what's the difference between

[jrt30004]

double shimming the pockets and tripple shimming the pockets? for that matter, what does it mean to shim the pockets? i have been around mark gregory alot and talked to him about sub extending rails to tighten pockets. but i have always heard about people double and tripple shimming pockets to make them tighter. i just bought a table and need to have it set up in the next few weeks and would like to tighten the pockets. i don't have the cash (and the table is not what i would consider worthy of having the rails done) to have the sub rails extended but would still like to tighten the pockets. what can be done? i have tried to read threads in this section about facings and shims, but i am just to uneducated about table mechanics to understand the possible and the plauseable. any help would be appreciated.

 

[realkingcobra]

First of all....what kind of table did you buy?

 

[jrt30004]

First of all....what kind of table did you buy?

glen,
i am sorry, didn't know that'd make a difference. i bought an amf play master these are pics of it set up in it's old home.

it's a year and half old and in great shape, however, it's obviously a less expensive table. i think brand new the gentleman paid somewhere over $1500 and i only paid $500 (he is moving and needed it out of the house asap). the felt is glued not stapled to the slate, the frame is plywood, etc. that is why i say i would not want to spend upwards of $1500 to do the subrail extension. the pockets are fairly standard, right around 5" in the corners. i would like to get them as tight as possible, maybe 4.5", but i don't know if that can happen any other way than extension. i would have asked mark this in person but i haven't seen him lately and figured i may be able to get some info here before bothering him on the phone. any info would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
jason

 

[Dartman]

Low cost table leave as is. Whenever you get around to changing cloth
replace the facings with 3/16" or 1/4"

 

[jrt30004]

Low cost table leave as is. Whenever you get around to changing cloth
replace the facings with 3/16" or 1/4"

that was kinda my question. is replacing the facing what is meant by shimming? i have read you guys say stacking multiple facings is not a good thing. is that what is meant by double or tripple shimming? and how much can i reasonably expect to tighten the pockets by doing this and how will replacing the facings affect the pocket's playability? in other words will it change the angles and way the pocket accepts / rejects a ball, or deaden the bounce at the facing as well? again, as i have said many times, tables are something i know verry little about.

 

[Dartman]

that was kinda my question. is replacing the facing what is meant by shimming? i have read you guys say stacking multiple facings is not a good thing. is that what is meant by double or tripple shimming? and how much can i reasonably expect to tighten the pockets by doing this and how will replacing the facings affect the pocket's playability? in other words will it change the angles and way the pocket accepts / rejects a ball, or deaden the bounce at the facing as well? again, as i have said many times, tables are something i know verry little about.

Replacing a facing is just that - replacing it.

Peeps try to tighten pockets (shimming) by doubling or tripling the facings, in other words just adding
more facings which is the less then best way to achieve the desired effect.

 

[Donny Wessels]

Low cost table leave as is. Whenever you get around to changing cloth
replace the facings with 3/16" or 1/4"

I second that.

 

[jrt30004]

Replacing a facing is just that - replacing it.

Peeps try to tighten pockets (shimming) by doubling or tripling the facings, in other words just adding
more facings which is the less then best way to achieve the desired effect.

thank you sir. i am really just trying to learn what i can before i do anything. like i said the table was not that expensive but i want it to play as good and tight as it can. i am waiting a week or two to save up some cash so i can have a real mechanic set it back up and felt and level it properly (and before YOU ask - yes simonis:smile ). take down and moving was no problem, but i want it to be set up properly. i think i may wind up having to double the facings to tighten the pockets and see how it plays. if it completely sucks i can always take them out and just have the larger pockets.

 

[Donny Wessels]

Reached a Personal Goal

how did this get in here.

 

[realkingcobra]

One of my personal goals in life, as a billiard mechanic, has been to set up pool tables for a major pro event. Last week along with Paul Smith and Corey from Diamond we set up the San Diego Classic. I was honored to be asked by Paul and to work along side with other Diamond mechanics. I also want to thank Glen for all the work he has done sharing his techniques and developing my skills, without you Glen I wouldn't be working at this level and I wouldn't have the same relationship with Diamond.

you know me, here some picts.

You've always had the skills to be a great mechanic Donny, I just gave you a little push along the way