Left vs. Right rail
- Thread starter globalup
- Start date
.clarification
I believe that when standing at the side of the table (in front of a side pocket) that the rail at your left is the left rail and the one on the right is the right rail. I have a few people I trust that have told me this.
At the same time, I've seen a pool table assembly book and spoken with other table mechanics that say that you stand at the end of the table, not at the side pockets (which makes the left rails the right rails). These seem to be from less reputable sources, but I'm still trying to confirm 100% which is correct.
I believe that when standing at the side of the table (in front of a side pocket) that the rail at your left is the left rail and the one on the right is the right rail. I have a few people I trust that have told me this.
At the same time, I've seen a pool table assembly book and spoken with other table mechanics that say that you stand at the end of the table, not at the side pockets (which makes the left rails the right rails). These seem to be from less reputable sources, but I'm still trying to confirm 100% which is correct.
Like a car, a pool table has a front end and a back end so to speak...LOL If the table has a manufacture name plate on the end rail, that is the head of the table, now go clockwise from there, the left head rail, the left foot rail, the end rail, the right foot rail, the right head rail, the head rail...but then again, I'm old school, so what do I know...LOLglobalup said:
Glen
I determine them the same as Glen.
Anytime I've ordered, for example, a replacement rail from a manufacturer, it has always been determined by standing at the side pocket. The rail on your left is a left rail and on your right is a right rail. Hence, 2 left rails, 2 right rails and 2 end rails, one being the head with name plate and the other the foot rail or vice versa.....which ever you prefer.
Robin
Robin
Here's the reply I received from the BCA about the topic:
Tables always have a head rail (where the nameplate is) and a foot rail (opposite end from the nameplate). No manufacturer, to my knowledge, has ever designated the other rails as left or right. There is usually some type of number system stamped into each rail to designate its position on the table.
In addition, no game of pool has ever been based on using a "left" rail or a "right" rail, so I do not think there was ever an industry standard for what is left and right.
On a casual basis, some table installers mark rails as "left" and "right" for the purpose or reassembling the table quickly. For this purpose, they stand at the namplate, face the table, and the rails on the left are "left" and the rails on the right are "right".
So, I would have to suppose that as long as it's conveyed exactly which rail you are talking about it doesn't really matter how you determine it. Kinda like you in Glen's depiction, take his car on road X and I'll take mine on road Y. As long as we get to the same place it doesn't matter how we got there right?
Tables always have a head rail (where the nameplate is) and a foot rail (opposite end from the nameplate). No manufacturer, to my knowledge, has ever designated the other rails as left or right. There is usually some type of number system stamped into each rail to designate its position on the table.
In addition, no game of pool has ever been based on using a "left" rail or a "right" rail, so I do not think there was ever an industry standard for what is left and right.
On a casual basis, some table installers mark rails as "left" and "right" for the purpose or reassembling the table quickly. For this purpose, they stand at the namplate, face the table, and the rails on the left are "left" and the rails on the right are "right".
So, I would have to suppose that as long as it's conveyed exactly which rail you are talking about it doesn't really matter how you determine it. Kinda like you in Glen's depiction, take his car on road X and I'll take mine on road Y. As long as we get to the same place it doesn't matter how we got there right?
So, I would have to suppose that as long as it's conveyed exactly which rail you are talking about it doesn't really matter how you determine it. Kinda like you in Glen's depiction, take his car on road X and I'll take mine on road Y. As long as we get to the same place it doesn't matter how we got there right?[/QUOTE]
What Glen and others have said here is in traditional reference to table assembly, thus the forum name. I would always contend, however, a six rail table has:
> one head rail (nameplate)
> one foot rail
> one left head rail
> one left foot rail
> one right head rail
> one right foot.
To me, this presents an accurate way of describing any situation as regards table rails. It's like describing direction in terms of north, south rather than right, left as well as providing a blueprint for rail assembly or disassembly.
_Rick
What Glen and others have said here is in traditional reference to table assembly, thus the forum name. I would always contend, however, a six rail table has:
> one head rail (nameplate)
> one foot rail
> one left head rail
> one left foot rail
> one right head rail
> one right foot.
To me, this presents an accurate way of describing any situation as regards table rails. It's like describing direction in terms of north, south rather than right, left as well as providing a blueprint for rail assembly or disassembly.
_Rick
What Glen and others have said here is in traditional reference to table assembly, thus the forum name. I would always contend, however, a six rail table has:
> one head rail (nameplate)
> one foot rail
> one left head rail
> one left foot rail
> one right head rail
> one right foot.
To me, this presents an accurate way of describing any situation as regards table rails. It's like describing direction in terms of north, south rather than right, left as well as providing a blueprint for rail assembly or disassembly.
This is near dead horse status isn't!?!?!? But, if you were to order from any manufacturer one rail, let's say in your case, the left head rail. The manufacturer sends you a left foot rail instead. Can you tell me the difference? There is none! They are the exact same rail and so are the right head rail and right foot rail as are the end rails except one is designated with a name plate. There are a few mfg's that still do not put name plates on the end rails. Then what? They are still the same rail with the exact same dimensions.
> one head rail (nameplate)
> one foot rail
> one left head rail
> one left foot rail
> one right head rail
> one right foot.
To me, this presents an accurate way of describing any situation as regards table rails. It's like describing direction in terms of north, south rather than right, left as well as providing a blueprint for rail assembly or disassembly.
This is near dead horse status isn't!?!?!? But, if you were to order from any manufacturer one rail, let's say in your case, the left head rail. The manufacturer sends you a left foot rail instead. Can you tell me the difference? There is none! They are the exact same rail and so are the right head rail and right foot rail as are the end rails except one is designated with a name plate. There are a few mfg's that still do not put name plates on the end rails. Then what? They are still the same rail with the exact same dimensions.
Maybe a little show and tell is in order.
Note that
1. the left head rail and right foot rail are the same
2. the right head rail and left foot rail are the same
3. end rails - both the head and foot rail are the same
If one of the end rails has a plate or mfg marking it is typically used as the head rail
Note that
1. the left head rail and right foot rail are the same
2. the right head rail and left foot rail are the same
3. end rails - both the head and foot rail are the same
If one of the end rails has a plate or mfg marking it is typically used as the head rail
When I order rails from Brunswick for replacement and such, they ask me if I need a left, right, head, or foot rail. They tell me to stand at the end of the table with the logo. In front of you is the head rail. The other end is the foot. Then, the rail on your right is the right hand, the rail on the left is the left hand. I have never recieved the wrong rail ordering in this manner from anyone.
So you may say, what if the rail you need is on the far left side? you order a right hand rail accordding to their system.
Of Course the above diagram is a correct description as well.
So you may say, what if the rail you need is on the far left side? you order a right hand rail accordding to their system.
Of Course the above diagram is a correct description as well.
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