I have just purchased a Gold Crown IV to put in my house and I was debating on how to get the table mechanic to set up the pockets. I was told that 1/4 inch diamond facings will make the pockets 4.75 inches. Can anyone show me some photos of what the pockets will look like and give me any opinions on how the table will play with these pockets?
pocket facings
- Thread starter culookn
- Start date
Well, first of all...pictures of pocket work and facings from any other mechanic does not mean the mechanic you hire is going to turn out the same looking work...it all depends on what kind of work, and tools he uses.
Facings that are 1/4" thick have a tendency to wear out the cloth on the points of the cushions first before anywhere else because they're a little harder than the cushion rubber is, therefore have less give to them at the points.
I'm not against the use of 1/4" facings, but they'll also make the pockets a little softer in making balls, because they have less bounce to them so to speak, which will allow the balls to bank a little further back in the pocket...making the pocket just a little easier to play.
I don't save pictures of 4 3/4" pockets....because I seldom ever have a request to make pockets that size, so I can't help you out on that.
Make sure your mechanic notches out the ends of the hardwood rails where the pocket casting splines line up at the ends of the rails, so that the castings set flat against the rail ends....or you're pockets are going to turn out at different sizes, and you'll have little 1/16"th inch gaps between the pocket castings and the finish of the rails...which increases the pocket openings.
Glen