Olhausen Rattle Fixed - Thanks RKC & Mark Estes

MurrayNevada

Well-known member
The pocket rattle was driving me crazy. Most anything along the rail above a very moderate speed would rattle in the pocket and stay out. I spoke to RKC about the problem and he offered a solution. Glen (RKC) said 95% of the problem would be solved if the soft Olhausen 1/8″ facings are replaced with harder Diamond 3/16″ neoprene facings, explaining that the Diamond 3/16" facings don’t compress nearly as much when you shoot a ball into them, so the balls that would normally reject … go in because they deflect off the facings deeper into the back of the pocket.

I just had Mark Estes, one of the best table mechanics in Southern Nevada, do this and the results are incredible. To rattle a ball now I have to really try to do so. The table plays completely different and not being afraid to use more speed has improved my position play. Mark did this in a few days, from start to finish, and at a very reasonable price. For any others suffering stress from the Olhausen rattle I suggest giving Mark Estes a call.

Mark Estes
SHAYS POOL TABLE SERVICE
5025 S. Eastern Ave, STE 12
Las Vegas, NV 89112
(702) 882-0672

https://shaysbilliardsupply.com/
 
Playing on those Olhausens with the pocket rattle is a disaster. One is 70% likely to have a correctly struck ball that requires slightly above moderate speed to rattle and end a run in any game of consequence. I would not bet a dime when playing on these tables- it just is not a fair test of one's true game - especially when you absolutely know how to gain position from shot to shot. Nine ball and the break shots in 14.1 are the worst areas that suffer.
Adding to this disaster is the fact that Olhausens play slow as a rule - both the cushion speed and rail height create a slower playing table even with a faster cloth. so, you have a deadly combo of needing to hit the balls harder at times and having the pocket rattle as a result.

Glad that you found a solution.
 
Playing on those Olhausens with the pocket rattle is a disaster. One is 70% likely to have a correctly struck ball that requires slightly above moderate speed to rattle and end a run in any game of consequence. I would not bet a dime when playing on these tables- it just is not a fair test of one's true game - especially when you absolutely know how to gain position from shot to shot. Nine ball and the break shots in 14.1 are the worst areas that suffer.
Adding to this disaster is the fact that Olhausens play slow as a rule - both the cushion speed and rail height create a slower playing table even with a faster cloth. so, you have a deadly combo of needing to hit the balls harder at times and having the pocket rattle as a result.

Glad that you found a solution.
I agree with fixing the rattle.

Most Oulhasen tables these days (I thought) have ACCU FAST cushions. They play quite lively, on the faster side.
 
So, the only change was the facings? And I assume the pocket is 1/8" narrower as a result? I've noticed the angle is broader between the facings which seems to also be a factor. I'm glad you got the sorted, I need to do the same. I was working on my draw, shooting balls lined up between the side pockets into the corner. Any ball within a diamond of the rail at mid table is about 1/5 as likely to go in.
 
Yes, only the facings. I did lose 1/8" on the pockets but those balls down the rail now go in and stay in. And to Welder: I agree that the Accu-Fast cushions play fast and lively. Olhausen says those rails are the only ones made with "100% gum rubber" but who knows what to believe anymore.
 
Another kudos to both Mark Estes and RKC. I ordered my Diamond table from Mark when I was living in California (moving to Vegas) and he was great during shipment and installation. He follows up after the sale and always returns my calls promptly. RKC answered many of my questions on the table setup and helped me get the rail bolts tightened properly. He has always graciously helped me with any table questions I have had. Both Mark and Glen are tops in my book-

-dj
 
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Does he come to the midwest ever?

My O needs some serious work on the rails.


Jeff Livingston
 
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