What years were non-slate beds being introduced?

beerpressure

AzB Silver Member
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Just wondering what time period they started to use things other than slate? My grandfather has a 9 foot table in his basement from the 60's and right now I dont have the ability to get to his house to see what it is. My father claims that it isnt a slate table, but I am skeptical.

Just trying to guess if its worth paying someone to move it.
 
Interesting question. I do know that there were non-slate tables back in the 60's available from Brunswick (one of which they called a "honeycomb" bed) because my parents bought me a table when I was a kid and I remember pouring over all the brochures of the different models. The non-slate tables were the lower end stuff. It was really just a price point thing.

Not a mechanic, but since this is more of an historical question I figured I could contribute what I remember:wink:.
 
Interesting question. I do know that there were non-slate tables back in the 60's available from Brunswick (one of which they called a "honeycomb" bed) because my parents bought me a table when I was a kid and I remember pouring over all the brochures of the different models. The non-slate tables were the lower end stuff. It was really just a price point thing.

Not a mechanic, but since this is more of an historical question I figured I could contribute what I remember:wink:.
I googled "brunswick billiard honeycomb" just out of curiosity and a few links later I was led to an image of a fischer table that from my memory is the exact model my grand father has in his basement. I havent seen the table in probably 12 years but this has to be it. I remember it having the score keepers and a return rail system, but it wasnt like brunswicks.

Here is the photo

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This site i took the image from says it is a 3 piece slate. I could get the table given to me by him but wondering if its worth the price of having it moved and reclothed.
 
Researching some more. A lot of people are claiming its the one piece honeycomb bed. This makes it near impossible to move into my basement.
 
Brunswick produced a 2 1/2" thick one piece honeycomb bed on their "Celebrity" model. They called it "levelite". Production ran from 1965 - to early 70's. I have info from Brunswick if you would like more details.
 
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Brunswick produced a 2 1/2" thick one piece honeycomb bed on their "Celebrity" model. They called it "levelite". Production ran from 1965 - to early 70's. I have info from Brunswick if you would like more details.
sure, I made this thread trying to figure out what the table was made of. I guess I have that figured out now. now I need to figure out how to get it my basement
 
"Celebrity" table info

I am uncertain if the Celebrity is/was the only model that featured the "levelite bed. It is quite possible they tried it in other lower end models.


8 Home options (44" x 88" Playfield)
------------------------------------+-----------------------------------
Slate: 2 1/2" Levelite Bed |Length (in): 100.5
------------------------------------+-----------------------------------
Width (in): 56.5 |Weight (lbs): 290
------------------------------------+---------------------------------

Color Options: White, with Conolite Rails
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Similar to: Monarch, Brentwood
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Cushion Rubber: Centennial
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Replacement Parts Available: None
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Technical Information: From the 1965 Brunswick catalog:

The Celebrity is a pleasure to play. It features the Levelite bed, proved
so practical and revolutionary and warranted for five years against warp
or sag ... your assurance of lasting satisfaction.

Celebrity cushions are deluxe live rubber for true, fast rebound and the
playing surface is covered with premium-grade gold cloth, adding a touch
of elegance to the crisp white modern contemporary styling.

The white Conolite rails are color-coordinated to blend with any interior
decor and are burn, scratch and stain resistant to assure years of lasting
beauty and service. The Celebrity also features quiet automatic gulley
ball returns, built-in score counters and a large, easy access end-box
return.

The reinforced pedestal-type leg assembly provides essential strength and
stability, while allowing for easy, "demounting" and portability.
Sta-Level feet assure fast, precise and easy leveling.

Honeycomb (Levelite, 2 1/2" thick) bed construction with written warranty
to assure flatness, providing you with professional billiards in your
home.

Adjustable Sta-Level feet for fast and easy precision levelling for
accurate ball roll and professional home play.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
From the 1968 Brunswick catalog:

Truly a pleasure to play on, the Brunswick Celebrity is smartly styled to
fit any room decor. It features the exclusive Levelite 2 1/2" thick
honeycomb bed with 5 year warranty against warp or sag. Cushions are made
of professional quality live rubber for true, fast rebound. The playing
surface is covered with your choice of gold or green premium grade cloth
... a touch of elegance to the crisp white modern styling. The rails are
white, of Conolite, and resist burns and stains to assure many years of
lasting beauty and service. The Celebrity also features quite automatic
ball return, built-in score markers and Sta-Level feet for fast,
convenient leveling. Deluxe accessory package included.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
From the 1971 Brunswick flyer:
Finish: Classic white with chrome and aluminum trim; all surfaces can be
kep fresh and bright with minimum of easy maintenance.
Rails are made of heavy duty plastic laminate bonded to hardwood; aprons
are vacuum formed plastic; rails and aprons are highly resistant to dents,
mars, scratches, alcohol, food acids, etc. Rail edges are protected by
anodized aluminum.

Frame Construction: Two contoured pedestals of hardwood-veneer plywood,
reinforced with internal structural members, and anchored by built up
stretcher. Provides weight and improved stability without sacrificing
portability. The ball return gullies are self contained within the molded
apron for efficient return of the ball into the receiver box at the center
of the front end apron. Four storage racks provided, each holding five
balls. Two chrome-plated counters built into foot rail permit scoring for
two teams or players.

1965-1968 listed price: $495.00.
 
pictured Fischer pool table

I have moved several of these in the last few years. It is a 7/8" one piece slate. It is a bear.. I do recommend taking the frame apart as it is easier that way. The top is one piece and it is a fairly oddball design. The get access to rail bolts, use a small flathead to lever the upper frame trim out by the corner pockets. They can be fun..Fyi. The rail bolts require a 9/16" box wrench to loosen, then rotate the pressed steel assy's 90 degrees and loft top up. No need to remove pockets. Also, legs fit in a tapered recess so may or may not be bolted.. check inside frame. They can stick so take a deadblow hammer.. If you have any questions on it let me know.
Rob
 
Just wondering what time period they started to use things other than slate? My grandfather has a 9 foot table in his basement from the 60's and right now I dont have the ability to get to his house to see what it is. My father claims that it isnt a slate table, but I am skeptical.

Just trying to guess if its worth paying someone to move it.

Late 1500 to sometime in early 1600, now I may off a few years but that is the time period they started using things other than slate.

Take care
 
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