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JL Cues
Silver Member
Just wondering, I have a really old National 9 footer. It is rare due to the fact this was a test model that was made with 1 1/2 inch slate. Yeah , it is a heavy beast!
It is probly close to 50 or so years old. My question is, it has the black veneer on it on the rails and side boards. How hard is it to replace this with new veneer?
The rails are slightly curved so straight clamping is tough if not impossible. It has the mother of pearl markers in the rails, with a dark stained wood trim on the edges.
I want to keep it black, and did not want to get into some thing that will not look good. The old table plays great as it is double shimmed and has k66 rails that are only a few years old.
Also, do you know if I can change the pockets to say a gold crown look(chrome/gold metal) as I do not like the plastic basket pockets it has now. The screws holding them on seem to be leaving small marks on the balls.
Here is a pic, looks very similar to a GC of ealy times, just want to renew the table and kepp it nice.
Thanx for the time,
Jim Lee

MyNational9footerSmall.jpg
 
Also, what type of glue is best for maximum adhesion for the rails when re veneering on a curve like this? I was thinking epoxy thinned down, but what say you experts?
Thanx again,
Jim Lee
 
You can get a vertical grade laminate that is only 1/32" thick, which makes it very easy to form it to the curve of the rails, ask a laminate dealer about it. :smile:
 
Also, what type of glue is best for maximum adhesion for the rails when re veneering on a curve like this? I was thinking epoxy thinned down, but what say you experts?
Thanx again,
Jim Lee

A lot of people seem to think DAP Weldwood is the best adhesive for laminate. Whoever you buy the laminate from could probably better advise.

I was actually just at Lowe's looking at laminate for a set of rails I am building. The adhesive requires relatively high curing temperatures (>65 degrees), so it isn't a good garage project for the winter.

You can use masking tape to secure the laminate around curves while it sets.
 
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