Two questions about slate

D

Dannydizzan

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have been working on a Sport King for a while now. I am the point where I am ready to install the slate on the frame of the table. I was noticing that the wood backing is in rough shape and I also know that the slate itself isnt perfect. Here are my two questions.

1. The slate backing is 1" thick. Where would I find boards this thickness to replace it with should I choose to do so.

I have read the 5 threads that came up while searching and really didnt see a good option for me. I did see that realkingcobra suggested to take a saw and cut around the edge then replace with 1" poplar strips. Is it going to matter that the poplar is 3/4" thick and the current backer is 1" thick? or is this just something to staple to and it doesnt matter.

If my mechanic uses the gluedown method, do I even need to be concerned with the backing?

2. How bad is bad for slate? I dont have any broken pieces, but I have some scratches on the slate that I can feel. Should I try and fix them?

Sorry for being long winded, but you are dealing with an amateur.
 
If you want to get 1" boards, go to a REAL lumber yard or place that sells real hardwood. Get 4/4 (four quarter) poplar. You can either have it cut there, or if you have the tools to do it yourself. You will need to have it planed on both sides to the finished thickness (one inch) and then glue it to the back of the slate and use the screws as well. After it is set in place, use a flush cutting bit on a router and trim the edges and the pockets. It is not a real simple job, but is not rocket science either.

You can use 3/4 if you would like, it doesn't really matter. If you are using the glue method, there is really no need for the backing at all, other than you will be loosing 1 inch in playing height of the table. If this matters to you, then just build a top frame on the wooden frame of the table to make up for the difference.
 
Thank you for the information. We do have one real lumber yard here in town where I have bought some ash, poplar and red oak for other projects. Honestly didn't think about them. Good advice!

I called the man who is going to finish setting the table up and he thinks it will be fine the way it is. I would rather leave it original, so I will get a professional opinion on the actual condition before I get too drastic.
 
Actually, for a finish thickness of one inch, you need to ask for 5/4 (five quarter board). The hardwood supply usually sells this stuff rough from the mill. The measurement is the rough cut measure. You can get it straight edged and finished at most mills.
 
scratches, dings and chips are not a big deal, and are easy to fix.
you can use bondo or plaster to fill them and simply sand it level once dried.
 
Mr. Bond said:
scratches, dings and chips are not a big deal, and are easy to fix.
you can use bondo or plaster to fill them and simply sand it level once dried.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the help...back to work. Been reading the Chicago Billiard Museum website for two hours, lol.
 
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