I am planning to install a new Simonis felt on my 1966 'ish 8 foot pool table. Every list of instructions I find refer to 'tacking' or 'stapling'. My slate is just that...a one piece slate. There is no way to 'tack' or 'staple'. I was looking to be pointed to where I can find proper directions to glue it in place, as it appears that his was the original process used. Any help you can offer is appreciated, Todd
Re-felt 8 foot 1 - piece slate pool table
- Thread starter twitulsk
- Start date
This may help:
Expert: Bill Newsted - 9/25/2007
Question
I recently purchased a used table and am in the process of assembling it, I was hoping to get some hints about covering the slate once it is leveled.
It appears that the old felt was glued on so I just wanted some instruction on how to proceed
Answer
Hi Jamey,
It's hard to give specific advice without seeing the table. Gluing and stapling are the two methods used to install cloth, sometimes both are used. Aerosol adhesives can be messy so I prefer stapling if possible.
Often you'll find a 3/4 inch wooden backing on the slate that is flush, or nearly flush, to the edge of the slate. If that's the case - staple the cloth.
If you don't have a convenient wooden backing to staple to you'll have to use glue. I have used 3M Super 77 with good results when I have had to use an aerosol adhesive. Spray it on, wait a minute or so, and affix the cloth. Gluing is best done with a second person to help stretch the cloth. Apply the aerosol adhesive to the edge of the slate and a couple of inches on the top of it.
Of course you want to stretch the cloth as tightly and evenly as you can. Stapling gives you more time to work where gluing has to be done more quickly while the glue is still good and tacky.
At the pockets you'll need to make at least three cuts in the cloth (to within half an inch of the slate) so that you can pull the cloth tightly around the edge of the curved pocket area of the slate. Some installers glue a strip of cloth to the edge of the slate at the pockets first so the slate won't show through where the cloth has been cut and stretched to fit the curve.
Recovering rails is a different story. It's tedious and slow. If you're thinking about recovering the rails as well you might want to consider hiring a professional. Or at least get a book that illustrates the process.
There is a pretty good primer on pool table recovery at http://bestbilliards.com/recover/ . You have to pay $15 to be able to download the instructions or you can get them free with a $75 purchase. Also, "The Green Book" is available at http://www.pooltableplans.com/TheGreenBook.htm and I'm sure there are other similar resources is you google around for awhile.
This may help:
Expert: Bill Newsted - 9/25/2007
...
I have used 3M Super 77 with good results when I have had to use an aerosol adhesive. Spray it on, wait a minute or so, and affix the cloth. Gluing is best done with a second person to help stretch the cloth. Apply the aerosol adhesive to the edge of the slate and a couple of inches on the top of it.
Of course you want to stretch the cloth as tightly and evenly as you can. Stapling gives you more time to work where gluing has to be done more quickly while the glue is still good and tacky..
I realize you're providing a helpful link but Expert? BS
FTR -
Super 77 contact adhesive needs to be dry to the touch, not tacky when used to install cloth.
This adhesive needs to be applied to the slate edge as well as the back of the cloth where it will hit the slate edge when stretched.
If gluing down Simonis then 3M-10 Scotchgrip/Scotchweld is recommended.
This is a brush-on or roll-on adhesive, not an aerosol.
Yes, dartman...it was only a helpful link...I've only recovered a table in my life, and I used tacks...very old school I guess!
However this user could combine the above instructions with your and other's experiences, in order to have something to start with.
OP seems to have found some instructions online.
There are plenty that all show tacks/stapling.
Just irritating that there's a lot of un-useful info out there like
applying cloth while glue is still tacky.