how to move a coin table?

blackflagsailor

blackflagsailor

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I will possibly be moving an older Valley coin op pool table on january 7th. I have a book called "A rookies guide to pool table mainyenance and repair" that mostly walks you through the process. But there are other things I'd like to know to get better prepaired for this. Things like, I've heard that a one piece, 1" thick slate weighs about 450 lbs. Is this true? What kind of tools do I need? How much will the cabinet weigh without the slate? Or without slate and legs? If anyone knows some things I should know before doing this, please let me know. Cheers!
 
blackflagsailor said:
I will possibly be moving an older Valley coin op pool table on january 7th. I have a book called "A rookies guide to pool table mainyenance and repair" that mostly walks you through the process. But there are other things I'd like to know to get better prepaired for this. Things like, I've heard that a one piece, 1" thick slate weighs about 450 lbs. Is this true? What kind of tools do I need? How much will the cabinet weigh without the slate? Or without slate and legs? If anyone knows some things I should know before doing this, please let me know. Cheers!
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Yes it is true the slate weighs about that much. Those suckers are heavy. Tools you will need is a screwdriver/ drill with bits, and sockets with a wrench or bit for drill. The cabinet weighs probably 200-250 lbs. The easiest way to do it is using a flat furniture dolly (the kind with 4 wheels and the carpeted supports). Take the silver trim along the edge off with a screwdriver, it will reveal the rail bolts, remove them. Then the slate will just lift out of the frame. Flip it on it's side and center it on the dolly. One person in the front, one in the back, roll it to the truck. Lay it flat. Then tip the cabinet on it's side center it up. I remove the legs because it makes it easier to get through doorways. Move it to the truck the same way as the slate, set it down on top of the slate with 2 2x4s in between so you can get under the cabinet when you get to the destination. Don't put anything under the slate, a blanket on top is fine. Then when you get to destination follow the steps in reverse. Really not that difficult just heavy as hell. Good luck and move slow.
 
This thing may be older then I thought.

IMG_4391.jpg
 
LucasBilliards said:
Yes it is true the slate weighs about that much. Those suckers are heavy. Tools you will need is a screwdriver/ drill with bits, and sockets with a wrench or bit for drill. The cabinet weighs probably 200-250 lbs. The easiest way to do it is using a flat furniture dolly (the kind with 4 wheels and the carpeted supports). Take the silver trim along the edge off with a screwdriver, it will reveal the rail bolts, remove them. Then the slate will just lift out of the frame. Flip it on it's side and center it on the dolly. One person in the front, one in the back, roll it to the truck. Lay it flat. Then tip the cabinet on it's side center it up. I remove the legs because it makes it easier to get through doorways. Move it to the truck the same way as the slate, set it down on top of the slate with 2 2x4s in between so you can get under the cabinet when you get to the destination. Don't put anything under the slate, a blanket on top is fine. Then when you get to destination follow the steps in reverse. Really not that difficult just heavy as hell. Good luck and move slow.
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This is good advice. The only things I would change or add to it is: load the cabinet first. Put the legs inside the cabinet (yes they fit) and then put the slate in the cabinet as if you were re-installing it and transport it like that. You don't need to reattach the rails for transport. The slates heavy enough it's not going anywhere. This way there's no 2x4's or blanket needed. If your pickup has a tonnue cover you can move it and nobody will have a clue it's there.
With 2 guys it's very easy to move one if these tables. Once you have the cabinet out and to the truck rest it on a 45 on the tailgate then load the legs and slate. Once it's in place each guy grabs a corner and up and in you go. Unload the same way.
Also while you have the slate out, in the corners of the valleys there are some bolts in around the pocket liners. Make sure these are tight. If they are loose they can make a rail sound like its dead (thump) even if it's new and touqued to proper speck.
I'd wish you good luck but you don't need it.......this is an easy job.
 
U-Haul has a flatbed with wall that is 12 footer.

Try levitation & see how much help that is... I'm told that people have lifted boulders in the past.

Good Luck...
 
deadnutz said:
This is good advice. The only things I would change or add to it is: load the cabinet first. Put the legs inside the cabinet (yes they fit) and then put the slate in the cabinet as if you were re-installing it and transport it like that. You don't need to reattach the rails for transport. The slates heavy enough it's not going anywhere. This way there's no 2x4's or blanket needed. If your pickup has a tonnue cover you can move it and nobody will have a clue it's there.
With 2 guys it's very easy to move one if these tables. Once you have the cabinet out and to the truck rest it on a 45 on the tailgate then load the legs and slate. Once it's in place each guy grabs a corner and up and in you go. Unload the same way.
Also while you have the slate out, in the corners of the valleys there are some bolts in around the pocket liners. Make sure these are tight. If they are loose they can make a rail sound like its dead (thump) even if it's new and touqued to proper speck.
I'd wish you good luck but you don't need it.......this is an easy job.
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Yeah that works too. I prefer my way just because I don't have to handle the slate as much. Goes straight from the dolly into the truck and straight from the truck to the dolly. Keeps you from having to lean the slate up against something while you bring the cabinet out/ take the cabinet in. Either way works it's just a matter of preference. For me, the less I have to pick up 400+lbs the better. I'm only 28 and I swear I have the back of a 60 yr old. Moving pool tables around for 15+ years takes it's toll. So be careful whichever way you do it and make sure you lift with your legs.
 
You can move this table without dismantling it. Remove the four legs (only a few bolts hold them on) and then lay it on it's side on a flat dolly. You will need two guys to pick up the end and one more to slide the dolly under it, in the middle. Two guys can walk it easily, as long as you're on flat ground. Loading it on a trailer will take four guys. Lay a piece of carpet (or a blanket) on the bed of the trailer, hanging over the edge. Two strong guys can pick up the end of the table and slide it on with the help of two more guys (or one strong one) pushing from the rear. Leave it on its side and strap it to the side rail of the trailer. You can use rope or heavy furniture straps to do this. Drive slowly and carefully to your location.

It is only when you are going up or down stairs that this becomes more difficult. Four strong guys can move this table up or down stairs, again using a piece of carpet or blanket to slide it on. I like carpet best for this. You can also lay a piece of plywood on steps to slide on. I've moved dozens of bar tables just this way, never removing more than the legs. You can also break it down, removing the rails and slate. It just takes a lot longer and is not really necessary imo. Just recruit some help and you'll be okay.

P.S. To pick up the end of the table, placing one hand in the pocket gives you a good grip from the front. The guy in back will have to grab under the table, after it is tilted slightly. You can also lay the table flat on the trailer if it is wide enough. Then there is no need for straps. It won't move around much if you drive carefully. Just put some padding around the sides of the table.
 
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I have an 8 footer and 7 1/2 footer (valley). I just moved mine the other day. I've moved a few of these in past years when my father owned a pool hall.

1st option:
Get about 6 friends (4 can do it if real men lol). Pick it up and set on a trailer, truck or whatever without flipping it over. Haul to location. However, the opening on exit and entrance must be as wide as table of course. I just moved one this way a week ago. Covered u-hail trailer would be perfect. I would pad the legs on the floor with foam or something so it won't bounced around too much.

2nd option:
Get the 4-wheeled dolly and turn it on its side. I've done this numerous times with the legs still on it and the slate still installed. Then roll to where ever you want it. This narrows the width needed to get in and out of doors. HOWEVER, make sure you have a couple guys here to take a little wgt off the legs when you flip it. I have never cracked a leg while doing it this way, but I've heard of people cracking the legs and/or bottom part of the cabinet with this method.

3rd option:
As the first poster said. Take it apart. This is the safest way. Then go ahead and put some Simonis cloth on it.
 
:thumbup: Yup! Simonis will eventually go on it. But I gotta wait on that. I have a few things to take care for first.
 
Another thing has come to my attention; I've heard that sometimes when these tables are being tilted onto their sides, legs get broken off. This would be very bad. Is there a safe way to lift the cabinet before I take the legs off?

Just wanted to say thanks everyone for all the great advice so far. I probably should have posted this under the "talk to a mechanic" section but I wasn't really sure where this should have gone when I posted.
 
Valley Table

I have moved many 7 foot valleys by my self , depending on level ground
My advice to you as you live in a big city is to call a Music and game
vending co. and ask what they would move it for . They may move it
for the same cost as renting equipment , also remember what it costs
if you get a hurt friend . best of luck . Rob:thumbup:
 
All good advice. I've always put the slate back into the box once it is in the truck for safe transport as well. The slate isn't bad. Two guys can handle it. The box is the biggest pain because it is as heavy as the slate but much more awkward to grip and cary because of it's dimensions. 7' valley slate is a two guy job. 7' Diamond slate is a two guys with big cojones job, lol.
 
I move Diamond 9ft ProAms by myself, moving that Valley would be about as hard as eating fried chicken for lunch, provided no one else is around to share my chicken with:outtahere::D
 
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