Cutting Pocket Openings

Krypto

Krypto

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Great to see this section on AZ. I have rebuilt many old pool tables and have learned a lot of things the hard way over the years. One thing that I still have trouble with is getting the pockets cut into new K66 rubber like I want them. In the past, I have cut the rubber after gluing to the rails and while the rails are not mounted to the table. I believe that my main mistake was making the final cut to the rubber while the rails were not mounted to the table. Am I correct in thinking that I should mount the rails first (with a slight overhang of the rubber left on each pocket-edge side) and then cut the rubbers at the angle necessary for the pockets to play correctly?

Any advice in this particular area would be appreciated.
 
pockets cuts

I glue the cushion to the rail. Using a clamping work bench (Black and Decker Workmate or similar) I hold the rails steady and make my cuts. I use a VERY sharp and rigid blade. Dipping the blade in a warm soapy water solution will help. You can clean up rough cuts with a belt sander or hold the rail pockets up to a bench mounted disc sander. Be careful not to over sand.
 
Thanks Slatehumper. No one else seems interested in sharing their trade secrets (smile). I have been doing this the same way myself, but there should be a more precise way to get those angles right. Now that I have thought about this further, I think that a pre-constructed metal or wooden jig would be the best option in allowing consistency to these cuts.
 
Cutting pockets

I do it almost the same way. I use a disc sander to finish up the pocket. I use a protractor and a sliding bevel to make sure my pockets are the right angle.

Steve
 
I been in the business for almost 18 yrs what I use is a pull saw
it has two cutting edges
mount the rubber on the rail cut with one hand and with other hand place finger on blade to keep blade against the cut of the pocket
its pretty simple and easy to get the angle very close to correct and as the others have stated hit it with a belt sander to clean it up.......
my suggestion on belt sanders is the Makita 9031
I picked one up and wouldn't do rails without it again
it runs for abt $250......and its 1" wide belt and variable speed
hope this helps
Good Luck
 
All right...trade secrets huh? Well here's one you've never heard of before Guppy...LOL go out and buy you an electric turkey carving knife, it'll cut through the rail rubber like butter and straight as an arrow!

The Realkingcobra
 
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