Worst advice I've ever seen given on AZB for working on pockets. 1 degree =1/16" of an inch change in a pocket opening, 3 degrees is almost a 1/4" wider at the back of the pocket on both sides as you suggest, do you plan on sanding a 1/4" of the formica back on both sides of the throat and leave the pocket casting overhanging the throat of the pocket too....LOL then, if you opened the throat of the pocket as you suggest, do you realize how much more slate shelf is exposed so balls have even more room to sit in the throat of the pockets!
I've talked about and explained how to correct pocket miters, down angles, the cause and effect of the changes for YEARS here on AZB, Mark Gregory and I BOTH have....and this is the best advice you can come up with....wow.
And to the OP, when you say you're a pool table mechanic, and have 50 years experience.....just what do you mean by a pool table mechanic with 50 years experience, when you're asking BASIC questions like what you're asking about. What kind of things have you done to work on pool tables for 50 years, to call yourself a pool table mechanic. And as been mentioned, pictures would be great, I tell everyone lead off with pictures so everyone can see what you're looking at as well. Last question, you said you refinished this table, what color was it painted on the rail skirts before you refinished them?
