Pool Ball Collecting.
- Thread starter Rubik's Cube
- Start date
I saw those as well - and snagged them right away.
K.
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I got a new set around 1980. A.E. Schmidt in St. Louis was still turning balls at that time. The red ball was more a purplish color and they explained that they could not get the good bright red dye any more. I suspect OSHA may have had something to do with that. The new dye did come off both in cleaning and ball-to-ball contact sometimes. I had the balls trued one time after the curlicues at the end of paths became too irritating. At that time (1986?) the guy who did the turning had retired and only came in when they needed someone to take care of an ivory set. The last time I asked, it was $80 to true each ball.
Very informative and interesting contributions on these balls to both Mr Bond and Mr Jewett - always appreciated!
K.
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They continue to age after turned. It doesn't take much out-of-round to make the ball roll off.
I have seen some of the equipment they use for turning which looks like a half-cup. I assume there are other parts involved such as a semi-circular rest.
There are whole books about turning spheres and a whole bunch of YouTube videos, but I didn't see any video that shows a half-cup holder. Turning wood spheres by hand is pretty interesting. One guy makes it look easy without using any guide for the curvature, but I bet he did a bunch of spheres before the video.
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Out of curiosity, what does the warning say (below Don't use these billiard balls immediately)?
Also out of curiosity, how does playing with an ivory set compare with a modern phenolic set? (I am thinking pool, not billiards, since I don't play billiards).
The problem is that heating/cooling is thought to introduce stresses into the ivory and that letting the ball come to a uniform temperature and relax allows those stresses to go away. Maybe this is true. Some instructions require a week of rest in the room where they are to be used after shipment and prior to play.
The major difference in play between ivories and phenolics is that ivory is much less elastic. This means that more energy is lost in the collision. This shows up as the ivory appearing to follow more easily than the plastic ball. Draw shots are tougher.
The last carom competition that ivories were used for was artistic billiards. I think the change to plastic for that was in about 1985 but I'm not sure. Some of the artistic shots are harder and some are easier with plastic.
This has been a cool thread but a few of us may have a some billiard balls that are not up to the high standards of the collections that have been posted. Are we welcome?
Not only are you all welcome, but stay for a wee bit telling stories of the balls in your collection. And yes, one set of balls can be a "collection". That's where it all starts, my friend. Now - show us what you have so we can appreciate them with you. Don't be shy.
This thread is about balls. Not nice balls or high standard balls. Just balls.
K.
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Not only are you all welcome, but stay for a wee bit telling stories of the balls in your collection. And yes, one set of balls can be a "collection". That's where it all starts, my friend. Now - show us what you have so we can appreciate them with you. Don't be shy.
This thread is about balls. Not nice balls or high standard balls. Just balls.
K.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Ok...but remember you asked for it:smile:
This set was my first E bay transaction ever, maybe 25 years ago and is the only set of "marble pool balls" I have ever seen. Obviously the book of matches is to reference size.
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Now those definitely qualify for the official "cool" award! Great find and post, Cuebuddy! Thanks for sharing
K.
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Thanks for the award K. I have time for one more before I call it a day.
I know these are not all that rare but still interesting. A clay ball with a conglomerate stripe running through it. I wonder what the bits and particles are from?
A little fuzzy, I will do better from now on.
I know these are not all that rare but still interesting. A clay ball with a conglomerate stripe running through it. I wonder what the bits and particles are from?
A little fuzzy, I will do better from now on.
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If I remember correctly, the bits and pieces are the same thing that linoleum flooring was made of.
Here is a ball set from the Miscellaneous category that hails from American Heritage, which they call the Stone Cold collection. Ball weights vary within +/- 3 grams and really hold up their shine and resistance to scuffing after a few hours on the table working through quite a few racks of 14.1 and this picture is right after play without yet visiting the ball polisher.
K.
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K.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Here is a ball set from the Miscellaneous category that hails from American Heritage, which they call the Stone Cold collection. Ball weights vary within +/- 3 grams and really hold up their shine and resistance to scuffing after a few hours on the table working through quite a few racks of 14.1 and this picture is right after play without yet visiting the ball polisher.
K.
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What a beautiful, beautiful set!! Love it!