Pool Table Leveling
Pool table leveling is the most important part of
installing a pool table. Let's face it: if the table isn't level it's not fun
to play on. No matter how great the table looks or how fast the cloth plays the
most important part of the table is how level the playing surface is.
3 Pieces of Slate
Almost all pool tables have 3 pieces of slate.
The coin operated pool tables in bars usually have only 1 large piece of slate
and 6 x 12 snooker tables have 5 pieces. All others use 3 pieces.
Frame First
A good level starts with the frame. The frame
must be level with the floor. To level the frame use a carpenter's level.
Level the frame across the table on each end and then level the frame end to
end. When an adjustment is made on an end or a side all the other
corners will need to be rechecked. Try and work as accurately as possible. It
will help when you begin to level the slate.
Equipment
Slate from a reputable quarry will be accurately
machined to .010" total. That's plus or minus .005".
A good carpenter's level will be accurate to
.030" per side. Now remember that's plus or minus .030" so really it's only good to
within .060". To level the slate pieces we use a precision spirit level. This
level is accurate to plus or minus .0025". That is approximately the thickness
of one human hair.
A carpenter's level is fine for the frame but for
the slate a precision level is needed.
Installing the Slate
Setting the slate on the frame is the next step.
Start with the center slate piece first. When it is equal distance end to end
and side to side on the frame, screw it down. Now butt the end pieces to the
center and fasten them down. Make sure the slate pieces are matching and that
they are installed in the proper orientation. There should be a mark an the
slate pieces to show you which way they go on.
Leveling the Slate Pieces
Finally! Now start to level the pool table.
Start by checking the seams where the individual pieces join. Adjust the
individual slate pieces until all the seams match.
Next, check the level of each individual piece of
slate. Check each one in at least 2 places side to side and end to end. Take a
piece of chalk or a Sharpie and mark how high or low each corner of each piece
of slate is.
Now you can start adjusting until the table is
level. Start on one end a proceed to the other end making adjustments until
each piece of slate is level to the pool table frame and level to each other.
When all the pieces are level, go back and make sure the slate seams are still matched.
Shim the individual pieces in the center of the table as well as the
sides to get the level and the seams good.
Finishing
When the pool table slates are all level and flat,
tighten the slate hold down screws making sure that they don't hurt the seams.
The screws don't have to too tight. Just enough that the slate is not going to
move around.
Wax the seams between the slate pieces and you're
done. The table will play flat and straight for years and years.
Billiards Plus offers a pool table leveling
service. Our technicians have many years experience with all kinds of
different brands and can get your table playing as well as it did when it was
new.
If you are in the Windsor to Chatham area contact
us.
Our technicians know what to do so you don't have
to.
Stop in and let our
professional staff help you today.
Do you have a
question? Contact Us.
Telephone at
519-739-1822
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