How do you feel about Craftmaster tables?
- Thread starter Sonic04GT
- Start date
Sonic. Contact CM and ask about the warranty and anything you should know about the table you are looking at. Warranty might be for the original owner only or might be for the life of the table. Also ask craftmaster if they have any used tables for sale that they will deliver & install
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Best advice in this thread yet!:thumbup:
I like the Craftmaster, I really do. It was a nice solid table, but it just doesn't look good in the middle of the living room with chunks missing from the legs. I guess this is something that can be repaired but I'm also thinking about resale value as well. If it wasn't for the defective legs I probably would have already purchased it. It's a shame how people can let their animals near these things knowing that they'll bite anything they see.
I had already contacted Craftmaster and they never got back to me. Their contact section took me straight to an email form so I sent another.
For those that missed the pictures, here are a couple of the legs.
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/thealmightyhubbard/Craftmaster table/PhotoJul2460040PM.jpg
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/thealmightyhubbard/Craftmaster table/PhotoJul2460050PM.jpg
Does 88x44 sound like the standard playing surface for an 8ft table? I was under the assumption an 8ft table was 8x4 playing surface.
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44 x 88 is a standard 8ft table. 46 x 92 is an oversized 8
Sonic04GT...I just don't know what to think here. You've asked for, and received lots of advice. You're buying a CHEAP table...and used at that...and you're worried about what it will "look" like in your living room?...AND you're worried about resale value? Come on...either quit worrying and buy a cheap table just to play on, or spend more money and get a nice piece of furniture. Craftmaster has a phone number...call it, and talk to the owner or his son. If the leg bothers you that much...buy another leg (but don't expect to get it for nothing). IMO, you're worrying over nothing (and seem like you're wanting a Ferrari for the price of a VW). It has no bearing on the playability of the table.
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
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I think i would drive out and look at that Brunswick in a crate. If it looks like a pro $500 packing company crate that is what i would buy, that would be a great table. (I am a bit of a gambler some times)
The Craftmaster is also probably a good choice i am not familiar with them but the solid wood american made slate top is suggesting a solid quality furniture grade pool table. You will not find a solid 1 piece slate top in your price range beyond a valley type bar box. Many champions developed on bar tables early in their game, bang for the bunk it is hard to beat a valley. They areasy to move, they sell quick and you can reuse the cloth if it is worth reusing, that is a design feature of the Valley type table.
I have purchased multiple tables over the years, when i was in collage I had one almost every place a lived (3 tables) and since then I have had a few more table, I currently have a GC II 9 ft paid $900 bucks refinished it myself with my Dad's help (he shot the laquer) I stripped it and prepped it and a local mechanic Steve Durrell put it together. Plays great. I have been very funds challenged especially in collage but I never tried to reuse a cloth other than on a barbox. A 3 peice slate need to be broke down to move and then you might as well have a new cloth if you are paying for an a pro to put your table together. I would not expect good results reusing a cloth. You will get what you pay for and a pool table is not an investment that you can typically expect to appreciate. If you buy a quality used table and get a good price, you will get your purchase price back (time of year in Indiana affects this) and you will be out the cost of setup and cloth. If you luck into a better deal then you might make something on a table but you are buying this to play pool not make money, price out a cloth and a mechanic, do not buy the cheap carpet grade fuzzy cloth buy something unbacked with some nylon in it you do not have to buy Simonis there are other fast cloths available. If you buy a used furniture grade table with cheapest dealer cloth and expect to reuse the cloth you will not enjoy playing.
Invest in your cue tip, good chalk (Masters or better) and cloth these are the items that will wear out and directly result in the quality of play. The table you buy should be heavy, the heavier the better, it should be stiff and not move when a ball is shot sharply into a rail, 4 rails end to end and side to side should be possible slow cloth and dead rails can both affect this, a loose rail rubber can be saved on an older table sometime, a hard rail rubber is shot. Set up a shot that is stretch where you have to slightly get ont he table while keeping a foot on the floor does the table feel solid or does it move when you put your weight on it, if so this table will not stay level and will not roll true. Good balls can be added later. I myself like a good quality light, 3 bulb incandescent is OK a flourescent is better. When you buy the used table try to get the light, this can be upgraded later.
The Craftmaster is also probably a good choice i am not familiar with them but the solid wood american made slate top is suggesting a solid quality furniture grade pool table. You will not find a solid 1 piece slate top in your price range beyond a valley type bar box. Many champions developed on bar tables early in their game, bang for the bunk it is hard to beat a valley. They areasy to move, they sell quick and you can reuse the cloth if it is worth reusing, that is a design feature of the Valley type table.
I have purchased multiple tables over the years, when i was in collage I had one almost every place a lived (3 tables) and since then I have had a few more table, I currently have a GC II 9 ft paid $900 bucks refinished it myself with my Dad's help (he shot the laquer) I stripped it and prepped it and a local mechanic Steve Durrell put it together. Plays great. I have been very funds challenged especially in collage but I never tried to reuse a cloth other than on a barbox. A 3 peice slate need to be broke down to move and then you might as well have a new cloth if you are paying for an a pro to put your table together. I would not expect good results reusing a cloth. You will get what you pay for and a pool table is not an investment that you can typically expect to appreciate. If you buy a quality used table and get a good price, you will get your purchase price back (time of year in Indiana affects this) and you will be out the cost of setup and cloth. If you luck into a better deal then you might make something on a table but you are buying this to play pool not make money, price out a cloth and a mechanic, do not buy the cheap carpet grade fuzzy cloth buy something unbacked with some nylon in it you do not have to buy Simonis there are other fast cloths available. If you buy a used furniture grade table with cheapest dealer cloth and expect to reuse the cloth you will not enjoy playing.
Invest in your cue tip, good chalk (Masters or better) and cloth these are the items that will wear out and directly result in the quality of play. The table you buy should be heavy, the heavier the better, it should be stiff and not move when a ball is shot sharply into a rail, 4 rails end to end and side to side should be possible slow cloth and dead rails can both affect this, a loose rail rubber can be saved on an older table sometime, a hard rail rubber is shot. Set up a shot that is stretch where you have to slightly get ont he table while keeping a foot on the floor does the table feel solid or does it move when you put your weight on it, if so this table will not stay level and will not roll true. Good balls can be added later. I myself like a good quality light, 3 bulb incandescent is OK a flourescent is better. When you buy the used table try to get the light, this can be upgraded later.
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I may at least go check out the Brunswick since it isn't far. As mentioned, the Craftmaster did have a good solid construction and I'm still considering it.
Good point on the cloth, I was considering doing that and the cushions since I'll have a pro here assembling it.
Definitely not trying to make a profit. I just want something to where if I don't end up liking it, as you stated, I can re-sell for around the same price easily and only be out labor and cloth/rubber. Not many people want a table with torn up legs and this guy is obviously having a little trouble getting rid of it, probably due to that reason. He's letting it go cheap to begin with because it was in his house when he moved in.
I haven't played pool in a while but I've had a Cuetec for a while. Nothing fancy, but it was my first "quality" cue that I bought off a buddy used when I was in the Army. It's starting to warp a little bit now. I believe Masters chalk is all I used with it.
I did not lean over the table when I checked out the Craftmaster but I grabbed a pocket and tried to shake it with 0 movement.
Thanks for the thorough response, I appreciate it. I know with patience I'll eventually find what I'm looking for, for my expected price. As long as the furniture and slate are good, as mentioned above, I'll likely re-cushion and re-cover it anyway.
If done professionally it might run about $200-400. Ask A Mechanic for ball park prices. Consider the cost before buying a used table. I'm sure DIY cushions are not simple.
Nobody can blame you for wanting a nice table for a cheap price. If you wait long long enough you might find one. How about a 6ft bar table. They're fun and maybe inexpensive.
I would definitely prefer something bigger than a 6ft. MAYBE a 7ft but I've been avoiding those for a while now. Some even appeared to be nice deals but I wanted an 8'.
Yeah I appreciate all the info I've gotten here. Definitely widened my understanding a bit when I go to look at one.
Found a decent Olhausen but it is also disassembled. Might check it out Sunday, possibly that Centurion tomorrow.
For those still willing to help without criticism, any input on this guy?
http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/fud/2520612788.html
"Play Master-Renaissance. I bought it at recreational factorywarehouse. It is in excellent condition."
Not a fan of the cabinet color but if it's a nice table then that's the least of my worries.
Looks like he dropped that Craftmaster to $400 OBO. Was originally going to let it go for 4.
Might be worth it with the damaged legs if I can get it for maybe $350. Not sure if I should attempt to go lower.
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/fuo/2499163456.html
http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/fud/2520612788.html
"Play Master-Renaissance. I bought it at recreational factorywarehouse. It is in excellent condition."
Not a fan of the cabinet color but if it's a nice table then that's the least of my worries.
Looks like he dropped that Craftmaster to $400 OBO. Was originally going to let it go for 4.
Might be worth it with the damaged legs if I can get it for maybe $350. Not sure if I should attempt to go lower.
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/fuo/2499163456.html
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An offer is an offer...offer $??...you can come up if he rejects it.
Maybe you can repair the legs. You'll most likely need a new cloth.
How much is that model if brand new. It says barely used. If it is an authentic Craftmaster and in good condition (bed wise) maybe you should move forward. Just make sure the cushions and slate are ok. If the table is currently set up....go play on it. Check it out.
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I offered $300 with the thought of new cloth and rubber in mind. Like you said if he rejects then whatever. Kind of a lowball but the table did come with his house.
Maybe he'll jump on the offer to get rid of it. If it came with the house he is not losing money....just made a little less on the sale. If you presented yourself as a good faith buyer(if the condition checks out) it might be show time. If the seller really wants it gone this is the time. Good luck.
Thanks, we shall find out soon I guess. Seemed like a pretty good guy and sounded like he really wanted to get rid of it. The question is how bad. As you mentioned, he's not losing money.
As for the condition, everything appeared fine when I checked it out in person.
http://s295.photobucket.com/albums/mm142/thealmightyhubbard/Craftmaster table/
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Well it looks like he accepted my $300 offer. Any body have recommendations on where to turn for quality reasonably priced cloth? Risky buying stuff like this on eBay?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Marine-Blue-8-B...627?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20ba384dfb
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pool-Table-Clot...923?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b3f61a3b
What about cushions?
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_from=R...13&_nkw=k66+cushion&_sacat=See-All-Categories
Edit - Strange that Craftmaster said they didn't mark their tables but he says this one says Craftmaster on the table.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Marine-Blue-8-B...627?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20ba384dfb
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pool-Table-Clot...923?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b3f61a3b
What about cushions?
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_from=R...13&_nkw=k66+cushion&_sacat=See-All-Categories
Edit - Strange that Craftmaster said they didn't mark their tables but he says this one says Craftmaster on the table.
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