[Global2010]

Thanks.

If you want to leave humorous posts great but if you slam us I will ask to have your post deleted.

Also those price ranges are much needed.

[mtbopfuyn]

Ya know, I think we have one of those things around here somewhere. I dunno. I vaguely recall somewhere around the second week of ownership, about 5 years ago, the kiddoes decided it’d make a great dumping place for all their stuff. Thank your lucky stars you live by yourself so you’ll actually be able to play on it.

[xcamel]

FWIW..
I’ve had an Oldham for about 10 years, and I love it.

[1rudeboy]

My understanding is that it’s not as much about the manufacturer, but rather the thickness of the slate making the “tabletop” itself.

[Beagle8U]

I would get a top of the line Vally With a 3 1/3 x 7 table.

That size is the most common for “Bar” tables and its best to hone your skills on a similar size table to the ones you are most likely to show them off.

[vietvet67]

As someone with a misspent youth and having played professionally, in my mind there is only one table to own.

Brunswick Gold Crown - 4 1/2x9’

Money can be saved by shopping around for a used one as there are many available. New cloth and possibly refinishing the side skirts is all that is needed. Try to find one with automatic ball returns.

Good luck on it not turning into just another ironing board. :-)

[DCPatriot]

I have a 9 ft. Olhausen with Simonis cloth.

Purchased it new on an annual Labor Day sale at Champion Billiard and BarStools for about $3,400.

The cost of the pool table is most determined by the detail in the base...legs, etc.. The slate top is in 3 pieces and from Italy. The rails are hardwood cushioned and are true and haven't deteriorated over time.

The Simonis cloth is far superior to felt and costs about $600 to replace by the dealer...but you might be able to find a free-lancer if you ask around. My cloth has been replaced several times since 2001 because well...we take our pool shooting seriously.

We play approximately 100 racks per week so it does get a lot of use.

In that time we've learned that it's best to have the table set up so that you don't need 'stubby' too much of the time...the pool cue that is shorter and necessary when the ball is against the rail, etc..

If you purchase it used, you can get a much better deal but it does cost to have it broken down, transported and set up again...in our area (Washington, DC) about $500.

I would NEVER purchase a table already broken down because you never know.

Also, ask for the store's best crew because once when I moved, the techs used too much caulk on the slate seams which hardened and caused noticeable interference until we rolled a ball over the area to flatten it. (Did I say we are serious about our pool?) LOL!

If you have any more questions please feel free to Freepmail or post them here.

It's a thing of beauty to observe somebody who knows and understands english...how to control the cue ball.

You can tell immediately when somebody knows how to shoot pool. It's a game of brains not brawn.

One more thing we do..we have a scratch jar. The offender puts a quarter in the jar and over time, it pays for a new cover.

Also, buy a leather-type cover for the table when not in use so that the cloth is not compromised.

Enjoy.

[SCALEMAN]

If you can find an old Brunswick that is the best. If it is old enough it will have a one inch single piece slate. Those are near impossible to find and extremely expensive. If not one piece then two piece is second best. When it is set up, hire a professional and make sure that if it is a multi piece slate that they use bees wax (I've seen people use joint compound and and it ain't right) for the transition between the slates. Any money put into refinishing it and replacement of the cloth is worth it. The pockets will be leather and have a good drop. Personally, I wouldn't own a table with ball returns or cloth of any color other than green.

I'm getting ready to replace the felt on mine and shopping the nets for good prices. I will do it myself. I worked in a pool hall back in the early 60's and did it a lot back then.