Seeking info

delta9882

New member
I've recently came into possession of a pool table. I think it's a Brunswick based on the Weston sticker. I'd like to restore it some to where it at least looks presentable, the veneer? Is broken/chipped off in some places, and there are a couple stripped bolts that fasten the side rail onto the slate. It is has 3 pieces of slate.
PXL_20220315_192949531~2.jpg
PXL_20220315_193000567~2.jpg


I have not been successful trying to find information on my own, was hoping the folks here could help me out with finding info on this thing.
 
Welcome to AZB!!! I have not worked on many tables like that. My first purchase as I got into the business was something like that.

Hard news first. The tables value will not equal the amount of $$ to invest in it: unless you are handy and can do the work yourself.

The laminate is not really "repairable". The bolts can be replaced. Those are anchored in, woodscrew on one end and bolt on the other.

If you can get past the laminate stuff, the cushions and slate are going to be the most important part.


What types of skills do you have? You likely can do it all yourself to save $$$.

There are lots of videos on Youtube videos showing the different types of work required.

This is a start: Peel off the cloth from the rails and inspect the slate.

Lots of details missing.

TFT
 
Hey Trent, thank you for taking time to check out my post.

We took the table apart to get it home, the slate seems fine, already peeled off the old cloth as we were going to replace it anyway, it had a few tears and stains on it. The table became somewhat of a catch all in the garage it used to be in.

The people I got it from said they replaced the cloth on table and rails a few years ago. It's seen limited play and the last time we played on it the bounce seemed to be fine for the rails.

I've never laminated things if that's what you're asking about skills. My family is mostly do it yourselfers, so I'd like to think we could figure it out! Im just not really sure where to find the "here's how", most of the things I've found trying to search for rail info is only about the cushion/covering the cushion. Not the actual wood part.
 
Hey Trent, thank you for taking time to check out my post.

We took the table apart to get it home, the slate seems fine, already peeled off the old cloth as we were going to replace it anyway, it had a few tears and stains on it. The table became somewhat of a catch all in the garage it used to be in.

The people I got it from said they replaced the cloth on table and rails a few years ago. It's seen limited play and the last time we played on it the bounce seemed to be fine for the rails.

I've never laminated things if that's what you're asking about skills. My family is mostly do it yourselfers, so I'd like to think we could figure it out! Im just not really sure where to find the "here's how", most of the things I've found trying to search for rail info is only about the cushion/covering the cushion. Not the actual wood part.

I would stick with the laminate as is. Sounds like you are able to do the setup yourself. Nice that the cushions have already been replaced. Just comes down to setting it up and covering it!
even if you use a cheaper cloth, you can use that as a guide. Thats the best glue down install video out there. I would youtube the rest and use your best judgement. Watch a couple different videos on setting up the frame and slate. Let us know your progress!

TFT
 
As others have said, particle board rails and most likely a poor frame. If you attempt to remove the laminate it may take some chunks of particle board with it in the process. It will be a labor of love and any money you put into it is money that could be used toward replacing it with a table of better quality. Not the news you wanted to hear, but it is what it is.
 
As others have said, particle board rails and most likely a poor frame. If you attempt to remove the laminate it may take some chunks of particle board with it in the process. It will be a labor of love and any money you put into it is money that could be used toward replacing it with a table of better quality. Not the news you wanted to hear, but it is what it is.
agree. wouldn't put a quarter into that.
 
Looks like a Brunswick Bristol or Buckingham, or any number of their cheap 70-80's model home tables.

Everyone is calling it laminate.... It isn't.
On these cheap tables, Brunswick used wood grain vinyl.
If you want to replace it, it should peel off somewhat easily. You can use a little heat, as necessary.
The biggest problem that you'll have is the rail sights.. I believe that these are printed on the vinyl, though I could be wrong on that.. You could drill them out and use push-in style replacements.
For replacement vinyl, I like 3M sheet vinyl products. Though, replacing the vinyl alone would likely elevate the cost to a level far beyond the table's worth.

Aside from aesthetics, you can source most of the hardware from Mueller's.

Since this table has thin slate and a weak frame, I would avoid using worsted cloth... You'll never get the table level enough for a fast worsted cloth to be enjoyable. I might recommend something along the lines of Championship Invitational. Otherwise, you could try the Mueller's cloth.

Be sure to use 1/4" leg staples, with a wide crown. Most people tend to use T50 staples, as they are readily available at local hardware stores.

Of course, the cloth will need to be glued to the slate. 3M-77 should work nicely for you.
 
Hard news first. The tables value will not equal the amount of $$ to invest in it: unless you are handy and can do the work yourself.

The laminate is not really "repairable". The bolts can be replaced. Those are anchored in, woodscrew on one end and bolt on the other.

If you can get past the laminate stuff, the cushions and slate are going to be the most important part.
No disrespect to anyone of course!! :) I think It is very nice everyone is offering their time and advice. I know its not a table "I" or most people would mess around with, but, he already has it and seems like helping him make the best of it is the common goal here.

"What are laminates? A composite artificial material. The most commonly used finishing layer for MDF, plywood, particle board, wooden furniture, wall panels and flooring are laminates. Essentially, a composite artificial material, they are made by pressing together thin layers of flat paper and plastic resins." Not trying to argue about this, rather, bringing forth facts. Using Formica is still a form of laminating. It would be veneering if it were wood. I have dealt with replacing Formica on GCs and have quite a bit of experience working with countertop guys.

I agree, as I said in my first post, he should definitely leave the laminate on there. Too much work to replace, unless you know a countertop guy that can do it and replace the sights.

I also think from what little information he posted: he plans on moving forward with the table. Buying a piece of cloth to put on it doesn't seem like a huge investment to me.

As for the slates: Using the liquid dowels method to make the 3 slates into one, would be best for longevity and It will make it much easier to get is as level as possible. It involves super glue and your choice of paper, business cards or paper towel.

To the OP, if you need help getting a piece of cloth, I will be glad to drop ship you a cut of your choice from any of my vendors at much better than retail cost. Something like Championship Mercury Ultra would be a good choice in my opinion. It is very elastic and easy to install. You can still use the video I posted to base your install off of.


TFT
 
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