Wacky Table

[ndakotan]

I bought a valley quick return table in a slightly used condition in 2005. Now, on one end of the table, my Starrett level shows that the table is slightly off level. However, the whole other half is way out of level and you can't roll a ball to one of the corners and expect it to go in.

The trouble seems to start at the 1st diamond after the side pocket.

What is the fix for this?

 

[Poolschool]

That is why I don't care much for 1 piece slate. I talked to Glen about this and he says 1 pc. is easier to level. My theory is that with one piece you only have 4 points of measurement without anchoring the slate to the frame. With 3pc. you will have at least 12 measuring points and the ability to anchor the slate to the frame.

Slate is much like wood, its a natural resource that has developed it shape and structure off of the earth's natural abilities. Every piece of slate is different much like every piece of wood is different. I have seen slate warp, crack, break, peel, change colors all on its own.

I'm sure Glen will see this and help you out. Maybe there is a way to shim it or something? He's a pro especially with 1pc. slate.

 

[NineBallNut]

Glen is definately the guy to talk to. It seems strange that is only happens after the side pocket. There will probably be some more questions to ask. Does the ball roll toward the center of the table from both sides? What about when rolled along the end rail? Also, you mention that the other end of the table reads a little off. What does the end in question read? If you are telling us that the table is level side to side on both ends then the slate has probably bowed in the center due to glue buildup underneath from a few refelts. Basically, we need more info.

 

[realkingcobra]

I bought a valley quick return table in a slightly used condition in 2005. Now, on one end of the table, my Starrett level shows that the table is slightly off level. However, the whole other half is way out of level and you can't roll a ball to one of the corners and expect it to go in.

The trouble seems to start at the 1st diamond after the side pocket.

What is the fix for this?

Is your table like the bar box style but non-coin operated? Because if it is, then it has the same sag in the frame of the table as most all coin operated pool tables. And just for info purposes, this is not the one piece slate that I refer to when I say I like one piece slates...LOL I'm talking about the over-sized one piece slates that can be shimmed just like a 3-piece slate only you can level the whole slate at one time and not have to deal with seams. On a bar box slate you can shim under the slate to lift it up in the center, but to much shimming means you won't be able to bolt the rails back on because the bolt holes won't line up right. Place you level in the center of the table reading from end to end and check the level there, sounds to me like it's not level from end to end.

Drop in one piece slates do NOT get my approval as good slates because the rails don't bolt through the slates and there's no way to insert shims under them from the sides because the slate is drooped into the frame of the table where it just sits there.

Glen