phenolic balls all equal?

[Oregonmeds]

Hey OregonMeds - I know you are getting some used Simonis but I want to donate some BRAND NEW Milliken SuperPro to you in exchange for progress reports sent to my friends at www.CueSight.com

You seem very meticulous and I want to know if you are interested in tracking the life and wear of the cloth and reporting on it along with your table progress? If so PM me your address and I will send you a free cut of the SuperPro.

The reason I am doing this is because we tested the Milliken for "burn marks" against Simonis and other brands and found it to be much more resistant. However I would like for someone with the time and desire to do their own testing. If that guy is you then I am willing to donate the cloth to the effort.

You've got to be pulling my leg. But uh, of course is my answer!
Pm on the way. Damn, thanks isn't enough, I'm speachless!
:thumbup:

 

[Island Drive]

Island drive, I haven't received the "new used cloth" yet, I'm still on the slow stuff this table had on it originally. An icerink would be very much prefferable to the old cloth I'm on now, but I'll keep that in mind and not expect perfection from the simonis then.



I don't think, with all the hard work, that if you reassembled, leveled and did all that work and then installed used Simonis cloth that wouldn't hold a draw stop shot, or where you literally couldn't feel the draw of your cue ball, I think you would be unhappy. Kinda be like restoring a car so you could safely drive it, but have bald tires with the steel belted threads showing. I would much rather have the cheapest new cloth I could get than restretched Old Simonis with zero playability, tho it could be different than what I say, but. Not being able to draw your rock is Not pool, don't think you'd be happy, its one of the first fun things to do on a table when we first pick up a cuestick. Personally, I would rather wait six months and have cloth that makes all my hard work pay off. But your you, and I'm me, so the best of luck to ya.

 

[Keane]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help and encouragement. I just wanted one bad enough to do whatever it took to get it, and I knew I wanted one that was pretty flawless and just couldn't afford that, so figured I'd make whatever I could get over until it looked like I wanted. I saved and looked on line forever until I found one I could afford, was close enough, and could work out a deal to actually get it here.

Then it was just a project I spent spare time on here and there for something to do really... Didn't beat myself to death trying to race and do it all at once, just sanded and polished one piece a day or whatever until I am where I'm at with it now. It's not looking flawless yet, but I'll keep at it.

Of course every once in a while I do see something like this, and get a little sick thinking it would have been soooo much nicer to start with something better:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brunswick-9-ft-table-/290609779483?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a9b1531b

Isn't that sick? It really did sell for that little, and has simonis and already looks better than mine does after all this work. At least it wasn't anywhere near me or I'd be kicking myself even more. But then again I guess there is an extra bit of satifaction having saved something that just wouldn't have survived without my help and that I did myself. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Keane I thought your name sounded familiar, I responded to your first post about you finding out who the manufacturer is of your table, and coincidentally it was the very visible wear on your cloth that made me think I needed to get better balls to avoid that happening on mine.

Why does his table in this pic attached have this heavy very distinct laser sharp wear pattern if he already had phenolic balls that aren't supposed to wear and burn cloth so much like this? That really is exactly what I was trying to avoid on my cloth. I guess don't always break the same way or whatever, but that is kind of the point of practice isn't it? Repeating the same thing until you nail it every time... And once you get down a break that works for a given table you do kind of stick with it...

I imagine all cloth/balls will burn eventually... I don't have the top of the box, so I don't know for sure what they are, but the balls I have definitely look/feel like the Aramith that I've played with before. You're probably better off with Manwon since we know what they are (and are probably in better shape!), but if you need a box of balls local, you can pick them up anytime.

 

[Oregonmeds]

Island Drive, you're right, but I get bored spending so much time at home so if all I have to play on is garbage like I have, or better yet used simonis that isn't quite up to snuff like new then something is better than nothing.

Even just working on the table has provided me more fun than the alternatives which are too much time on the computer or watching tv, and working on the table hasn't afforded me the luxury of any play at all.

I'm a borderline disabled person with a huge gap in past employment due to injury looking for work in this ugly job market, so I'm about the last person to get call backs and it's brutal, and you can only spend so much time out looking... Beyond that there's a whole half a day and night to fill somehow with no income to go out.

I quit pain pills years ago, quit smoking my medical pot over 6 months ago, quit drinking at all around that same time, and I am currently still quitting smoking cigarettes (still on patches), this is only my first week without smoking. So pretty much ANYTHING positive to keep me busy is a real blessing. I'm still seriously gritting my teeth on not smoking cigs, quitting everything else was absolutely so incredibly easy in comparison.:frown: I really am literally gritting my teeth, not just figuratively.

Probably knowing all this explains more of why I might enjoy polishing metal more than just sitting here thinking about my back pain, or wishing I had a cigarette in my hands, or why I'd happily play on a sub par table or anything else than beat my head against the wall of boredom.

Keane, sure I still want those balls if you're not using them any more. Later when I can afford it I can get better and if nothing else I'm looking at making an overhead light like this or two of them, plus a scorekeeper with all the least playable ball sets. I have a welder and the glass globes and most everything I need and lots of time to fill:

Keane I'll pm you and we can work out meeting at the underground or something next time I'm up to going out if you still go there any more, or I'll arrange to meet wherever later on. Right now I'm staying at home on purpose to stay away from the temptation of cigarettes until I get over the worst of it. It's all I can do just not running to the store to get some smokes, kind of had to put myself on lock down almost to quit this one. And lets face it I need to quit both because of health because I'm told it will help reduce my back pain significantly, and plus I simply can't afford to smoke any more. It's an incredibly expensive habit that will make a huge difference money wise to give up.


I don't need the balls until I get better cloth on so no rush...

 

[JB Cases]

Some of the best players in the world grew up on sup-par tables. In fact I'd go so far as to say that playing on lots of sketchy equipment can make you a stronger player overall. Certainly it has to help you develop an ability to "read" a table quickly and lock into how you need to play on it. Hell I think someone ought to develop a pool table where the rolls can be easily adjusted.

This brings up another idea. I wonder what the benefit would be of having a way to overlay another layer of cloth on the table to practice draw and follow. Imagine developing the ability to draw your rock table length on a double layer of cloth. When the second layer is removed your draw will be massive and sure. I am sure that there has to be a way to develop this so that it can be stretched adequately on the table and easily removed when done.

For myself I made a homemade ball return device to practice accuracy with - I just wedge it in the pocket and when the ball goes in the tube it then spits back out to return to about the same position and I can shoot again. And since it's only a ball's width I can remove the foam rubber inside and let balls go through and drop if I like. So I can do drills and make sure that the target is very narrow.

The way I look at it is you work with what you have. Be inventive and creative. If the balls suck then figure out what sort of speed you need to make them to counter the roll-offs. Knowing things like is what will allow you to walk into any tournament anywhere and not be so bothered by the equipment.

Don't get me wrong, I can't stand for equipment to not be in good shape and it does mess with my head at tournaments but not because of the equipment. What bugs me is that the people who own the pool rooms have the ABILITY to make it better and they don't. THAT is what pisses me off. As far as the tables themselves I try to just bear down and figure them out.

 

[bud02]

Did I just pass threw a black hole or some gateway? I swear this reminds me of Iowa in days gone by. Makes me rather home sick.
If not then, Its a great bunch of people all in the same place at the same time, an anomaly in itself, all to rare but a pleasure to see.

 

[Oregonmeds]

Did I just pass threw a black hole or some gateway? I swear this reminds me of Iowa in days gone by. Makes me rather home sick.
If not then, Its a great bunch of people all in the same place at the same time, an anomaly in itself, all to rare but a pleasure to see.

Haha Iowa, I'm in the middle of a big suburb now but i know what it's like to live in the country. Grew up isolated by farms a bit as a kid in more rural Oregon outside Eugene, but atm I may as well be in the middle of nowhere.

Yea there is something to be gained from being able to still get english and draw and work position on slow cloth. All the old pro's didn't start out on simonis, this is kind of a realtively new thing in the last 20 or so years isn't it? I bet even Efren and Earl didn't move to simonis until tournaments did, and they probably used to play on carpet practically in the phillipines.

 

[bud02]

Haha Iowa, I'm in the middle of a big suburb now but i know what it's like to live in the country. Grew up isolated by farms a bit as a kid in more rural Oregon outside Eugene, but atm I may as well be in the middle of nowhere.

These people may not all realize it but they all deserve the Proverb of the day award.
Proverb 3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

BTW thats a pretty sporty looking PH cue Fred has LOL

 

[Oregonmeds]

These people may not all realize it but they all deserve the Proverb of the day award.
Proverb 3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

BTW thats a pretty sporty looking PH cue Fred has LOL

I'm more intrigued by his Brunsrock table that only has side pockets and no cushions to bank off of. Brutal!

 

[Island Drive]

Island Drive, you're right, but I get bored spending so much time at home so if all I have to play on is garbage like I have, or better yet used simonis that isn't quite up to snuff like new then something is better than nothing.

Even just working on the table has provided me more fun than the alternatives which are too much time on the computer or watching tv, and working on the table hasn't afforded me the luxury of any play at all.

I'm a borderline disabled person with a huge gap in past employment due to injury looking for work in this ugly job market, so I'm about the last person to get call backs and it's brutal, and you can only spend so much time out looking... Beyond that there's a whole half a day and night to fill somehow with no income to go out.

I quit pain pills years ago, quit smoking my medical pot over 6 months ago, quit drinking at all around that same time, and I am currently still quitting smoking cigarettes (still on patches), this is only my first week without smoking. So pretty much ANYTHING positive to keep me busy is a real blessing. I'm still seriously gritting my teeth on not smoking cigs, quitting everything else was absolutely so incredibly easy in comparison.:frown: I really am literally gritting my teeth, not just figuratively.

Probably knowing all this explains more of why I might enjoy polishing metal more than just sitting here thinking about my back pain, or wishing I had a cigarette in my hands, or why I'd happily play on a sub par table or anything else than beat my head against the wall of boredom.

Keane, sure I still want those balls if you're not using them any more. Later when I can afford it I can get better and if nothing else I'm looking at making an overhead light like this or two of them, plus a scorekeeper with all the least playable ball sets. I have a welder and the glass globes and most everything I need and lots of time to fill:

Keane I'll pm you and we can work out meeting at the underground or something next time I'm up to going out if you still go there any more, or I'll arrange to meet wherever later on. Right now I'm staying at home on purpose to stay away from the temptation of cigarettes until I get over the worst of it. It's all I can do just not running to the store to get some smokes, kind of had to put myself on lock down almost to quit this one. And lets face it I need to quit both because of health because I'm told it will help reduce my back pain significantly, and plus I simply can't afford to smoke any more. It's an incredibly expensive habit that will make a huge difference money wise to give up.


I don't need the balls until I get better cloth on so no rush...

Sounds like a good plan, someone on this board I'm sure might have a good piece of cloth that was pulled/installed then removed after a week or so and its not going to be used again for whatever reason , hope they read this post and can help you out, but again I like the track your on and many here have rode similar rails in life.
Later

 

[Oregonmeds]

Sounds like a good plan, someone on this board I'm sure might have a good piece of cloth that was pulled/installed then removed after a week or so and its not going to be used again for whatever reason , hope they read this post and can help you out, but again I like the track your on and many here have rode similar rails in life.
Later

Thanks, I think I'm set for cloth now for a while at least. Just received the used simonis from goldcrown4 today actually and JB Cases offered to make me his guinea pig with brand new Milliken Super Pro cloth to see how that holds up against repititious heavy wear like this thread was actually originally about.

I think JB Cases has a good eye for talent, who better to wear cloth fast than a locked up chain smoker early in quitting wishing nicotine patches actually did something.:thumbup:

I had no choice as far as making life changes and quitting everything. I'm actually 43, just 2 years from the age my dad died of a heart attack.
Pretty much pushed it to the very last second.

Had always promised myself I'd quit smoking by age 35, and I might have made that if everything had gone well. I wasn't a deadbeat or anything, I had a good career actually but then a stupid accident rollerblading with a siberian husky pulling me kind of derailed everything. Ididarod right into the Safeway parking lot asphalt on my ass in just the wrong way after a husky assisted downhill race as if it were chasing a cat that I never even saw, and there went a few veribrae and spinal disks. Of course I had speed wheels and race bearings on my rollerblades, and the brakes were worn because I only rollerbladed with the dog pulling me, so that all helped too I'm sure. Since then, well, I've survived...

 

[angldemn]

If you're going to get injured, I think you picked an epic way.

Reminds me of my childhood when my brother was pulling me on my skateboard behind the go cart. The skateboard made it the first five feet of asphalt, and my kneecaps the next ten.

Best of luck with your setup, your recovery, and quitting smoking. Your passion is palpable and has inspired the best in everyone here. I wish I had something to thrown in too.

Thanks, I think I'm set for cloth now for a while at least. Just received the used simonis from goldcrown4 today actually and JB Cases offered to make me his guinea pig with brand new Milliken Super Pro cloth to see how that holds up against repititious heavy wear like this thread was actually originally about.

I think JB Cases has a good eye for talent, who better to wear cloth fast than a locked up chain smoker early in quitting wishing nicotine patches actually did something.:thumbup:

I had no choice as far as making life changes and quitting everything. I'm actually 43, just 2 years from the age my dad died of a heart attack.
Pretty much pushed it to the very last second.

Had always promised myself I'd quit smoking by age 35, and I might have made that if everything had gone well. I wasn't a deadbeat or anything, I had a good career actually but then a stupid accident rollerblading with a siberian husky pulling me kind of derailed everything. Ididarod right into the Safeway parking lot asphalt on my ass in just the wrong way after a husky assisted downhill race as if it were chasing a cat that I never even saw, and there went a few veribrae and spinal disks. Of course I had speed wheels and race bearings on my rollerblades, and the brakes were worn because I only rollerbladed with the dog pulling me, so that all helped too I'm sure. Since then, well, I've survived...

 

[Oregonmeds]

Thanks. I wish my accident was a cooler story to tell though actually, skydiving, race car crash, crossing the grand canyon on a flying motorcycle with rockets attached maybe...


Rollerblading with the dog and crashing into the store parking lot seems pretty lame.:frown: