Diamond Table Light Restoration Project - Input Greatly Appreciated

Callaghan

Callaghan

AzB Gold Member
Gold Member
Recently acquired a “less than perfect” older fluorescent 7’ Diamond light. At $300, I couldn’t pass. Most of my funds have been expended on a minty GC1 table, not to mention the unnecessary but fun GC cue rack and GC chair/ashtray/drink holder setup. This light project seemed like an OK deal for the short term; despite the wood glue job needed. That said, my marginal handyman skills can, I hope, get it serviceable. Here are my inquiries:

1. It’s a 7ft light, the GC1 is a 9ft table. Would consensus agree that this will work? Internet knowledge would suggest that four or more lights between 65” and 70” would be acceptable. I’ve got that covered seeing as I’ve got two fixtures with four bulbs that measure 69” or so.

2. What would the ideal fluorescents be for this light? I’ve searched around the forum and there are varying preferences. The rest of my room is LED lit at 3000k….so a touch warm.

3. Per the pictures below, I’m missing baffles. Older posts here would suggest that these:

https://www.primelights.com/products/silver-parabolic-louver-5-8-pl-1-24-spl

Are a solid replacement. Is this correct?

That pretty much covers my questions at this stage. I know that I should ideally switch out the fluorescent fixtures to LED, but my budget would dictate that we need to wait on that.

I greatly appreciate the input and apologize if I’ve asked a question that’s been answered several times already. I did try to search out old posts I swear.

Pictures:

[url=https://ibb.co/wgTVX4m][/URL]

[url=https://ibb.co/9YPrKkS][/URL]

[url=https://ibb.co/mCCMRFV][/URL]









https://forums.azbilliards.com/[url...s://i.ibb.co/FmkPKp3/IMG-3606.jpg[/img][/url]
 
Callaghan said:
Recently acquired a “less than perfect” older fluorescent 7’ Diamond light. At $300, I couldn’t pass. Most of my funds have been expended on a minty GC1 table, not to mention the unnecessary but fun GC cue rack and GC chair/ashtray/drink holder setup. This light project seemed like an OK deal for the short term; despite the wood glue job needed. That said, my marginal handyman skills can, I hope, get it serviceable. Here are my inquiries:

1. It’s a 7ft light, the GC1 is a 9ft table. Would consensus agree that this will work? Internet knowledge would suggest that four or more lights between 65” and 70” would be acceptable. I’ve got that covered seeing as I’ve got two fixtures with four bulbs that measure 69” or so.

2. What would the ideal fluorescents be for this light? I’ve searched around the forum and there are varying preferences. The rest of my room is LED lit at 3000k….so a touch warm.

3. Per the pictures below, I’m missing baffles. Older posts here would suggest that these:

https://www.primelights.com/products/silver-parabolic-louver-5-8-pl-1-24-spl

Are a solid replacement. Is this correct?

That pretty much covers my questions at this stage. I know that I should ideally switch out the fluorescent fixtures to LED, but my budget would dictate that we need to wait on that.

I greatly appreciate the input and apologize if I’ve asked a question that’s been answered several times already. I did try to search out old posts I swear.

Pictures:

[url=https://ibb.co/wgTVX4m][/URL]

[url=https://ibb.co/9YPrKkS][/URL]

[url=https://ibb.co/mCCMRFV][/URL]









https://forums.azbilliards.com/[url...g]https://i.ibb.co/FmkPKp3/IMG-3606.jpg[/img][/URL]
Click to expand...
Very nice table,,,,, I have a 9' Diamond Professional. I was very lucky to run across a guy with a matching light that was in his way, his words, and he'd take 60 bucks if i get it out of his way, which I quickly did. Now the difussors didn't come with it, he didn't have them. I ended up going to lowes and getting 4 pieces of frosted plastic like goes in like door panels and such. A couple of the ballasts were bad so I took them out at wire the fixtures in straight and put 8' LED bulbs in there instead of the flourescents. It's a ton of light. Even so, you got a nice deal as well. Love the GC.
20211205_180413 (1).jpg
 
Renegade_56 said:
Very nice table,,,,, I have a 9' Diamond Professional. I was very lucky to run across a guy with a matching light that was in his way, his words, and he'd take 60 bucks if i get it out of his way, which I quickly did. Now the difussors didn't come with it, he didn't have them. I ended up going to lowes and getting 4 pieces of frosted plastic like goes in like door panels and such. A couple of the ballasts were bad so I took them out at wire the fixtures in straight and put 8' LED bulbs in there instead of the flourescents. It's a ton of light. Even so, you got a nice deal as well. Love the GC.View attachment 738398
Click to expand...
That’s a helluva nice setup there. I hadn’t considered those frosted inserts, I’ll keep those in mind for sure.
 
Callaghan said:
That’s a helluva nice setup there. I hadn’t considered those frosted inserts, I’ll keep those in mind for sure.
Click to expand...
They were actually an afterthought. Initially I put in the LED's and a friend let me try his diffusors to see how well they worked. It was horrible, a very noticeable grid all over the entire playing surface. That is when i went looking alternatives.
 
Callaghan said:
1. It’s a 7ft light, the GC1 is a 9ft table. Would consensus agree that this will work? Internet knowledge would suggest that four or more lights between 65” and 70” would be acceptable. I’ve got that covered seeing as I’ve got two fixtures with four bulbs that measure 69” or so.

2. What would the ideal fluorescents be for this light? I’ve searched around the forum and there are varying preferences. The rest of my room is LED lit at 3000k….so a touch warm.

3. Per the pictures below, I’m missing baffles. Older posts here would suggest that these:

https://www.primelights.com/products/silver-parabolic-louver-5-8-pl-1-24-spl

Are a solid replacement. Is this correct?
Click to expand...

1. I built an LED light for my 9’ Centennial (pics below) with two 2x4’ panels, so 8’ long, which is only 4” shy of the 100” table surface length. At 7’, you’ll only lose 6” more on each end, so I think you’ll be fine. I used these Sunco panels, which are only $55 ea in a 6-pack.

2. I prefer 4,000 Kelvin for the light temperature. It’s not quite as warm as 3,000 but considerably brighter and ball colors pop more. 5,000 is way too bluish-white and harsh imo.

3. Parabolic silver louvers (baffles) are VITAL in my opinion. They prevent glare from hitting your eyes when down on the shot, and make the room look better by focusing the light down on the table, not lighting up the whole room. The ones you found should work well. I bought mine from Diamond around 12 years ago, not sure if they still sell them, and they’re 1/2” squares. The 5/8” squares in the ones you have should be small enough.

IMG_5751.jpeg

IMG_5750.jpeg
 
DeadStick said:
1. I built an LED light for my 9’ Centennial (pics below) with two 2x4’ panels, so 8’ long, which is only 4” shy of the 100” table surface length. At 7’, you’ll only lose 6” more on each end, so I think you’ll be fine. I used these Sunco panels, which are only $55 ea in a 6-pack.

2. I prefer 4,000 Kelvin for the light temperature. It’s not quite as warm as 3,000 but considerably brighter and ball colors pop more. 5,000 is way too bluish-white and harsh imo.

3. Parabolic silver louvers (baffles) are VITAL in my opinion. They prevent glare from hitting your eyes when down on the shot, and make the room look better by focusing the light down on the table, not lighting up the whole room. The ones you found should work well. I bought mine from Diamond around 12 years ago, not sure if they still sell them, and they’re 1/2” squares. The 5/8” squares in the ones you have should be small enough.

View attachment 738402
View attachment 738403
Click to expand...
Beautiful, I did the same. Parabolic louvers & LED's Best thing to happen to pool since the orange 5 ball
 
Callaghan said:
Recently acquired a “less than perfect” older fluorescent 7’ Diamond light. At $300, I couldn’t pass. Most of my funds have been expended on a minty GC1 table, not to mention the unnecessary but fun GC cue rack and GC chair/ashtray/drink holder setup. This light project seemed like an OK deal for the short term; despite the wood glue job needed. That said, my marginal handyman skills can, I hope, get it serviceable. Here are my inquiries:

1. It’s a 7ft light, the GC1 is a 9ft table. Would consensus agree that this will work? Internet knowledge would suggest that four or more lights between 65” and 70” would be acceptable. I’ve got that covered seeing as I’ve got two fixtures with four bulbs that measure 69” or so.

2. What would the ideal fluorescents be for this light? I’ve searched around the forum and there are varying preferences. The rest of my room is LED lit at 3000k….so a touch warm.

3. Per the pictures below, I’m missing baffles. Older posts here would suggest that these:

https://www.primelights.com/products/silver-parabolic-louver-5-8-pl-1-24-spl

Are a solid replacement. Is this correct?

That pretty much covers my questions at this stage. I know that I should ideally switch out the fluorescent fixtures to LED, but my budget would dictate that we need to wait on that.

I greatly appreciate the input and apologize if I’ve asked a question that’s been answered several times already. I did try to search out old posts I swear.

Pictures:

[url=https://ibb.co/wgTVX4m][/URL]

[url=https://ibb.co/9YPrKkS][/URL]

[url=https://ibb.co/mCCMRFV][/URL]









https://forums.azbilliards.com/[url...g]https://i.ibb.co/FmkPKp3/IMG-3606.jpg[/img][/URL]
Click to expand...
Your table is beautiful, but the diamond 7 foot light is just not going to give you enough coverage. We have a 7 foot diamond table with the 7 foot matching diamond light, which is only 5 feet long, with 4 4-foot fluorescent tubes running end to end.
 
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Callaghan said:
Recently acquired a “less than perfect” older fluorescent 7’ Diamond light. At $300, I couldn’t pass. Most of my funds have been expended on a minty GC1 table, not to mention the unnecessary but fun GC cue rack and GC chair/ashtray/drink holder setup. This light project seemed like an OK deal for the short term; despite the wood glue job needed. That said, my marginal handyman skills can, I hope, get it serviceable. Here are my inquiries:

1. It’s a 7ft light, the GC1 is a 9ft table. Would consensus agree that this will work? Internet knowledge would suggest that four or more lights between 65” and 70” would be acceptable. I’ve got that covered seeing as I’ve got two fixtures with four bulbs that measure 69” or so.
Click to expand...
For a 9' table, it's ideal to have a light as long as the playing surface, 100".

Callaghan said:
2. What would the ideal fluorescents be for this light? I’ve searched around the forum and there are varying preferences. The rest of my room is LED lit at 3000k….so a touch warm.
Click to expand...
I've used these Phillips bulbs (8 in the fixture) in the last two custom lights I built. They are 5000K, 2600 Lumens each and a CRI of 90. IMO, 5000K is ideal for pool as is the 90 CRI which assures all the colors are accurate. In terms of Lumens, too much is never enough.

www.homedepot.com

Philips 32-Watt 48 in. Linear T8 Fluorescent Tube Light Bulb Natural Daylight (5000K) (30-Pack) 543348 - The Home Depot

Simulate natural light and create a lively environment with the help of this Philips Alto Linear T8 Fluorescent Light Bulb in Natural. Free shipping.
www.homedepot.com

Here's a pic of the last light I built taken with all other lights in the room off.
49726405907_5924fe6a1e_h.jpg


Callaghan said:
3. Per the pictures below, I’m missing baffles. Older posts here would suggest that these:

https://www.primelights.com/products/silver-parabolic-louver-5-8-pl-1-24-spl

Are a solid replacement. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
I used these diffusers. They are stout, reflective and easy to trim to size.
www.homedepot.com

Plaskolite Egg Crate Silver Louver 1199238A - The Home Depot

Visit The Home Depot to buy Plaskolite Egg Crate Silver Louver 1199238A
www.homedepot.com
Callaghan said:
That pretty much covers my questions at this stage. I know that I should ideally switch out the fluorescent fixtures to LED, but my budget would dictate that we need to wait on that.

I greatly appreciate the input and apologize if I’ve asked a question that’s been answered several times already. I did try to search out old posts I swear.

Pictures:

[url=https://ibb.co/wgTVX4m][/URL]

[url=https://ibb.co/9YPrKkS][/URL]

[url=https://ibb.co/mCCMRFV][/URL]









https://forums.azbilliards.com/[url...g]https://i.ibb.co/FmkPKp3/IMG-3606.jpg[/img][/URL]
Click to expand...
Table looks great!
 
rexus31 said:
I used these diffusers. They are stout, reflective and easy to trim to size.
Click to expand...
Nice setup!

I know you’re happy with the egg crate diffusers, but parabolic louvers are a different animal and would eliminate the side glare you can see in your pic. They’re more expensive, but worth it to folks who are sensitive to glare or who want to keep the perimeter of the room as dark as possible.
 
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When I first installed my used GC4, it came with a short Brunswick light that used qty 4, 4' tubes, all parallel, like you show in the first picture. I used that for about 7 years. I had it as close to the 9' ceiling as possible, rather than hanging low as typically installed. This was for room aesthetic reasons. I thought it did a nice job and was good enough.

I then made my own lighting setup with qty 2: 2x4 LED flat panels, flush mounted to the ceiling. When I was hanging them, I first tried just qty 1 2x4 panel centered over the table. It was def brighter than the Brunswick light. Then I went to the final arrangement of the qty 2: 2x4, arranged end to end. I left about 8" between them, as I mounted a camera there. This was of course brighter still.

Anyway, in my personal experience, the setup you have with 4 fluorescent tubes will be fine for a 9' table. Not the best, but fine.
If you can fit a 2x4 LED panel in that box, it will be really good. I tried this on the Brunswick box and the 2x4 panel would not fit inside.
 
Renegade_56 said:
They were actually an afterthought. Initially I put in the LED's and a friend let me try his diffusors to see how well they worked. It was horrible, a very noticeable grid all over the entire playing surface. That is when i went looking alternatives.
Click to expand...
I have experienced the noticeable shadows on the bed cloth when switching to LED bulbs. We have found if you add more of the LED bulbs into the light you get rid of those shadows, increase your light output, and get the best part of using the parabolic grids (No glare in your eye when down on a shot). I have 6 or 7 of the LED 4' long bulbs in my Diamond light above my 7' table. If memory serves correct, you also want to use the frosted LED 4' long bulbs. The clear ones left even worse shadows.
 
rexus31 said:
For a 9' table, it's ideal to have a light as long as the playing surface, 100".


I've used these Phillips bulbs (8 in the fixture) in the last two custom lights I built. They are 5000K, 2600 Lumens each and a CRI of 90. IMO, 5000K is ideal for pool as is the 90 CRI which assures all the colors are accurate. In terms of Lumens, too much is never enough.

www.homedepot.com

Philips 32-Watt 48 in. Linear T8 Fluorescent Tube Light Bulb Natural Daylight (5000K) (30-Pack) 543348 - The Home Depot

Simulate natural light and create a lively environment with the help of this Philips Alto Linear T8 Fluorescent Light Bulb in Natural. Free shipping.
www.homedepot.com

Here's a pic of the last light I built taken with all other lights in the room off.
49726405907_5924fe6a1e_h.jpg



I used these diffusers. They are stout, reflective and easy to trim to size.
www.homedepot.com

Plaskolite Egg Crate Silver Louver 1199238A - The Home Depot

Visit The Home Depot to buy Plaskolite Egg Crate Silver Louver 1199238A
www.homedepot.com

Table looks great!
Click to expand...
I love your setup, I found several of your old posts on this topic......that's definitely the kind of light I'd like to get going. It will have to be a project for the summer for sure. I'm hoping to make this smaller light work for the interim.
 
Qaddiction said:
I have experienced the noticeable shadows on the bed cloth when switching to LED bulbs. We have found if you add more of the LED bulbs into the light you get rid of those shadows, increase your light output, and get the best part of using the parabolic grids (No glare in your eye when down on a shot). I have 6 or 7 of the LED 4' long bulbs in my Diamond light above my 7' table. If memory serves correct, you also want to use the frosted LED 4' long bulbs. The clear ones left even worse shadows.
Click to expand...
Have to use frosted otherwise you get 'tiger stripe' shadows.
 
I greatly appreciate all of the suggestions here. Very very helpful. I will ultimately work to get the correct size light; that seems to be optimal. Meanwhile, I'll go for the brightest fluorescent bulbs I can get my hands on and use the parabolic diffusers. I'll post some more pictures after paint touch up and mounting.
 
Callaghan said:
I greatly appreciate all of the suggestions here. Very very helpful. I will ultimately work to get the correct size light; that seems to be optimal. Meanwhile, I'll go for the brightest fluorescent bulbs I can get my hands on and use the parabolic diffusers. I'll post some more pictures after paint touch up and mounting.
Click to expand...
If you end up not using that light, and you’re handy, it’s easy to make one like mine with 3x1” oak strips from HD or Lowes and then you could use LED panels, which will give you more even light than fluorescents in a thinner profile. Total cost for 8x2’ light around $350 and maybe 6 hours of work.
 
If you're looking to get something new altogether, there's a guy here who sells LED perimeter lights in a few threads. I bought one a couple of years ago and it's been great. It was exactly what I wanted and was reasonably priced. Great color, no glare, and it really looks great in my room.

forums.azbilliards.com

songj2096

forums.azbilliards.com
 
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