Would Granite or Quartz Work?

[DTL]

Most don't have room for a table where they live. What if someone wanted to build a 7-9' X 4" runway-like area using granite or quartz embedded in something like a wooden work bench with some kind of make-shift 4.25" pocket for practicing long straight-in shots. Would taking a near perfect flat 1" piece of this stuff covered with simonis cloth be anywhere near a good simulation of slate?

Getting the bench level would be challenge, but only asking about how realistic the ball would roll here. Thanks.

 

[Lawnboy77]

In my opinion it would be doable, but a lot of trouble and expense just to practice one facet of the game.

 

[ChrisinNC]

Most don't have room for a table where they live. What if someone wanted to build a 7-9' X 4" runway-like area using granite or quartz embedded in something like a wooden work bench with some kind of make-shift 4.25" pocket for practicing long straight-in shots. Would taking a near perfect flat 1" piece of this stuff covered with simonis cloth be anywhere near a good simulation of slate?

Getting the bench level would be challenge, but only asking about how realistic the ball would roll here. Thanks.

Gabriel's uses granite instead of slate for some of their models - works just as good as slate

 

[Black-Balled]

I also have a carom table that uses granite. Like 1.5"+ and HEAVY.

Since it is such a restricted application, I wonder if metal or some other substance would be more practical than a stone variant?

 

[eddieindetroit]

This post reminds me of when (as a kid) I found that ping pong table with only the broken corner in the trash a couple of blocks away.

Good luck DTL.

 

[DTL]

In my opinion it would be doable, but a lot of trouble and expense just to practice one facet of the game.

I think it would be a great tool for developing a straight stroke. Isn't every shot essentially a straight-in shot?............center of CB through center of ghost ball.

You could make it really narrow, say 3", with a gutter (and ? ball return system) on both sides so that any off center hit would cause the cb/ob to fall off the "runway".

 

[Black-Balled]

I think it would be a great tool for developing a straight stroke. Isn't every shot essentially a straight-in shot?............center of CB through center of ghost ball.

You could make it really narrow, say 3", with a gutter (and ? ball return system) on both sides so that any off center hit would cause the cb/ob to fall off the "runway".

A bottle or PVC tube would be far easier to use.

 

[Dan_B]

OP,
Nothing wrong about a different size table, a bastard, using similar materials.
If you're wanting to go through all of the trouble to build a table,
and it is a lot of time and trouble, improvising as you're suggesting will have disappointments.

All kinds of info here on the particular's of rail & pocket necessities
and their requirement's for a good outcome, good luck.

 

[DTL]

Got my answer.....that the playing surface would work. I think it could be built rather cheaply. If I ever build one, I'll post pics here. Thanks.

 

[Texas Carom Club]

gabriels carom tables now using granite

60mm granite

 

[DTL]

OP,
Nothing wrong about a different size table, a bastard, using similar materials.
If you're wanting to go through all of the trouble to build a table,
and it is a lot of time and trouble, improvising as you're suggesting will have disappointments.

All kinds of info here on the particular's of rail & pocket necessities
and their requirement's for a good outcome, good luck.

No rails or real pockets here. Just shooting a ball down a very narrow track and then falling off the end into a ? basket. A straight, flat board could be put perpendicular to the bench top flush against the outside of your upper arm/elbow/forearm unit so that it puts it "in the slot", right down the shot line..........as a guide for straight cueing, a stroke trainer.

Shoot 100-200 shots a day. Like I said, not everyone has a table at home.....and can only get to the poolroom only a couple days a week. This contraption could be set up/attached against the wall of your garage or basement.....would only need to be about 1-2' wide.

 

[strmanglr scott]

I got three pieces of slate to a seven footer and some other parts to a cheap table. Cost you a lot less than buying quartz or granite.

 

[Chili Palmer]

I think for your intended purpose you could probably get away with using wood.

 

[book collector]

Most don't have room for a table where they live. What if someone wanted to build a 7-9' X 4" runway-like area using granite or quartz embedded in something like a wooden work bench with some kind of make-shift 4.25" pocket for practicing long straight-in shots. Would taking a near perfect flat 1" piece of this stuff covered with simonis cloth be anywhere near a good simulation of slate?

Getting the bench level would be challenge, but only asking about how realistic the ball would roll here. Thanks.

I see 3 piece slates on craigslist all the time for 100.00 , that would be my move.

 

[DTL]

I see 3 piece slates on craigslist all the time for 100.00 , that would be my move.

I have a 9' blue label Diamond in my basement. I want a 3-4" track to shoot down. Can traditional slate be cut?

As mentioned in reply #11 of this thread, I want to be able to add a stroking guide for my arm. And maybe even some guides (remove if desired) for my stick that forces straight cueing......to build muscle memory.

 

[Lawnboy77]

A bottle or PVC tube would be far easier to use.

Exactly what I was thinking to.

 

[strmanglr scott]

I see 3 piece slates on craigslist all the time for 100.00 , that would be my move.

Sell mine for $50.

 

[3kushn]

I think the idea is fine if you want to go through the trouble.
The coke bottle trick can help as said before.

Since you're not making a pocket:
You could simplify and minimize by using a small table with cloth stretched and bucket of balls shooting into a net. Just place a sticky paper hole reinforcer (donut) where your tip should land.

Shoot the ball into the net and check where your tip finished. 2-3' square solid wood table would do.

 

[michael4]

I have a 9' blue label Diamond in my basement. Can traditional slate be cut?

As mentioned in reply #11 of this thread, I want to be able to add a stroking guide for my arm.

Yes, your ideas could work, and you can cut slate, but if you already have a 9 foot table, that's the best stroke trainer you could have.


(If you don't want a pocket, the better idea is to shoot into a rail, that way you can see if the ball comes back straight to the tip of your cue, and has no unwanted English....just shooting a ball into a basket wont tell you much) IMHO

 

[S.Vaskovskyi]

This is really not so bad idea for everyday work out for somebody living in the apartment where there is no space for a full table.