Signs of a Good Mechanic

[Tom M]

Greetings all,

I had my new furniture table installed by the local dealer about two years ago. I didn't watch every minute of the assembly process, but I caught most of the steps to see how they were doing it. The table is an 8' Olhausen Remington with 1" slate, by the way.

Anyway, at that time I was favorably impressed with the installers. They "seemed" consciencious and methodical.

After playing on it for a few days, I noticed that the rails were out of alignment. I believe they were installed this way because they were tightly attached. I had the mechanic back (same guy) and he agreed that they were out and corrected the problem. They're fine now and have stayed put. At the same time, I asked him to check the level because I thought the table had settled on the carptet some.

Okay, here's my question(s):

1. He was using an 8" bullet bubble level. Is that accurate enough for the job?

2. When he came back, to level the table he lifted one leg and place a shim underneath. Is THAT the correct procedure? I'm willing to be educated, but isn't it the slate that should be leveled?

3. The bolt holes for the slate now have dimples which the balls can settle into. I'm pretty sure they used Bondo to fill them along with the seams. I should have known the Bondo would shrink because I've done some body work and you have to let the material harden completely before working it.

Overall, is this evidence of careless workmanship? It looks like I'm going to have to get a lot of work done to fix the filler. I may go back to the dealer to make it right even though it's been two years.

Opinions?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Donny Wessels]

find another mecanic.

 

[scruffy1]

I would give them a chance to explain and correct the problem. starrett makes a 8 inch machinist level so if thats what he is using that is o.k, but not a cheapo from home depot. as far as leveling using shims under the leg,this is correct. tables are leveled by the legs and under the slate. tables will sometimes settle when installed on carpeting and need to be adjusted. as for your last problem, we are not a fan of bondo but properly done it will last a good while. i assume it is the center holes of your slate
that is the problem. they are the only ones that should be filled as they are the only ones in the play field. they will have to remove cloth and redo holes. great mechanics can fix problems, sometimes their own.good luck1

 

[realkingcobra]

I would give them a chance to explain and correct the problem. starrett makes a 8 inch machinist level so if thats what he is using that is o.k, but not a cheapo from home depot. as far as leveling using shims under the leg,this is correct. tables are leveled by the legs and under the slate. tables will sometimes settle when installed on carpeting and need to be adjusted. as for your last problem, we are not a fan of bondo but properly done it will last a good while. i assume it is the center holes of your slate
that is the problem. they are the only ones that should be filled as they are the only ones in the play field. they will have to remove cloth and redo holes. great mechanics can fix problems, sometimes their own.good luck1

Scruffy1, I seldom give out green reps, but you earned one with your last remark!

Glen

 

[Tom M]

Yes, a cheapo level, and the filled holes are in the playing field. I noticed it when a slow-moving cueball came to a rather unexpected and wobbly stop.

Now, if that's where you NEED the ball to stop...

 

[realkingcobra]

Yes, a cheapo level, and the filled holes are in the playing field. I noticed it when a slow-moving cueball came to a rather unexpected and wobbly stop.

Now, if that's where you NEED the ball to stop...

If you look at the mechanic's referral section listed as a sticky, look down at the listings for Texas, I'm sure you'll find a good mechanic listed there you can call... LOL

Glen

That may explain why your slate screw holes were filled

 

[realkingcobra]

Yes, a cheapo level, and the filled holes are in the playing field. I noticed it when a slow-moving cueball came to a rather unexpected and wobbly stop.

Now, if that's where you NEED the ball to stop...

If ya'll had horns on ya'lls pool tables down thar, then ya'lls might be able to find a mechanic that at least knows the difference between the head end and the ass end!

Glen

 

[Cuephoric]

If ya'll had horns on ya'lls pool tables down thar, then ya'lls might be able to find a mechanic that at least knows the difference between the head end and the ass end!

Glen

Now THAT's funny right thar!!!!!