Here you go - I've got a thick skin, so harsh criticism is encouraged. I'd like to know what I did wrong and what I can do prevent it next time when I have to change the cloth. I know there are some obvious "mistakes" but I tried my best. I had to fly to Miami, pack the table carefully and ship it to Jamaica myself. I couldn't find a mechanic willing to do it. After doing it myself, I understand why. Below is a pic of it finally arrived at my house, removed from the D size crate.
I actually used a stanley "machinist level" (or so the box said), level and crazy glued the slates. Then I borrowed a real machinist level for an hour and realized - I MUST have one if I'm going to assemble and own a pool table. So I had to stop here for a few days while I rush shipped one in. Separated the slates again of course to start from scratch.
I was able to recover the rails and assemble in the meantime waiting for the level to come in. This was my first rail. Pretty crappy but they got better as I finished more. The little bit of bunching I ended up with was still "low" enough and in the cut out section of the wood so the rails would still fit flat on the table. I could see this getting easier after doing a few tables.
Got the level in - this took about 4 hours to get it right (or close as I could) as per RKC's sticky on 3 piece slates. I had the two sagging slates but it was very slight. Was wondering if they would be less noticeable when the cloth was on - I was wrong. Interesting how you can fine tune the slates by screw pressure. Used bondo and crazy glue in the seams.
I let the bondo dry overnight as I wasn't sure if I put enough hardener in it, then it was on to the cloth. I'm not an excellent player, but I love watching the pros play on 760 so I went with 760. Plus I dig one pocket, straight pool and hoping it'll help me stop banging them around. I was worried about the creases and wrinkles in the cloth so I spread it out overnight. They disappeared once the cloth was stretched tight.
That is the first side pocket. No glue here, all staples. I was afraid of using glue on my first attempt at this. Figured I could just pull out staples and try again if I messed up (which I had to do a few times). I used Simonis method of stretching, stapling etc.The pocket looks like crap but the playing surface is tight. I think the side pockets are some kind of security measure (or practical joke) by the manufacturers to prevent DIYers from doing this - it is HARD. I actually used pliers with cardboard in the jaws to help stretch the cloth, crude but actually worked great. My hands began to cramp up really bad trying to do it myself so I had to invent this. I think the manual staple gun makes it a little harder too. I don't even want to do this again - ever.
Thanks to RKC's trick on hiding the staples in the pockets. I used all 3M glue as I used so many staples to hold the cloth in the pockets, I didn't want to risk using any more. I also just used some cardstock instead of that plastic strip. Seems firm but will see if it holds up, if not, it's and easy repair.
Rails put down, playing some slow rolls, seeing the speed at which the sag starts to throw off the balls. It shows itself every few racks, not that bad but it is a bummer, will make sure to research and fix that.
And there she is - a life long dream of having a table in my house achieved. Got a lot more fixing in the room to do but I was playing pool last night! Like I said - criticism, comments, suggestions are welcome. I'm here to learn from you guys.
