Building A Pool Table

MichaelKendall

MichaelKendall

Pool Addict
Silver Member
Has anyone built there own pool table? My friend Dylan and I are looking into a summer project and he was thinking that we should build a pool table. I personally think that it would be way too dificult and inefficiently expensive. But after thinking it over it may be feasible. I was just hoping all of the brilliant people at AZbilliards could give me an idea of the cost and some tips that may help me to build it or decide not to build it. Thank You!
 
I am currently about halfway through building my own table. I would not recommend that you attempt it unless you own and are proficient with the following tools/techniques:

Router (preferably a table device)
Power miter saw
Drill press
Handling cloth and staple gun.
Skill in wood joinery and finish work.
Successful design and construction of weight bearing furniture or other solid structures. (seriously....if you have never built something that can safely support heavy weights, this should not be your first attempt unless you have expert advice).

I'm building a table with a steel frame. If you do this you have to be comfortable drilling steel. I will probably mill my own rails, which requires a pretty high skill level. However, you can buy them pre-cut.

If you want a challenge and have the basic skills, go for it. You might even save money. However, if you end up with an unplayable table, you are stuck. It is a good learning experience, however.
 
there are steals and deals everywhere on pool tables, the main thing is can you go pick it up? I think youd be better off to put your energy into securing a truck and being willing to drive a long distance. WHen i was pooltable shopping i found quite a few good deals on decent tables, gold crowns, etc and they would be 600 to 800.......the problem of course is the distance to get them. I think youd come out cheaper overall, and less money overall if youre willing to jump in a rented uhaul and go 800 miles to get a table someones tired of.......or someones moving and they cant take it with them. I ended up finding a decent brunswick table that sold for 3200 5 years ago, got it for 600 with 2 sets of balls and house cues, etc.
 
I built mine with relative no difficulty. Finding slate should be your first priority since for me that was dificult (shipping costs were insane) I ended up finding some on craigslist in my area and picking it up. For the frame i looked at TONS of plans online as well as any and every table in my area i could. After several trips to friends houses to look at their tables and drawing up up several sketches i went to work. It is a very good project if you have experience with woodworking or someone avaliable that can help. The frame should not offer you too much trouble but expect A lot more when putting the rails together. If possible i'd buy the rails pre made, made my life a lot easier.
 
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