Shopping

Rate The Quality of a Billiard Table Before Purchasing

A pool or a billiard table is a popular recreational fixture in many houses. It is entertaining and a substantial investment to many buyers. However when it's time to purchase a new pool table, it's really very difficult to look for the best one by assessing all the qualities. The table is the entire playing field for the game of billiards. You should know the right way to rate the quality for saving your precious time and money on a clunker. While purchasing tables, consider the factors like the size, price, quality as well as the playing surface to get the right model for your house.

Billiard Table

Consider the tips discussed below for rating the quality of a billiard table:

Look for the major areas of damage

It's better to take someone with you already accustomed with the woodwork at the time of purchasing the table. Check out the major areas of damage if any on the woodwork like for instance the chips, breakage or the cracks. Try to find out mold in the crevices that may be set within the wood.

Check all the inlays

Do not forget to check all the inlays on the table including the diamonds along the rails. Search for the broken and missing pieces. If there is any piece missing, try to find out the condition of the wood beneath. Ask whether the inlays are created with real pearl or with other fine substances.

Weigh up the condition of the felt

Assess the condition of the felt on the table if the game of billiards is played on instantly. Search for drink stains or small tears on the main playing field. Check the felt condition on the rails and rub hands over the felt. Remember that cotton felt is usually cheaper than a silky felt. Ask the brand of felt used for covering the table. Try to roll a ball over the table in order to check the dirt and the bumps on the playing field. Collect a receipt that shows the time when the table was last re-felted. In addition a receipt helps you to know about the condition and slate thickness.

Peel back a piece of felt

Try to peel back a small piece of felt into a corner pocket for checking the slate thickness. Make use of the spray adhesive for replacing the felt afterward if needed. In order to feel the dent and the dings, rub your hands over the felt-covered slate.

Inspect the rails for dead spots and bounce

Examine the rails for dead spots and the bounce. Make use of a billiard ball or a cue ball for bouncing on the rails in a normal stroke speed. If you see that the ball rolls off the rail at an equivalent speed, then the foam will be good inside the felt. In contrast if the ball hits with a bang and rolls off slowly, then that portion of the rail may be dead. It may only require tightening. Check out the construction work thoroughly before assuming that a replacement is needed.

Find out a nameplate

Try to find out a nameplate or maker’s mark at the end of the table or near the corner pockets. This may be found below or in the inner workings of the table.

Examine the accessibility of the inner workings

Look below the table if the inner workings are accessible readily. Try to place down a ball in each pocket and ensure that the ball returns to the right position.

Seek out the pedestal

Seek out the pedestal or the feet of the billiard table. The feet should be in good working condition for supporting the table. Lift up one end to some extent for checking the bottom level feet. The feet must turn in both the directions for the sake of easy leveling.

Follow these simple tips and purchase the best billiard table for your home.

Stephen Lawther is a billiard enthusiast and an avid player. He takes interest in contributing useful articles on billiard and other games for his set of readers. While shopping around for quality equipment he takes inspirations from Black Bear Billiards.

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