail with the same brush with its non barking rubber housing.
You Can't Find this brush in stores, Here is the Website:http://eurekaservice.stores.yahoo.net/floorwallbrush.html
http://eurekaservice.stores.yahoo.net/floorwallbrush.html
 
In the pool halls I worked in I found it best to brush first, than vacuum (industrial sized vacuums with attachments). I've also heard good thinks about "Chalk Off". I've seen it used, seemed to clean up the table nice, but I'm not sure if it really does all the work you need it too.
 
AZE said:
In the pool halls I worked in I found it best to brush first, than vacuum (industrial sized vacuums with attachments). I've also heard good thinks about "Chalk Off". I've seen it used, seemed to clean up the table nice, but I'm not sure if it really does all the work you need it too.
Click to expand...

I totally agree that tables must be brushed and then Vacuumed. In my room this is done at least once a day, sometimes due to people using hand chalk.

If you vacuum without brushing you can not really get the table clean. The brush loosens up any debris on cloth and the vacuum will easily remove. What ever type of vacuum is used, insure that the brush/suction end has a non-rotating brush head, or you will wear out your cloth very fast.

Once a week it is also OK to take a lightly damp cloth and wipe the entire surface of the cloth down. For any kind of stains, I wood recommend using Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover, it will not cause a color change on Simonis Cloth, and it requires no rinsing.

When you brush and vacuum always brush or vacuum in the same direction. I normally start at the head spot, however, as long as it is in the same direction every time it is not important when end you chose.

I also recommend, changing the spots on your tables to the opposite end every two months. This will allow the cloth to wear evenly, without the white lines from brake tracks forming as quickly.

Oh, and by the way, upright vacuums will leave track marks on the cloth due to their weight. I have a Kirby that I use with a non-rotating brush attachment. I do not recommend small hand vacuums due to their lack of power, I would recommend that what ever to decide to use has good suction, if not it makes no sense to vacuum. Last of all, what ever you decide on, should only be used for your tables or have a separate brush for that purpose due to the transfer of dirt from other job's

Hope this helps!!!!!!!!
 
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this might be a difficult question,

but could anyone put a number on the suction power?

200watt? 300watt?
 
Solartje said:
this might be a difficult question,

but could anyone put a number on the suction power?

200watt? 300watt?
Click to expand...

I am unsure of the wattage, however if will suck spaghetti through a screen door it should be good to go!!!!!;) :D
 
I mix it up. Wipe with Chalk Off one day, then brush another day and then Vac another. My 860 looks new after many hours of use.
 
Read this. It pretty much tells you all you need to know on care and maintenance or your cloth.

Cloth Care


Cleaning the cloth on your table is perhaps the most important and the most frequent task necessary to maintain your table’s high performance. As billiard cloth is the most contacted and exposed part of your table, it often becomes the dirtiest. Keeping the cloth free of dust, chalk, and any other foreign material is important. Material left on billiard cloth not only esthetically unpleasing, it can also become distracting to a player during a shot or even affect the course of a ball in play and can cause the cloth to wear more quickly.

Brushing


Brushing your table cloth is the most recommended technique for cleaning billiard cloth, as it is the least invasive and manages to remove the majority of material. The type of brush used should have either nylon or horse hair bristle. The length of the brush can range from nine to twelve inches, a larger brush recommended for larger tables, as they get the job done faster. A person should start brushing from the end of the table that has the “baulk” line or break line and the name plate, which is most commonly referred to as the “head” of the table. Brushing should be in one direction only, from head to the “foot” of the table. This is most important when dealing with snooker cloth. Snooker cloth has what is called “nap”. Nap is a term used to denote the direction of a cloths weave. Balls traveling against the nap will move differently then traveling with the nap. Pool cloth is non-directional, hence has no nap. It is still wise to brush pool cloth in one direction, as it puts the least amount of stress on the cloth, stretching the cloth in only one direction. It is also the most efficient. The amount of force applied to the brush should also be regulated to prevent the cloth from stretching too much. Use only as much pressure as required for all the bristles to make contact with the cloth, no more, no less. We recommend that a table’s cloth should be brushed after every ten hours of play or at minimum once a week. If the table is left uncovered, more frequent brushing may be required.

Lint Brushes


Although this is a very effective way to remove material from cloth, as it does not pull on the cloth significantly and gets a lot of the harder to reach particles, it is not a recommended practice. Frequent brushing and the occasional vacuuming are just as effective, and not nearly as costly.

Vacuuming


Vacuuming a table, if done with care, is an excellent way to remove stubborn dust, chalk, and pet dander from a cloth, even pulling debris resting on the slate through the cloth. This should be done in one direction, just like brushing. A brush attachment must always be used, never straight suction or rotating bristles, as these will pull on and stretch the cloth. This should only be done every few months, any more is not necessary, as it takes that long for there to be any significant build up of material under and in the cloth.

Ironing


This is only recommended on cloth snooker cloth with a nap. This is a great method for improving a stubborn nap, allowing the fibers to flatten, after being untangled from a good brushing. Only a special dry iron can be used, and should once more, be done in one direction, from head to foot. Again, this is only recommended for snooker cloth, and should only be performed by an experienced individual, as a mistake can be quite costly.
 
Ah ha!...Those wrinkles are why I missed that shot last night!

I knew it couldn't be me. :D

Hell, the places I play, I'd just be glad if they'd sop up the beer spilled once in a while.

Question: If you don't cover the tables at night, will the smoke fall from the air onto the cloth...and is this effect detrimental?

Jeff Livingston
 
Chalk Off???? :eek: If you are thinking about trying Chalk Off, you may want to consider the original product, Quick Clean, instead. Don't take my word for it, but here are a few threads in case you're interested...

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=18729
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=48774
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=16132
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=51620

I am not an expert on keeping pool tables clean. Can anyone tell me if they use Quick Clean exclusively to clean their table(s)? If so, is it as effective as brushing and/or vacuuming?
 
i cant believe no one wrote this or maybe i missed it

vaccuming or brushing your tables deff depends on one thing

if bees wax (what i used) was used to seal the seams vaccuming is ok

however some ppl dont use wax they use spackle, putty, or even bondo. ive seen it all. if you vaccume this you are sucking it out of the seams and your slates will be off

id check with who did your table first. you may only be able to brush it
 
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Cuebacca said:
Chalk Off???? :eek: If you are thinking about trying Chalk Off, you may want to consider the original product, Quick Clean, instead. Don't take my word for it, but here are a few threads in case you're interested...

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=18729
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=48774
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=16132
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=51620

I am not an expert on keeping pool tables clean. Can anyone tell me if they use Quick Clean exclusively to clean their table(s)? If so, is it as effective as brushing and/or vacuuming?
Click to expand...

My cleaning routine goes like this,
1st I brush to get any particles of chalk or what ever loose from the cloth.
2nd I vacum using a 7inch brush and my shop vac
3rd I use quick clean with the micro fiber brush and a micro fiber cloth for the rails. I will the use a damp cloth and wipe down the rails where the diamonds are and wipe out the pockets. I also polish our balls:eek: at least once a week or more depending on how much use they get. These steps will dramatically improve your cloth life. If you dont have quick clean use a damp lint free cloth on the bed and rails after vacuming. Also on our main table I have started making the players use a break cloth. it's a 3x3 piece of old cloth they set the cue ball on before breakng. This has almost entirely gotten rid of the burn marks and the v effect you see alot on tables. For a tourney or money match I dont insist on a break cloth but if players are practicing or we have a 9-ball ring game we use it. Most of my players are respectfull enough of our equipment that they like the idea and dont mind it one bit.
BK
 
My routine... brush all tables, then use Quick Clean. I've used it for two years now and it does a great job of keeping the tables bright. However, because it is so easy to use...

My employees' routine... Quick clean on all tables. LOL Considering they only get brushed a couple times, but "Quick Clean"ed every day, they have maintained much of their color and are kept very clean.

Even if you brush and vacuum, I recommend QC to keep the table brighter and newer looking. Your customers will appreciate it!
 
Club Billiards said:
My routine... brush all tables, then use Quick Clean. I've used it for two years now and it does a great job of keeping the tables bright. However, because it is so easy to use...

My employees' routine... Quick clean on all tables. LOL Considering they only get brushed a couple times, but "Quick Clean"ed every day, they have maintained much of their color and are kept very clean.

Even if you brush and vacuum, I recommend QC to keep the table brighter and newer looking. Your customers will appreciate it!
Click to expand...
Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Brushing is an old time method.

thejoe said:
Hey, I'm new to this forum and own a room in Chicago.

I recently replaced the felt on my tables with Simonis 860. I am debating the best way to maintain them. To brush them or to vacuum them. How often...brush them every night? Vacuum once a week, or every night. What about Chalk-off? What type of vacuum to use, shopvac (2-3hp)?

Any tips you might have on a maintenance schedule would be great.

Thanks
The Joe
Click to expand...

Joe,
You may want to concider using a portable vacuum always and never brush a table. Brushing a table is just too dirty and spreads dust all over the place. Not only that but you have to prevent chalk dust from getting between the cloth and the slate. This buildup is what ruins the playability of the table. Brushing is an old time procedure that needs to go away forever. I once brushed a table in poolroom that hadn't been cleaned for a long time before I played on it and the dust was so bad I had to open several doors in the poolroom to let it out.
 
thejoe said:
Hey, I'm new to this forum and own a room in Chicago.

I recently replaced the felt on my tables with Simonis 860. I am debating the best way to maintain them. To brush them or to vacuum them. How often...brush them every night? Vacuum once a week, or every night. What about Chalk-off? What type of vacuum to use, shopvac (2-3hp)?

Any tips you might have on a maintenance schedule would be great.

Thanks
The Joe
Click to expand...

I use a regular shop vac with the brush nozzle on it and it works great. The brush keeps the end of the vac far enough off the cloth so as not to damage it with it's powerful suction and you brush it at the same time. Works great!
 
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