I have a two year old 9' table. I've noticed lately that the cue or object ball often makes a "knocking" sound when the ball hits the rail. It also seems like the ball comes off slower than it used to (deader) when that happens. All of the rails do this, but the long rails more than the end rails. Does this mean that the table needs an adjustment to tighten the rails down? Could be mean that the cushions aren't as resilient as they use to be and need to be replaced? FWIW, if I clear the balls off the table and hit the cue ball as hard as a normal 9-ball break, it will go around and hit 6 or 7 cushions.
Cushions/rails need adjustment?
- Thread starter WestElder
- Start date
Test and repair!
First of all... do you have a reputable table mechanic in the area? If you do give them a call and see what they would charge to come and check it out for you.
However there are a couple of things you can do before you call a Professional. 1. Check to see that the rail bolts are tight. 2. Check to see if the the rail rubber is tightly secured to the wood (just wiggly it up and down). 3. Test the rebound by rolling the ball by hand about as hard as you can and still keep the ball on the table, at a 90 degree angle to the rails across the table short ways at both ends and also up and also long ways down the table. You should get about the same number of rails going down table as you do going across. four or five + is good, 3 3/4 to 4 is ok? less than that = no good.
Without any more information that you have given, it sounds to me like you may have some loose rail bolts. That will produce a hollow thunk! sound and will deaden the rebound somewhat even if they are only slightly loose.
First of all... do you have a reputable table mechanic in the area? If you do give them a call and see what they would charge to come and check it out for you.
However there are a couple of things you can do before you call a Professional. 1. Check to see that the rail bolts are tight. 2. Check to see if the the rail rubber is tightly secured to the wood (just wiggly it up and down). 3. Test the rebound by rolling the ball by hand about as hard as you can and still keep the ball on the table, at a 90 degree angle to the rails across the table short ways at both ends and also up and also long ways down the table. You should get about the same number of rails going down table as you do going across. four or five + is good, 3 3/4 to 4 is ok? less than that = no good.
Without any more information that you have given, it sounds to me like you may have some loose rail bolts. That will produce a hollow thunk! sound and will deaden the rebound somewhat even if they are only slightly loose.
your problem might be that the cushions have lost there adhesion. pinch the cushions at the tip and move it up and down, does the base of the cushion move. this would explain the noise and the inconsistent response.
TSP&B, I tightened down the rail bolts and the sound has diminished. I get about 4 cushions on the bounce test and all cushions bounce consistently. The cushions pass the test sdbilliards suggested. I suppose this is as good as it gets, at least until I buy a new table one day... 
So, let me ask a different question. My cushions are not nearly as lively as the GCIV's at the local parlor. Is the GCIV the best?
So, let me ask a different question. My cushions are not nearly as lively as the GCIV's at the local parlor. Is the GCIV the best?
4 is okay on the bounce test. Diamond is the best.
WestElder said:
Do you know what cushions they have on the tables? Original? They may have changed them. Brunswick typically uses Superspeed cushions. They're very good but there are better cushions available.
What cloth do you have? What cloth do they have? The type of cloth affects the ball roll speed and possibly your impression of cushion action.
Unless your table has identical parameters as the parlor table you can't correctly compare the two.
Dartman said:
don't get me wrong, I like Gold Crown. But I think Diamonds are better: Solid wood rail caps with Diamond Wood, no comparsion with pockets, you can choose pocket opening sizes, neoprene facing, Artemis cushions, leveling system at leg levelors and under slates and 4 bolts per play. They play better, there less expensive and made in the USA.
I have S860 cloth, they use Brunswick Centennial. Their cloths are *way* too fast, feels like the table is going downhill in every direction. That is a University center where they've been refitting their tables recycling parts for over 75 years, so I don't know what kind of cushions they use.Dartman said:
I was in Canada a couple of months ago and stayed at a place that had a couple of 6x12 snooker tables. Those cushions were incredibly lively, like the superballs I had when I was a kid. I've never seen a pool table have anything like that.
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BCA/WPA Rule -
8. Cushion Rubber
Table cushions should influence the speed of the table such that with placement of a ball on the head spot, shooting through the foot spot, using center ball english, with a level cue and firm stroke, the ball must travel a minimum of 4 to 4 1/2 lengths of the table without jumping.
8. Cushion Rubber
Table cushions should influence the speed of the table such that with placement of a ball on the head spot, shooting through the foot spot, using center ball english, with a level cue and firm stroke, the ball must travel a minimum of 4 to 4 1/2 lengths of the table without jumping.
I'm going to ask you a question. When you say the tables at the local parlor are more lively, do you mean that on the bounce test you would get more rails? There are a lot of things that effect the speed of the table. (See the previous posts from others). cloth, humidity, room temp., cleanliness of balls and cloth amoung others.WestElder said:TSP&B, I tightened down the rail bolts and the sound has diminished. I get about 4 cushions on the bounce test and all cushions bounce consistently. The cushions pass the test sdbilliards suggested. I suppose this is as good as it gets, at least until I buy a new table one day...
So, let me ask a different question. My cushions are not nearly as lively as the GCIV's at the local parlor. Is the GCIV the best?
No hard evidence, just experience being surprised and having to adjust to the kick and roll. Their cloth is amazingly fast, so you're right that there could be a lot of things happening at the same time. I won't be going back there for a few weeks, but I'll try the same tests when I do.tsp&b said:
BTW, I pass the BCA guideline. I get just barely 4 lengths.