new table set up???

C

chiromikey

New member
i searched and have an idea but i'm going to ask anyways...

i'm having a new table getting delivered and installed this weekend and would like to know what i should look or look out for during assembly by the mechanic. i don't want to be looking over his shoulder or be too much of a pest but i'd like to know that things are being done right with no short cuts.

anyways, any tips would be greatly appreciated.
 
chiromikey said:
i searched and have an idea but i'm going to ask anyways...

i'm having a new table getting delivered and installed this weekend and would like to know what i should look or look out for during assembly by the mechanic. i don't want to be looking over his shoulder or be too much of a pest but i'd like to know that things are being done right with no short cuts.

anyways, any tips would be greatly appreciated.
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Chiromikey - to be honest, I don't mind a bit if a customer is in the room with me during an install. Keeps me company and often times it's just good conversation. Is the technician "on the clock" with the company or is this a contractor? I'm a contractor and to prevent any call backs, I make double and triple sure it's done correctly the first time so there is no issue after I leave. Ball checks, ball checks, ball checks! I travel extensively throughout the Western Carolina's and a call back is simply too costly. I think most table mechanics would agree with me that you just do it right the first time and eliminate or definitely minimize any chance for a "return visit".

Hope that helps and if not, I'm sure you'll get more feedback here. I've seen some great advise posted here.....and sometimes you only need to sift thru the BS to get to it!
 
TheTablePro said:
Chiromikey - to be honest, I don't mind a bit if a customer is in the room with me during an install. Keeps me company and often times it's just good conversation. Is the technician "on the clock" with the company or is this a contractor? I'm a contractor and to prevent any call backs, I make double and triple sure it's done correctly the first time so there is no issue after I leave. Ball checks, ball checks, ball checks! I travel extensively throughout the Western Carolina's and a call back is simply too costly. I think most table mechanics would agree with me that you just do it right the first time and eliminate or definitely minimize any chance for a "return visit".

Hope that helps and if not, I'm sure you'll get more feedback here. I've seen some great advise posted here.....and sometimes you only need to sift thru the BS to get to it!
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thanks. i honestly don't know if the mech will be "on the clock" or a contractor. i guess all i really wan to konw is if there are any specific set up procedures that i (as a lay person) can make sure get done correctly by watching. or should i just relax and expect that he will do his job properly???
 
chiromikey said:
thanks. i honestly don't know if the mech will be "on the clock" or a contractor. i guess all i really wan to konw is if there are any specific set up procedures that i (as a lay person) can make sure get done correctly by watching. or should i just relax and expect that he will do his job properly???
Click to expand...

I would discuss with him that your a player and that you expect good work. Maybe even say how poorly someone else table was set up. Dont make the guy neverous, then he won't perform as well. hopefully you get a good mechanic. If you purchased a chinese table over the internet dont expect too much.
 
Best thing i like to here from a customer is ...not in this order but close.

1. do you play one pocket?

2. what kind of level do you use ...right answer a machinest level

3. take all day if needed I play alot of pool especialy one pocket.

these are just some questions that let me know I have to be 100% accurate on my assembly. When a customer ask if i will be done in under 2 hours I dont feel i gave it my best because im racing the clock.


A good test after he levels the table rool a ball slowly on the slate and see if the ball slows down then speeds up or rolls left then right. Just roll it softly so it rolls 2-3 feet this will sometimes show uneven or slightly bowed slates.

Most people level the outside perimeter of the slate then run down the middle off the table. I take it a step farther and also check level diagonaly on all slates picture a large rectangle with 3 small x's then 2 medium x's then 1 large x inside of the box. I check roughly 22 differint angle's for a top notch level job. This is why if I do a table in under 2 hours I feel I didnt give it my best.

When he's done look down the long side rails to check for straightness, make sure the rails are not hour glass shaped or bowed outward <> >< looking.

If your paying $300-400+ you should have a great mechanic if your paying $150 expect issuies you get what you payfor after all.

Best of luck,

Craig
 
to give a bit more info, this is a brunswick table being set up by my local connelly billiards so the price of install was included in the purchase price. it's been years since i've played with any seriousness so i don't want to get myself into a corner by suggesting something that i really don't know anything about (one pocket), but besides encouraging the mechanic to take all the time he needs i'll also let him know i'm interested in learning "one pocket".

thanks!
 
Put your change in one pocket - skip all that bs.
Seriously - things to look for
1 - Did he level the frame before installing the slate.
This is where you ask "how does it look"
2 - Did he level the slate
Ask the same question - have him show you the bubble all around the table.
3 - Watch how he fills the slate seams
Regardless of what he uses check and feel that the slate is smooth and even across the seams.
4 - When installing the cloth you shouldn't see the slate in the pocket area (vertical edges). This is where a pro installs a cloth strip which hides the slate edge and provides a cushion for balls that may rebound from the back of the pocket.
5 - Once the rails are tightened down eyeball down the table and check that the side rails aren't bowed out or in. Check that pockets are flush with the rail ends. Did the installer use a tape to measure the playing area and adjust as necessary to get as close to regulation specs as possible.
6 - Go around the table and make sure everything is flush and tight. Make sure the location for the rack spot is measured out and not just put down where he "thinks" it should be. And since you only rack on 1 end of the table then only 1 rack spot is needed. I could never understand why some people put a rack spot in the head area other then some notion that it looks good.
7 - Play a rack of balls to confirm the table is level and balls aren't wandering.
8 - Offer some refreshment during the install time and if the installer is congenial, cleans up and does (in your opinion) a really good job don't be afraid to give a modest tip.
 
Ask him to provide you with some names and numbers of other people he's done work for in the past....of at least 6 months or more...then call them...talk to them and ask them what they thought of his work. I wouldn't care if any one called any of the people that I've done work for in the past...because I'm not a hack...so I have nothing to worry about...does he?

Glen

Ask here on AZ if any one knows him, and if so...what feed back can you get...before you pay for it.
 
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