How Do You Install a Light BEFORE The Table?

DJSTEVEZ

DJSTEVEZ

Professor of Human Moves
Silver Member
I've been told by many whom I respect that you install the lighting before the table. Makes sense to me. My uncle, an expert electrician and avid pool player, will install the light before the table is installed. Just out of curiosity, how does one do that and get it accurate? I know the table will go 5 feet from each of the two walls it'll be near. Other than that, and of course a kick @ss installer, how does one insure it it all ends up correct? Thanx! -Z-
 
DJSTEVEZ said:
I've been told by many whom I respect that you install the lighting before the table. Makes sense to me. My uncle, an expert electrician and avid pool player, will install the light before the table is installed. Just out of curiosity, how does one do that and get it accurate? I know the table will go 5 feet from each of the two walls it'll be near. Other than that, and of course a kick @ss installer, how does one insure it it all ends up correct? Thanx! -Z-
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I for one don't like the light mounted first, that commits the table to THAT spot, and you may just change your mind by an inch or two one way or another. I've always felt, get the table were you want it first...then put up the light;)
 
i installed the light before i assembled my table. (it was a new room had to do the wiring)
i centered the room length wise,and for the side i went 85 inches off the side wall(60 inches playing room and since i had a 4 1/2 x 9 table 25inches to the center of the table)it worked out perfectly.
the height could be adjusted after the table was installed
i hope this helps
scott
 
Yes Glen is right. If at all possible, do it afterwards. I can however tell ya how a friend did his prior to the table install.

He got the outside perimeter measurements of the table and taped it off on the floor where he wanted the table placed and then put the light (rectangle shaped) directly in the center and taped off it's perimeter on the floor also. Then he took a plumb bob (string with a screw) and held it up to the ceiling and marked on the ceiling where the screw touched the each corner of the taped off outline of the light fixture on the floor. ?He then had the 4 corners of the light fixture marked on the ceiling. He then knew exactly where to drill a hole for the wiring and hooks to hang the light from.

Of course this works best with a fixture that is of the rectangle shape and not the classic style light. If ya can, just wait till the table is install though. Good luck!
 
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In odd shaped rooms i would say wait till the table is in. If the room is close to the recommended size or smaller then you are pretty much committed to centering the light in the room, so go ahead and mount it.

In larger rooms customers like to see how everything else works with the table. If they have spectator chairs,pub tables, or even a card table.
 
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Set up the table frame and situate it first.
Easier to move the frame only for minor adjustments as opposed to frame and slate.
Once the table frame is where you want it install the light, then complete the table.
 
realkingcobra said:
I for one don't like the light mounted first, that commits the table to THAT spot, and you may just change your mind by an inch or two one way or another. I've always felt, get the table were you want it first...then put up the light;)
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If Glen says the he doesn't like the light being mounted 1st, then that's good enough for me. Thanx Glen, see ya towards the end of January. I'm looking forward to meeting you. best, Steve -Z-
 
DJSTEVEZ said:
I've been told by many whom I respect that you install the lighting before the table. Makes sense to me. My uncle, an expert electrician and avid pool player, will install the light before the table is installed. Just out of curiosity, how does one do that and get it accurate? I know the table will go 5 feet from each of the two walls it'll be near. Other than that, and of course a kick @ss installer, how does one insure it it all ends up correct? Thanx! -Z-
Click to expand...

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!
OK, more evidence I should be doing the Ritalin... Upon checking with not only my Uncle, but also the "many", it is not the light that's suppose to go up before the table, rather the wiring for the light fixture. I'll be OK, no, really, I will. :wink: -Z-
 
DJSTEVEZ said:
If Glen says the he doesn't like the light being mounted 1st, then that's good enough for me. Thanx Glen, see ya towards the end of January. I'm looking forward to meeting you. best, Steve -Z-
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I used a laser plum bob to transfer marks from table light layout to ceiling
I used masking tape to mark table.
I layed out one light and then used these measurements for all the other tables in the room!
Did this for aircraft cable locations in case of ceiling problems tees or mains etc. a inch movement is fine
adjust all four points by this 1" movement

We installed crimped on cable at corner points
let me just say it went up with a few other tricks quickly and perfectly!!!
Laser levels are pretty cheap now!
These were 20 Brunswick lights
weigh about 100+ each beautiful lights!!!

By the way I am a Master electrician with 35 year experience
not bragging just establishing credentials!
 
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Primarily my work is in antique tables and I generally preview my customers room or get exact dimensions, so I tell them where to put it etc. Its nice to have light when your setting up a table. Many times a free preview to make things go smoothly ends up in a good $tip.

Plus its not easy for an electrician. Have seen many who have stood on the tables. They can not always mount that fixture perfectly center, but given room you can always center the table under the light.

Give me light
 
I built my room for the table. Taped the outline of the table area on the floor, Got the plumb bob centered in the table area, installed new fixture box with extra bracing. It was easy in my case because the dry wall wasn't up yet. I put down tile, hung the light, and waited for the table to come.
 
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