Questions about pool equipment when you're not using it

R

Ruark

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I haven't had much luck with "search" here, so I'll try a post. If it's been discussed somewhere, just point me there and excuse me!

First off, I really take care of my table, described in my signature. I sweep it lightly every few days, and vacuum it maybe once a month.

First, do you guys leave the cover over your tables all the time, or only when you're going to be away from it for a few days? I have a nice, heavy, fitted cover and it's kind of a pain to take it on and off when you just want to shoot for a few minutes.

Also, and I'm sure this has been asked here somewhere, does it hurt the felt to leave balls on the table? I've heard it can make little dents in the fabric over time. Does it hurt the balls to leave them in the pockets?

Last, what about cues? Is is OK to leave your cue lying flat on the table, or should you keep it in the rack? I'd like to have my table always set to where I can just pick up the cue and shoot a little without having to "get everything out," but I'm also fanatical about taking care of my stuff - that has priority.
 
Ruark said:
...First, do you guys leave the cover over your tables all the time, or only when you're going to be away from it for a few days? ...
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I cover mine only when a threat is imminent, e.g., little kids coming over. Years ago, I covered it every time I finished practicing. That lost its appeal. Any extra dust it accumulates from being uncovered (like any other piece of furniture in your home) is easily removed with regular cleaning.
Also, and I'm sure this has been asked here somewhere, does it hurt the felt to leave balls on the table? I've heard it can make little dents in the fabric over time.
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No, it doesn't hurt. When the cloth (not "felt") is cleaned, any such dimples would be removed. But I doubt that a ball really creates a dimple of any significance just resting on Simonis 860.
Does it hurt the balls to leave them in the pockets?
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No.
Last, what about cues? Is is OK to leave your cue lying flat on the table, or should you keep it in the rack? I'd like to have my table always set to where I can just pick up the cue and shoot a little without having to "get everything out," but I'm also fanatical about taking care of my stuff - that has priority.
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Some people will advise you to always put the cue away in a vertical position. But I've left cues on the table for many years with no discernible problem. If your cue has some highly unusual taper that results in the tip being off the table when the cue is lying flat, then gravity might do its thing over time. But, normally, when a cue is placed on the table, the only part that is off the table is the center of the shaft as the result of the shaft taper not being a straight cone. In that case, with the shaft well supported at both ends, I doubt that gravity will cause a warp while you are alive.
 
You are going to get ball marks on the table with just regular play. That is inevitable. You could cover it, but as long as you have a good procedure to keep it clean, ie brushing, vacuuming, you should be fine without the cover. I assume it is inside the house and not in a garage? (if so then yes I would cover it when not in use)

One tool that I have found that works great is the Simonis X-1 you probably could get the same results with a good quality microfiber towel. Depending on how much you play and if you use hand chalk or what not, it's good to clean or brush it every week at the least.

I like the Simonis X-1 tool because it keeps the fibers from lifting up when being brushed. It cleans and presses the cloth and keeps it more consistent.
 
I rarely cover my table.

Note: if your doing drywall demo anywhere in your house, cover your table..LOL

My playing cue is usually laying on the table unless I need to go play league.

I usually don't leave balls on the playing surface. Not because they would leave marks, it's just a lil OCD thing I have. If I see a few balls on the table, I fell the urge to pocket them in number order. Just one of my quirks. :o
 
my table in my garage is covered, the one in my living room is not... all balls have stayed in pocket for the past 20 years. Only the pocket is starting to show wear.
 
I never cover mine unless I have to...such as vacation or work being done in the room. Balls sit on the table. Sometimes I leave the cue on the table. I keep the table as clean as possible. They are expensive to repair or replace. Take care of it and it will last for a long time. Ruark...Keep doing what you are doing.
 
I like to keep a cover on my table because there are lots of windows and direct sun in the room.

The tournament blue still pops when the cover comes off.:grin:
 
I don't have a home table (yet) but when I was a kid and played on the one at my parent's house, we always cleaned the cloth and covered the table EVERY time. Cues in their case or on the wall rack. I considered it a sign of respect for the equipment and the time spent learning the game.
 
If you stick lays flat (touches the table the entire length), then I don't see any problem with leaving it tucked under the cushions.

I cover my table after every practice because my wife likes to use it as a laundry and sewing table during the day.
 
This post topic made me feel a bit odd, then I figured out why.

The terms "pool equipment" and "not using it" do not compute in my brain in the same sentence :p;)
 
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