installing rail caps

[jadawgis732]

So I've taken your advice and ordered the replacement caps from Ken Hash. See this thread for info:

http://forums.azbilliards.com//showthread.php?t=156201

Now that I have the caps, I'm going to install them. For that, I need the advice of pool table gurus like yourselves. I first took out the ball returns and pockets leaving the corners exposed. I could just place the cap on top and secure from underneath but as I've learned the cap will in short time slide back, as pictured in the previous thread. One poster mentioned that there is a small hole under the cap, used to secure it using a nail through the small hole into the rail, at a 45 degree angle. For this I need to remove (as I figured) the two short rails. But I am worried that the age of the table 12+ years, combined with the moves (there have been 2 that I know of) will weaken the wood to such a point as to reduce the structural integrity. I've taken a few pics. Could you please describe how I should remove the two short rails (assuming I should) and whether or not I should use the same holes, same screws when resecuring them. Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[scruffy1]

Do not worry about weakening the wood. Once the rails are bolted down those corner brackets do no do much other then hold the metal corner on.

Remove the two screw from the flat bracket on the long rail. You are going to leave the bracket attached to the head and foot rail. Remove screws from one side of apron corner. Remove rail bolts from end rails. They should be studs so you will have to remove the stud also to allow the rail to easily slide out. Place the corner mitre in position tightly against rail. Place a small nail thru the mitre into rail.

Install the small machine screw thru the plate into the mitre. DO NOT tighten at this time. Also loosen the two remaining corner plate screws a bit to make it easier to reinstall the rail. slide rail back into position. Check the fit at the top of the rail and first tighten the machine mitre screw. Do not over tighten.Then re tighten and install the corner plate screws. Replace studs and tighten rail and corner apron and your done!

 

[jadawgis732]

came out alright, I took the side panel off one side before realizing that the top rail containing the felt rail was the one I needed to remove. That side came out much better though.. The otherside had some problems with nailing the mitre in as the foot rail kind of split (1.5" or so) and the nail came out just as I was securing the last screw. I'm sure the mitre will fail back as in the previous case, and then I'll have to repeat only nailing it into the side rail this time. But for the most part it's functional and secure for the moment. Thanks for the help!