Practicing stroke on cheap MDF table

Scratchy_cat

Scratchy_cat

New member
Hello Everyone,

My question: would there be any difference practicing basic stroke technique on an MDF vs slate table? I know the speed and rails might play different, but is it viable for learning the basics?

I'm fairly new and I am still looking at getting consistent on straight shots and my stance, and looking to get in table time at home. I usually play by myself.

I am looking at getting a cheap used MDF table for my unfinished basement. I know slate would be the best option, but I do not currently have budget or space for a proper table. My basement has uneven floors and will have obstructions (posts) in a few places. Since the basement humidity/temp swings will likely warp the table, I am looking around for used tables (many under $200) and will just replace it with another if it warps in 1-2 years. It is also much cheaper since I do not need to hire movers. As longs as I can get it level (for a while), cheaply, has anyone else made this work for practicing the basics?

If I ever get proper room I will certainly go slate but just wondering if this is just a bad idea.

Thanks!
 
My .02

Look for a good used slate table. They can be had cheap.

For example, my first table was an 8’ slate that I got for about $300. I moved it and learned how to set it up myself. Now, I did put more money into it than was necessary but that was part of paying for the education.

My point? I now have a 9’ Diamond and the 8’ is in the shed. I would be happy do sell it cheap. So look for the deals they are out there.
 
Welcome aboard. Look at FB marketplace and local adds.... sometimes people that are moving will take anything... sell real cheap. Practicing on MDF? Sure why not.. Like Jaybird said.
 
Last edited:
TheGrandWazoo said:
My .02

Look for a good used slate table. They can be had cheap.

For example, my first table was an 8’ slate that I got for about $300. I moved it and learned how to set it up myself. Now, I did put more money into it than was necessary but that was part of paying for the education.

My point? I now have a 9’ Diamond and the 8’ is in the shed. I would be happy do sell it cheap. So look for the deals they are out there.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply. I agree with what you said. I can find cheap slate table, I just can't move it by myself or likely with 2 people. Need to get it down basement stairs and movers might blow my budget. It is tempting however
 
Scratchy_cat said:
Thanks for your reply. I agree with what you said. I can find cheap slate table, I just can't move it by myself or likely with 2 people. Need to get it down basement stairs and movers might blow my budget. It is tempting however
Click to expand...
If you get an inexpensive slate table with a 3-piece slate it is quite easy to move disassembled.

I have moved my 9-ft many times. Slate pieces weigh about 200 lbs, moveable by two people.

Many pool tables are easy to disassemble and reassemble. The tricky parts are leveling the slates, leveling the whole table, smoothing the joints between slate pieces, and installing the cloth.

If I can do it, most people can. YouTube is your friend.
 
Scratchy_cat said:
Hello Everyone,

My question: would there be any difference practicing basic stroke technique on an MDF vs slate table? I know the speed and rails might play different, but is it viable for learning the basics?

I'm fairly new and I am still looking at getting consistent on straight shots and my stance, and looking to get in table time at home. I usually play by myself.

I am looking at getting a cheap used MDF table for my unfinished basement. I know slate would be the best option, but I do not currently have budget or space for a proper table. My basement has uneven floors and will have obstructions (posts) in a few places. Since the basement humidity/temp swings will likely warp the table, I am looking around for used tables (many under $200) and will just replace it with another if it warps in 1-2 years. It is also much cheaper since I do not need to hire movers. As longs as I can get it level (for a while), cheaply, has anyone else made this work for practicing the basics?

If I ever get proper room I will certainly go slate but just wondering if this is just a bad idea.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Go for it!!
 
Scratchy_cat said:
Hello Everyone,

My question: would there be any difference practicing basic stroke technique on an MDF vs slate table? I know the speed and rails might play different, but is it viable for learning the basics?

I'm fairly new and I am still looking at getting consistent on straight shots and my stance, and looking to get in table time at home. I usually play by myself.

I am looking at getting a cheap used MDF table for my unfinished basement. I know slate would be the best option, but I do not currently have budget or space for a proper table. My basement has uneven floors and will have obstructions (posts) in a few places. Since the basement humidity/temp swings will likely warp the table, I am looking around for used tables (many under $200) and will just replace it with another if it warps in 1-2 years. It is also much cheaper since I do not need to hire movers. As longs as I can get it level (for a while), cheaply, has anyone else made this work for practicing the basics?

If I ever get proper room I will certainly go slate but just wondering if this is just a bad idea.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you have some tools and are reasonably handy, and only care about practicing stroke, you can build a practice table pretty easily. See this for an example:

I once built a 7' table with MDF over a steel frame. The MDF actually played OK, and there was no warping, because steel does not warp. MDF over wood is likely to be problematic.
'
 
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I learned stroke basics on a cheap $250 MDF table from Dicks, and yes it did warp and I threw it away after a year. I also learned jump shot basics even though it was MDF.
 
If the tables are 7 or 8' 3 piece slate, they can easily be moved by 2 people and a pickup truck. My wife, all 135 lbs of her helped me move 8 footers and their slates in and out of basements in the past.
As to affording a used table, one time I bought a 9' Murry I think it was, Gold Crown look alike in new condition for $200.
That was heavy with it's 1 1/8" slate.
The only reasonable price for a used MDF table would be free. Those people want it out of the house.
 
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