Service Call

[Walrus]

American Heritage (was Service Call)

Greetings and Happy Holidays!

I have enjoyed lurking here for some time now, and I find there are relics of good, practical advice to be contained within the tomes of this board. That said, I am posting the following for my father-in-law, concerning his American Heritage Table.

He bought an 8' Palermo from Watson's about 10 months ago... While playing on his table this past thanksgiving holiday, I noticed one of his seams had "popped" (the table was delivered and installed by Watson's Personnel, using typical cloth, and "bondo" type material to seal the seams...). Watson's is sending their guy(s) out to repair under waranty, so now is a good time to upgrade cloth to Simonis 860... Here's the rub... The Watson's dealer he bought his table from does not sell worsted cloth. He is buying the cloth from another vendor, and the Watson's guy will install for him, at a nominal price. What concerns my FIL is the quality of work to be expected from the installer. Since they do not sell worsted cloth, is it logical to assume that they don't or have not ever installed it? What advice can you give him to watch for as the table is re-clothed? Would you feel comfortable in the same situation he finds himself in?

Any advice is appreciated.

(incidently, the reason the seam popped is unknown... He rarely plays on the table. The only real use it sees is when my sons, brother in law, and I get together at his house to play. In April of this year, we had a 4.9 tremor approx 130 miles from his house. Do you think this could have caused the seam to pop?)

 

[pooltablemech]

It does help if the installer has used Simonis before. It pulls alot tighter than the regular cloths, and if he never used Simonis before he could pull the rails too tight.......leaving waves down the rail. So IMHO......I would say use the people you got the new cloth from, or find someone that has used Simonis before.

 

[KingCarom]

PTM and I agree!

There are alot of little tricks that can be employed when installing worsted cloth versus other cloths like Mali. Moistening the cloth and stretching it in the right sequnce are key to good installation. I would have someone who really knows Simonis do it.

 

[Walrus]

Thanks for the (2) replies... It has now been reported that all went well with the repair.

Watson's sent out 2 guys, one who was a professional pool table mechanic. He was familiar with worsted cloth and was able to do the install with reported perfection. I have not gotten a full report on the complete project, but the rails were reported to look great ( I know, looks can be decieving...) Closer to Christmas, we will all be together and be able to assess the completed repairs...

All in all, I'd have to say the reports of dealing with the group at Watson's has been pleasurable. I like the American Heritage table from what I see in it's construction and play-ability! The Palermo appears to be a very well built table.

Cheers to all, and a very happy holiday season.