mechanic's forum purpose

[boogieman]

I've shared more knowledge and tricks of this trade than most all table mechanics combined have contributed to this forum. I've also been harder on table mechanics posting in this forum than ANYONE has, because I refuse to let someone who has NO IDEA what they're talking about mislead the viewers here, the "community" of followers and table mechanics that do provide good knowledge here. I've seen many table mechanics get their start right here from this forum, building knowledge they would have never learned on their own, and huge improvements from those that were already working in this trade when they became members, some like Trent, Dave, Sheldon, Jack, Jay, Zach,, and many others. What use to bother me in the past was new members asking old questions only to find myself repeating the same answers, until it starts to become iratating, BUT, then instarted noticing members who are not table mechanics stepping up and answering those new questions to old answers, and that's when I started to realize hey, this "community " we've built here is finally working, helping each other, and I just can't find anything wrong with that. Now I find myself complimenting many of the members here for providing the correct information most all of the time, I love it! Members here have learned a ton about pool tables that they would have NEVER learned on their own, and have sure stepped up and added to this forum in such a positive way that it makes it almost impossible to pull the wool over anyone's eyes anymore.

I've either talked to, or at least replied to almost every member in this forum at one time or another. And have NEVER failed to take someone's phone call seeking advice, and made sure everyone knows how to find my phone number, as I don't hide my contact information.

So yeah, I'm very proud of how this forum has changed over the years since I joined in 2006.

I'll tell ya, I'm just a DIY guy working on his own table and helping friends along. The info contained in this forum, and the helpful nature of everyone on here... I almost wanna quit my day job! I think I need a lot more experience under my belt and some real doozeys to deal with first, but damn, it gives me hope! I'm not a mechanic but I can do better than the cloth slingers around here thanks to y'all! This really is a great source of info for anyone who cares enough about perfection to seek it.

 

[bradsh98]

Have you tried cutting 1 piece slates in half, then steel plate joining them back together after installing the table, because the customer really wanted a 1 piece slate, until they found out there was no way in hell of getting the slate in downstairs through the window they took their old 3 piece 8ft home style table out through, so in their mind a 7ft should just go right in

View attachment 621798View attachment 621799

I haven't.
However, I have seen it (minus the steel plates)...

Years ago, I was asked to remove an 8' Fischer table from a basement.
At the time, I didn't have a dolly or any good means for moving slates.. So, 3 of us latched onto the 1-inch thick 1-piece slate, to carry it up the stairs. When we got to the top of the stairs and were taking a break, I happened to notice something that looked funny, on the bottom side of the slate.... It had been cut directly in half, and glued back together with cyanoacrylate.

After realizing how badly we could have been injured, I commented on it to the homeowner.. She said, "That must have been why my father said that this table could never be moved from this basement."
Her father was one of the best table guys in the area: Tom Desantis. The other, Al Conte. While I never had the pleasure of meeting either one, I have seen a number of their tricks in practice.

 

[realkingcobra]

When you guys are carrying slates up or down stairs, you need to stop carrying them with one hand in a pocket and the other hand holding higher up for balance. Pick up a couple of pieces of 1/2' PVC pipe, put them through the bolt holes and they work perfect for giving you a 2 handed carrying handle. When going upstairs the person higher up on the stairs puts the pipe through an upper bolt hole, while the lower person on the stairs uses a lower bolt hole. That way the slate is carried level and don't put a strain on either person carrying the slates. Try it sometime, you'll forever change how you carry slates in or out in a job.

 

[realkingcobra]

I haven't.
However, I have seen it (minus the steel plates)...

Years ago, I was asked to remove an 8' Fischer table from a basement.
At the time, I didn't have a dolly or any good means for moving slates.. So, 3 of us latched onto the 1-inch thick 1-piece slate, to carry it up the stairs. When we got to the top of the stairs and were taking a break, I happened to notice something that looked funny, on the bottom side of the slate.... It had been cut directly in half, and glued back together with cyanoacrylate.

After realizing how badly we could have been injured, I commented on it to the homeowner.. She said, "That must have been why my father said that this table could never be moved from this basement."
Her father was one of the best table guys in the area: Tom Desantis. The other, Al Conte. While I never had the pleasure of meeting either one, I have seen a number of their tricks in practice.

Finger nail polish remover could have been used on that slate to take it apart again

 

[bradsh98]

Finger nail polish remover could have been used on that slate to take it apart again

Well, had I known that it was previously split, prior to the move, it would have been a much different story. Hahaha. In fact, a sledgehammer would have been the best tool for that table.

Nowadays, I have an OTLVISE, which makes moving most any slate a breeze. Seemed expensive before I made the purchase.. Having owned it now for a couple of years, it's worth its weight in gold.

 

[dendweller]

Well, had I known that it was previously split, prior to the move, it would have been a much different story. Hahaha. In fact, a sledgehammer would have been the best tool for that table.

Nowadays, I have an OTLVISE, which makes moving most any slate a breeze. Seemed expensive before I made the purchase.. Having owned it now for a couple of years, it's worth its weight in gold.

John moved some slates for a 9' olhausen out of my basement by himself with that thing. Pretty impressive.

 

[fastone371]

When you guys are carrying slates up or down stairs, you need to stop carrying them with one hand in a pocket and the other hand holding higher up for balance. Pick up a couple of pieces of 1/2' PVC pipe, put them through the bolt holes and they work perfect for giving you a 2 handed carrying handle. When going upstairs the person higher up on the stairs puts the pipe through an upper bolt hole, while the lower person on the stairs uses a lower bolt hole. That way the slate is carried level and don't put a strain on either person carrying the slates. Try it sometime, you'll forever change how you carry slates in or out in a job.

I made a crate with bolt on steel handles to move my slate up and down stairs. I didnt want to take a chance at damaging the slate or anything else in the process. The slate is definitely heavy but if you have a decent way to pick it up and carry it the weight isn't quite as bad.