newbie question

V

vikingGoalie

New member
So I have recently aquired an AMF Playmaster pool table for dirt cheap. Honestly I'm a total newbie to pool table ownership, always wanted one and when I saw this couldn't resist. It's a 3 piece slate table that was never used, got it, sticks, cover, balls, etc for $100. An eldery gentleman got it for his man cave and by the look never used it, not even a chalk mark or anything.

So I very carefully dissassembled it, labeling all the pieces where they join, saved all the shims, and labeled where they went. The felt was tacked down with spray adhesive and with a little patience came up just fine.

I had little trouble transporting the pieces and putting them in my basement as part of my man cave ;) I am very confident on putting the frame back together and the slate to the frame. So here's where my question(s) come in.

I do not have a machinist level, and can not find a place around here that will rent one. I'm kinda keeping a look at craigslist to see if one pops up. But I doubt I'll be able to get one. Can I use a method like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VOjDMmZtow
for leveling
and this for the seams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ag7DgDMUjE

or is that a fool's errand to do it that way? (of course I'd use my normal carpenters level to get close before rolling any balls for final adjustment.

The other question I have is on the seams, what are people using that do it themselves? i.e. my understanding is that using wax is not the way to go anymore. I do like the trick of putting a playing card in the seam with a dab of super glue.

I want the table to roll true of course, and while I'm not opposed to the idea of having a professional come in and do the levelling, I kind of have this mindset of if I can do it myself I'm not paying someone to do it ;) Though if it was really reasonable I might consider just letting a pro do it..

Which leads to the last question. What is a reasonable price for someone to come in and do final installation, I can put the frame together if need be, the pieces are all in the room where it is going together so no real moving is needed.

sorry for the rambling first post and thx for any tips / suggestions :)
 
Welcome aboard. Super glue on seam is worthless. I'm not a table tech but here goes. You can DIY...if you're not happy with results you can always call a professional installer. If and when...get referrals ..do not shop strictly for price,,,,shop for competent installers. Most are hackers. Good luck and enjoy. Having a table is endless fun.
 
First of all, there is no substitute for a machinist level.

However, if you are like me and insist on doing it yourself, and don't have a ml,
rolling the balls works very well. the balls do not lie.

It is important to first get a flat plane, start with the center slate, level it as perfect as possible with whatever you have, roll some balls on it to be sure, then using a long straight edge shim first and third slates as flat as possible with the center. you don't want any dips or high spots at the seams. Shine a flashlight under the straight edge to see better. You want FLAT as possible with whatever the slate allows.

now roll balls and adjust the feet as necessary. You can get a real nice playing table this way, I have done at least six or seven tables like this.

I eventually found a ml online for 40 of 50$. It is the way to go if you can find one. I still checked my new table with rolling balls...

ps Tighten up the slate screws every time before rolling the balls, then back them off a little and make your adjustment...tighten up again and recheck.
A slow rolling ball tells no lies.

good luck
steven

Beeswax is fine as long as your pool table isn't in your garage in the mohave desert.
 
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