My wife and I are interested in buying a pool table and I am wondering what are the things to look for in a used table. I like to play but don't know anything about what tol look for so that I don't buy a defective table. You guys that have tables, what would you specifically look for and what are quality tables? Thanks for the help.
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I'd make sure the felt is in good shape, the bumpers are still pretty tight and that the table top is made of slate. Anything other than slate can warp. I have a Gundy that we've been thinking of selling if you're interested. -
I was in the market last year and saved this reply from someone who is very knowledgable .... copy/paste , great info.
Key things to look for in a pool table: The slate making up the bed of the table should be 1 inch or more thick. Because slate is so heavy it is essential that the frame is solid--give the table a soft hip check--if it perceptibly moves, RUN!
There should only be two seams in the slate--that is, the slate should be made up of only three sections. Run your hand across the slate from one end of the table to the other. If you can easily feel the seams between the slate, that's bad. Also bring a level with you to the store. The table may very well not be level--that's not a problem, as it will be leveled when installed. However, you should check whether the three pieces of slate are all level with respect to each other.
This may sound like a crude system but it actually tells you a lot--the heavier the table the more likely it is of better quality. Weight reflects the quality, design and materials that went into the construction. For instance thick hardwoods are usually employed in better tables and of course they weigh more.
A better built table has center beams that run the length of the table and interlock with the cross members. This stabilizes the slate and cabinet of the table. Remember that the frame is supporting as much as 500 pounds of material.
The entire weight of a billiard table rests on its legs. Because of this, solid leg construction is essential. Most tables have four individual legs or two "pedestal" legs. If looking at pedestal legs, they should be framed with solid wood, not particle board or plywood. If looking at a table with individual legs, make sure they seem sturdy as hell and check the manner in which they are attached to the table.
The rails of the table should be made of solid wood, and the rubber attached should be grade "A" (rubber comes in grades A, B and C) have at least three bolts holding it onto the wood rail and be canvas backed.
With regard to pockets, feel the material they are made from. Hard plastic will crack. They should be either leather or made of some type of giving, rubber-like plastic.
The cloth should be a napless weave. The best of these, in my opinion, is Simonis cloth. I suggest getting green cloth only. A lifetime warranty should be offered on the table (usually not given on the cloth and pockets however).
You haven't indicated any price range. Of course most manufacturers have low-end, middle level and high-end products and the more expensive are generally better in quality. You also pay more for a tunnel system and here's the rub on that: a cheap plastic tunnel system is not worth it. I have seen many plastic tunnel systems where the plastic has cracked on the breaking end corner pockets and the owner has installed buckets (yes buckets) underneath to catch the balls as they fall right through the holes in the plastic. Another words, if faced with a cheap tunnel system or no tunnel system, go with the drop pockets.
As for specific brands: Brunswick, Diamond, Olhausen and Connelly all make quality products. I would stay away from no name manufacturers, and I don't know much about foreign made pool tables, except that I can tell you that Kim Steel tables play beautifully (Spanish manufacturer I believe).
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You can get much better bang for your buck by searching for a used table. I've seen used Brunswick Gold Crown IIIs, for instance, selling for $1,000 or so by a private seller that would be at least $2,500-$4,000 in used condition at any retail showroom.
Hope that helps.Comment
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Funny...I was thinking about picking up a used one for the ranch and was literally reading a "what to look for" website a couple of minutes ago...heres the link...
http://www.usedpooltablestx.com/12220.htmlComment
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I purchased a used one 4 years ago and will tell you what I learned. Look for name brands, in billiard tables there is a difference...the one I bought is an Olhausen. The top must be at least 1" thick slate and no more than 3 pieces. Anything else and it will warp and not hold up over time. Make sure the bumpers are in good shape and have good bounce to them. The felt shouldn't be a deal breaker, because you are going to take the table apart for the move you can have the felt replaced when you re-assemble the table at your house.
If you do end up buying a quality table spend the money on hiring a billiard table mover...not just any furniture mover. A good mover is setup to move the slate, tear the table down, re-assemble, level, and any other particulars that need to be done. Most billiard table movers I found were $250-$300 and it is money well spent. Also be sure to be patient when shopping for a table. Just like any other thing out there, deals are to be had you just have to be patient. The table I purchased was less than a year old and was in showroom condition, and I ended up getting it for 30% of the new price.
-BrandonComment
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I have had a couple of pool tables moved for us where I used to work and the price was in that $250 - $350 range. I recently helped a friend move a used one with a 1" slate top and it was not hard to put back together . The biggest problem we had was shimming the slate so everything is level and no seams you can feel. When we took it apart you could see where it was originally installed they had used something like drywall mud to feather the seams out and make everything smooth. We did the same and it works fine. Took us about 2-3 hours to disassemble and reassemble .Comment
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Let your wife pick it out because she's gonna fold clothes on it.Comment
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Perfect timing as we are starting to look as teh house is being built. We grew up with one as kids and really enjoyed having one in the house......well garage back then! Good stuff and YES.....my mom folded clothes on it all the time!!!!Comment
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http://discussions.texasbowhunter.co...d.php?t=117285
cshanep still has this pool table on the market... Its a great piece of furniture...Comment
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we bought one in January when we got our game room addition finished. I went back and forth between a good used high dollar table and a brand new offbrand table. I ended up going with the brand new offbrand table and have been more than satisfied with it. We play on it quote a bit and have had no problems with it. It was fairly easy to assemble (other than being REALLY heavy). We went with a FatCat 7' Frisco II table - you can google it for pictures and info. Although not REAL slate, I have not been able to tell a difference in the duraslate top and bumpers on this table compared to the higher end tables that I have normally played on since I was a kiddo.Comment
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Thanks gang. I am saving this entire thread for later.Comment
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