Converting antique Brunswick from Snooker to Pool

[Dartman]

The pocket irons look to extend too far past the rail edge so my guess it that they are not original and something seems missing, fringe maybe since it just has an unfinished look. A new pocket set with fringe or shield will dress up the look.

If I had to do it myself I'd score around all inlay work then shave off and replace the rest of the veneer, fixing any gouged or bombed out wood along the way. I see some inlay pieces that could also be fixed. Mahogany veneer is readily available so you can fix/replace full sections rather then trying to do patchwork.

 

[Keroppi]

The pockets will be replaced (next to last, due to their cost) and I agree, they look really incomplete. They probably came with proper leather baskets and fringe originally, not that cheap cloth net. I do have probably a foot worth of inlay in need of repair.

I considered doing it back all original, but for some reason, all the places I have found with the exact flame figured veneer it's looking like will cost me $150+ for the raw material, where as I can do the other stuff for $50-$70, enough to recover most if not all of the table.

Also, I like the shape of the Randolph, but it is rather plain. I figure if I am to go through this much hell to refurbish this thing, I might as well make it unique.

I am doing up another mockup as we speak to help visualize the other option. I'd like input on that one as well.

 

[Keroppi]

Well, the quilting is a bit too heavy on the renderings, but this should be enough to represent what I mean about the full custom idea. It'd be a bit more work, but I think it looks pretty good. It would definitely be difficult to pick a color though. Let me know your thoughts:

 

[matteroner]

Well, the quilting is a bit too heavy on the renderings, but this should be enough to represent what I mean about the full custom idea. It'd be a bit more work, but I think it looks pretty good. It would definitely be difficult to pick a color though. Let me know your thoughts:

dark green seems most pleasing to my eye ....

fwiw putting it to original will be worth more over time, but customizing it may make it more enjoyable for yourself ....

how about like a straight black enamel type coating that you often see in deco pieces? it's a bit reflective in nature.... that might be neat ....

 

[Keroppi]

That would pobably look pretty cool, but I think it would destroy the vintage look...it would be too modern. I wanted to keep the hardwood veneer to help retain the vintage character, even though it's not going to be original anymore. I like the light strip though...would go well with those glowing balls to play in the dark...

 

[Keroppi]

Well...I did tell Dartman I'd draw something up to show the base...and I went a little overboard. I don't really know why, maybe it will be of use to me later. If anyone ever wanted to know how a 30's Brunswick is assembled, here ya go.

The yellow top frame is attached to the respective piece below, I just colored it for clarity:

The separate sections here are color coded as well, with the same caveat about the top framing:

 

[matteroner]

there should be some cross braces going down the center ....at least there are on my kling ...

 

[Dartman]

Jumbo frames - possible there were different setups across the model line?
I've worked on a few jumbo frame tables and they were all similar.

 

[Keroppi]

Yeah, they didn't call them jumbo framework for nothing...those things are monsters.
By the 30's when they built the Randolph, the depression was setting in, billiard table sales were slumping, and they scaled the tables back. Never again would the world see such behemoth construction like the Klings and Arcades...
However, this table's frame has held up the 1.5" slate for 80 years, and the slate didn't seem to have any sag, so I suppose the built it well enough...but it's no Kling, for sure. The frame is exactly as I drew it, 2 cross-members only.

 

[wkatz]

Another Brunswick Randolph 10 X 5 6-legger

Just stumbled across this thread. I too own a Brunswick Randolph
10 X 5, 6 legger. I just had it moved a second time and your exploded
drawing is spot on.

I had mine restored by D&L Billiards in Providence:
http://www.dlbilliards.com/

My veneer was not as bad as yours. Came out excellent 10 years ago.
Veneer is starting to pucker again, so when Dave moved it the second
time he told me to either leave it alone, or there may be some vacuum
technique that using glue and a vacuum bag would suck the veneer
back onto the wood underneath. I haven't tried it yet.

The guy I bought mine from told me it was owned by Don Johnson
and used as a prop on the TV series Nash Bridges. Sure enough when
I checked the re-runs its the same table. I believe him as until this
moment I've never seen another Randolph 6-legger.

Good luck with your restoration. I left mine a snooker table as I
thought if I could get good at 8-ball on that table I would be good
anywhere!

 

[Bigkahuna]

Geez just noticed that is a four pocket table. Would be great for one hole!

 

[ArizonaPete]

Love those tables good luck with your project. If it were me I would keep it snooker and find someone to play snooker with.

I have those same thoughts. Would love to keep it as a snooker table and play like the Brits. Plus it would save a lot of time, effort and money.