Shimming A Diamond
- Thread starter lfigueroa
- Start date
I had herd from Glen, I think it was, that when you make the pockets tighter/shim on a Diamond table, the shelf actually becomes slightly shorter. If so, while your shot needs to be more accurate, the balls should drop slightly easier.
I have noticed that on my home table, a 3 yr old diamond 8' professional with 4 3/4" pockets I get much more rattling of the balls in the pockets than on the 7' diamond tables I play on at one of my leagues. Plus there is the occasional two balls wedged in the pocket thing with 4 3/4" pockets. If I were to do it over for a home table, I would not get the league cut pockets.
I have noticed that on my home table, a 3 yr old diamond 8' professional with 4 3/4" pockets I get much more rattling of the balls in the pockets than on the 7' diamond tables I play on at one of my leagues. Plus there is the occasional two balls wedged in the pocket thing with 4 3/4" pockets. If I were to do it over for a home table, I would not get the league cut pockets.
dendweller
Well-known member
I've had a few shimmed tables. To me shimming seems to deaden the pocket some and reduce the rattling and jawing, not cause it. At least that's been my experience.
Depends on how small you go. Shim them down to 4.25ish and they spit em out like popcorn.
You know who will be along soon to set us straight but...
Pretty sure standard facings on Diamond tables are 3/16". I put 1/4" facings on my non-Diamond and I can't imagine that would drastically affect the playability of a Diamond. Clearly you wouldn't want to stack facings, which is what the old pool rooms used to do back in the day. So the question is - how thick of a facing can you put on a Diamond before it affects playability?
Actually if the cloth isn't bad, I actually JUST redid the facings on my table when I first got it to snug it up just a bit while I waited a bit to recover it.
Guess that doesn't answer anything.
Pretty sure standard facings on Diamond tables are 3/16". I put 1/4" facings on my non-Diamond and I can't imagine that would drastically affect the playability of a Diamond. Clearly you wouldn't want to stack facings, which is what the old pool rooms used to do back in the day. So the question is - how thick of a facing can you put on a Diamond before it affects playability?
Actually if the cloth isn't bad, I actually JUST redid the facings on my table when I first got it to snug it up just a bit while I waited a bit to recover it.
Guess that doesn't answer anything.
I bought shims from Diamond and put them on the TV table that I purchased at the Derby. The pockets measure a little heavier than 3 7/8. I notice a thud around the points and or jaws and does influence banking on tight shots. My ball pocketing has improved and actually my game. I think the table plays about the same. Others freak about when the come over. Concentration and results overall improved for me. At 63 years old I can still catch a gear just don't last as long and tire quicker.
So how thick were the facings that you bought from Diamond? Sounds like they were really thick if you went from 4.5" to 3 7/8".
I do not know the actual measurements. They offered two and I chose the thicker. Rough estimate is 1/4. I am sure you can call Diamond and get exact specs.
1/4” facings is far from ideal. Too much ‘dead’ cushion, which detrimentally affects play more than you might think, especially for 1-pocket and bank pool.
I know the OP said Diamond's but in my spot they have GC4's shimmed to about 4.125". They're ok for bunt/tap game like 1p but not worth a flying fk for anything else. The tiny pockets combined with concrete-like facings make the game not fun. I've never played on D's tighter than 4.5" ProCuts. I could see for 1p a lil tighter would be ok but for rotation the 4.5's are fine imo.
I do agree with a noticeable “dead” cushion with facings. My best game is 9 Ball. I shimmed pockets with and objective ball pocketing. Cue Ball Control and Ball Pocketing for me are CRITICAL. Always had a problem with too much offense and no defense. As an aging competitor I try to improve ”MY GAME. I score myself via a tough t.p.a and monitor errors and try and eliminate mistakes. To each their own for sure. I have always played bank pool as my second game and understand your concern with balls close the points. Trying to be open minded and try new things. Just addicted to 9-Ball. My overall Wins have increased, I focus and concentrate better, I feel like I know the ball is going in the pocket when i release.
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i dont run packages of 5 and 10 racks like you guys do all the time. and need real tight pockets.
so i am happy to have in my home loose pockets where the balls go in. and you can play position by cheating the pocket somewhat.
it kind of makes the game fun.
so i am happy to have in my home loose pockets where the balls go in. and you can play position by cheating the pocket somewhat.
it kind of makes the game fun.