Taking apart a Presidential Billiards table

B

bdorman

Dead money
Silver Member
Hi guys,

I need to take apart the table in our recreation center for storage while the rec center undergoes renovation. We'll store it about 150 feet from its existing location so its not like we need movers.

I've watched (and provided minor assistance) when the table was recovered. I've seen how the skirt, rails, etc are removed and pretty confident I can handle that.

My question has to do with separating the slates. Any hints?

Thanks.
 
It mostly depends on the way the slates were bonded together, if at all, and what was used on the seams (bees wax, bondo, plaster...). I would suggest running a razor blade down the length of the seam, to cut any bonding agent that may be present. Usually (but not always), you'll find 3-5 business cards or index cards, coated with super glue, inserted between each slate. If you can't get a blade between the slates, don't fret too much, usually they pull apart fairly easily. Using a blade is mostly for insurance, to make sure the slates aren't bonded together more permanently, or to cut through bondo. When they are bonded together with super glue, without paper, the bonded edges will generally break apart a little when separated. The paper helps to prevent this from happening. When you pull on them to separate, the paper pulls apart, keeping the edges from getting damaged.

Make sure you pull the slates apart, sliding across the frame, rather than by lifting. If the slates have alignment pins, you could destroy the slate by trying to lift them while attached. Also, if the slates are bonded together fairly well, lifting to separate could cause the bonded edges to break apart.

On a side note, make sure that you store the slates in an upright position, as opposed to laying flat. This keeps the force of gravity from distorting the flatness of the slate.

Good luck
 
Many thanks! That's exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. I think I'll make a "slate stand" out of 2x4s so they are vertical and somewhat protected. I think the recoverer (J Chambers) used beeswax on the seams.

Any other suggestions are appreciated.
 
laying slates flat down

Now that I've read this,I'm a little concerned about my slates that have been laying flat for about 6 months or so.What are the chances that I have ruined my slates?
Sorry to hijack your thread
 
Colormegone2002 said:
Now that I've read this,I'm a little concerned about my slates that have been laying flat for about 6 months or so.What are the chances that I have ruined my slates?
Sorry to hijack your thread
Click to expand...

It's not likely that you've ruined your slates. However, it may take a little more work, and time, to get them flattened out again. It all depends on how much they have deformed, IF AT ALL. That, mostly depends on the surface on which they were placed. If it was a very flat surface, the likeliness that they have deformed is minimal. However, if you placed them on a couple of blocks of wood, there is a chance that they've settled a bit. Every case is different, as slate is a porous stone, with varying faults and particle distribution.

I wouldn't fret too much, though upright storage is the preferred way to store slate.
 
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