Slate Seam

WKRP

WKRP

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I just noticed on my new table that one of the seams between the slate has risen just enough that I can feel it under the cloth. The table was just installed and it wasn't like this a week ago. What I would like to know is why this happens and if this is something that should never happen and I should ask for a different mechanic or is this just one of those things. The interesting thing to me is that this table replaced my old table which had the same problem soon after installation with the same seam. Different brand of table and different mechanic.

thanks
 
Is the table set up on "fluffy" carpet? There is a chance it could have settled on you a little bit, which might have caused the slates to shift. But, IMO chances are that it wasn't installed properly, meaning the slates weren't leveled properly or superglued, or the slate screws aren't tight. Do you know what they used to finish the slate seams? Bondo works better than wax as far as keeping the slates "bonded" so they wont come apart. If you need any re-work give me a call...
 
seam

Jack is correct'
I think wax is the worst thing to be used because of many reasons..
most of the installers these days need a good schooling...must of em don't know whats right or wrong when working on pool tables...its not there fault' they just don't know any better or have never been trained properly...
-
Rob.M
 
If the seams have been superglued there is nothing wrong with using wax if its been used properly. There is nothing wrong with bondo either. I like bondo for large chips or finishing off a broken slate fix but for just finishing a seam i like to use wax. Its a personal preference i think. What table did you get? Is it new? I'm in cincy and am interested in what you got and by who. Pm me if you like.
 
seam

Wax can eventually work its way into the cloth..and a few other reasons I don't prefer to use it....
Think 30-40 years down the line'
-
Rob.M
 
I'm not a table mechanic (my preface to most posts here :wink:)....


I hate wax. It has a tendency to rise up out of the seam. This causes a bump. It also sticks to the cloth, ruining it. This happened on my table and other tables I've seen.

I think the only way wax could be used would be to:

1. Guarantee the table is in a very tightly climate controlled environment. This means very minimal temperature and humidity fluctuations.

2. Glue or lock down the slates in such a way as to keep them from shifting in any axis, side to side, up/down, in and out.

3. Apply the way as sparingly as possible, minimizing how much gets on the playing surface. No matter how well you razor scrape the wax, there's still a layer on the playing surface. Aside from that, I don't think it's a good idea to get a lot down in the seam, as that makes it easier for it to ooze out if the seam changes.


The first time I set up my table, I used wax. Big mistake. A lot can go wrong with wax. This time I'm going to go Bondo. Will eliminate a lot of problems.

Getting the wax off was a big pain in the butt. Blow torch and scotchbrite pads and lots of elbow grease was the only way. Chemicals didn't work. Have to use too much of them, and it still leaves wax in the "grain/pores" of the slate.

Wax just seems to me to be a super quick and easy way to fill seams in a "good enough" kind of way. Vastly quicker and easier than other methods. Rather than the ideal way that is less susceptible to problems.


I set up my table on concrete floor that has ceramic tile. No issues there. Friend of mine did the smart thing, we put his slate on and then left the table alone for a little over a week. This allowed the carpet to get fully compressed. He (his wife) didn't want to cut the carpet, so this was the next best thing.

Sounds like a fuss, but it actually saves time I think. Level the table on fresh install on thick carpet, and you'll end up having to do it all again once the table sinks in. Rather do it once, than twice.

Don't know how you table mechanics deal with that sort of thing, doesn't seem practical to allow it to settle.
 
Why is it on this forum the most long winded opinionated posters are "I'm no table mechanic but". If the right wax is used and used PROPERLY it works very well. When bondo is used it works well also. What i've learned about using wax over the years is you can't use it from a craft store or hardware store. You have to use a very good and hot torch because if the slate is not warmed enough the wax will swell out of the seam later. And a sharp scraper. I have never encountered wax making its way into the cloth in my part of the world. not even sure what that means? If you like to use bondo more power. I don't get the bashing of wax just because maybe it has not been used right and using something else is personally prefered.
 
Jim Vondrell said:
Why is it on this forum the most long winded opinionated posters are "I'm no table mechanic but". If the right wax is used and used PROPERLY it works very well. When bondo is used it works well also. What i've learned about using wax over the years is you can't use it from a craft store or hardware store. You have to use a very good and hot torch because if the slate is not warmed enough the wax will swell out of the seam later. And a sharp scraper. I have never encountered wax making its way into the cloth in my part of the world. not even sure what that means? If you like to use bondo more power. I don't get the bashing of wax just because maybe it has not been used right and using something else is personally prefered.
Click to expand...

AGREED!!!!
The blue wax sticks from Contes work great. Along with liquid dowels on the seams I have no problems. I do use bondo on occasion.
 
Slate seam

You did not mention the brand of table so without knowing all the specs i will try to make this short and sweet.
1. If the table was newly built, it could mean it settled out as the wood adjusted to your homes moisture and temperature.
2. If the slate is not doweled (like the old t rails made years ago) then the wooden wedge used under the table could have backed out due to reason number 1 (a bit of glue on the wedge would have stopped that).
3. On certain tables there is actually a bolt on the bottom or a bolt on the top of the stringer that adjusts up to level out the slate. If that is the case there may be more serious problems because these type of tables i am referring to usually do not move like that.
 
The blue wax sticks are the way to go if you use wax and I always do, if used correctly ANY commonly used joint filler for pool tables will work. I've seen numerous tables done by people who don't know what they are doing that used bondo and it chipped off in little sharp piece's and cut right thru the cloth, and then people that don't know what they are doing take a table apart where bondo was used and they chip the seam area of the slate all the way across.

You either know what you are doing or you don't when it comes to your choice of seam filler, they all will fail or cause some type of problem down the road if the table is not installed correctly. In my opinion .
 
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I was told that dental cement works the best because bondo will flake.
 
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dontlitethat said:
Jack is correct'
I think wax is the worst thing to be used because of many reasons..
most of the installers these days need a good schooling...must of em don't know whats right or wrong when working on pool tables...its not there fault' they just don't know any better or have never been trained properly...
-
Rob.M
Click to expand...

Before you shoot out a comment lile wax is the worst to use, you need to understand that each circumstance is different.

I run into alot of problems with bondo chipping under the felt, leaving chunks to wear out the felt quicker.

I'm not a fan of chipping out bondo over slate bolts to move a table.

Being in California, we have the Dry Desert, Snow filled Mountains, and overcast Beaches.

Depending on the location and the room or Garage in the house I put the Pool Table in will depend what I use.

I'm not gonna use Wax if I am installing a pool table in a garage in Death Valley, 120 degree Tempature.

But I'm not gonna use Bondo if my customer lives on a fault line where there is an earthquake every day.

90% of the time I will use bees wax.

Back to the Orignal Question.

What kind of floor do you have?
What kind of table do you have?
What room is it installed in?

My first guess would be is that it is an installer (hack) Mistake.
I would call the installer and have him fix it.
If he does not, Call Judge Judy and Get on TV. :thumbup:
 
seam

I'm gonna save my breath....
Wax is quick n easy to use but I don't like to use it..
-have a good day'
Rob.M
 
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Thanks for all the help. The company is fixing it and when it is fixed and I have a better idea of what the problem was - if I know - I'll follow up.
 
My turn yet? :grin:


I like to use Elmers glue, and spread it all over my hands, and then peel it off...... oh wait....wrong forum...:poke: teehee

I've noticed that some installers actually use way too much sealant period, which is a problem with both waxes and putties (ie Bondo)

Technically speaking, there is supposed to be so little sealant, that if it's wax, it won't effect the cloth. If it's Bondo, it shouldn't be thick enough anywhere to chip off. In other words, some use the sealant to make up for a bad level job.
 
Mr. Bond said:
My turn yet? :grin:


I like to use Elmers glue, and spread it all over my hands, and then peel it off...... oh wait....wrong forum...:poke: teehee

I've noticed that some installers actually use way too much sealant period, which is a problem with both waxes and putties (ie Bondo)

Technically speaking, there is supposed to be so little sealant, that if it's wax, it won't effect the cloth. If it's Bondo, it shouldn't be thick enough anywhere to chip off. In other words, some use the sealant to make up for a bad level job.
Click to expand...

Being new to this forum, tell me something about your interest in table mechanics....do you work as a mechanic full time...part time...I'm always interested in finding out about new mechanic on this forum....so give us some background if you will please:D

Glen
 
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