leveling pool table

[cuejoey]

i would like any information on leveling a 9 foot pool table..i know to use a machinest level but is a 12 inch or 18inch level better?also do you level the length or width of table first?i have the table that does not have levelers you must use shims...would metal shims be better than wood???any more info.would be greatly appreciated ...thank you

 

[TheBook]

i would like any information on leveling a 9 foot pool table..i know to use a machinest level but is a 12 inch or 18inch level better?also do you level the length or width of table first?i have the table that does not have levelers you must use shims...would metal shims be better than wood???any more info.would be greatly appreciated ...thank you

Metal shims may actually expand from rust over time. Wood can also compress and could swell from moisture. Tables need to be check and adjusted periodically.

I haven't installed a table in a long time but if I were to do it I think that I would set the slate on the table just for the weight and level the frame. I would let it set a while to let the shims settle. I would then set the slate in place and shim the slate as required to get level and match the seams.

 

[Billiard Architect]

12 or 18 doesn't make much difference.

I agree with the book on letting the table settle. But realistically it will settle pretty level in the first place. There is information on my site http://pooltable.kirchelconsulting.com for free on how to level the table but I will give you a cliff notes version here.

Level the frame and throw the slates on the table. Let them sit for 24 hours. Then shim the frame as level as possible. Use wood shims they will be fine. Using playing cards shim the slates using the machinist level. BTW make sure that you rotate the level 180 degrees everytime you check the level. Because the level is so precise it is very common to have one out of whack. You will see that the site bubble may be off when you rotate the level. start with the highest slate and shim everything up to it. @ the seams use a washer or a playing card and run the cards edge or slide the washer over the seam and make sure it doesn't catch when gliding over the seam. When you get done shimming the slates level. Bolt them down and check for level again. And check the seams. If all is good then go ahead and cover the table. After a month or so check for level again. The cool thing here is that if it is out of level you just need to shim the legs. Using a car jack and a block of wood. Jack up the end of the frame and slip a piece of shim under the low leg and let it back down and check for level. The only thing that will cause the table to be unlevel is it settling. Not the slates but the whole table. So you will be able to shim it and be fine again.

HTH

JV

 

[Troy]

Using a 12" Machinists Level with a combination of wood shims and playing cards. Check the slate every diamond or so with the level in both directions (short rail direction & long rail direction). One "tick" on the level means the table level is off about the thickness of a dollar bill. That's accurate.

Troy

i would like any information on leveling a 9 foot pool table..i know to use a machinest level but is a 12 inch or 18inch level better?also do you level the length or width of table first?i have the table that does not have levelers you must use shims...would metal shims be better than wood???any more info.would be greatly appreciated ...thank you