Pool Table

[mnphats]

The smart one in the family has authorized the purchase of a pool table. My 24 year wait will hopefully be over soon.

My budget for this sheer extravagance is $2000. It appears to me the only new 8' tables in this price range are imports, and whether these tables are inferior to domestic production is debatable.

One web site claimed:
Buyer Beware of Imported Pool Tables:

When a table is produced overseas, the biggest concern of a foreign manufacturer is how small of a box the product can be shipped in. The primary goal for the foreign manufacturer is to shop as many items in the container as possible, to be cost effective. This is the main reason why all imported tables have so many parts, small bases and why the table needs so many extra stretchers to hold the frame together. The salesperson for the import table will lead you to believe that these stretchers are for slate support, on the contrary, these stretchers are actually holding the table together with small screws! The only way to then assemble the corners is to use small screws and bed frame hardware. Take a look at how much hardware is at the end of each stretcher!

When I spoke with a local reputable dealer, he indicated his concern would be the quality or origin of the wood versus the additional hardware. Solid maple is solid maple, regardless were it comes from, isn't it?

New tables come with a starter kit worth about $150, plus delivery and set up are included. This makes the used table market a little tougher to swallow.

All opinions welcome!

[mikel]

Cool, I just got one of my own. I went cheaper and old brunswick 8' real slate three piece. Not great wood but plays great. I got it on craigs list for 200.00 and I moved it and refelted it. this was my budget. I got a great table for not much $$ I love bargin too much. I would keep looking because when families grow tired of these they sell em cheap but it cost plenty to move and set em up... I might also look for someone who moves them. The guy I got my felt from was local and had 20+ old tables he sells to people.

I love mine...

...m

[Jbridge337]

You should be able to find an 8' table non import slate for within your budget. Sometimes you can find a somewhat local manufacturer. I got mine from a store in the Atlanta area the makes their own tables in addition to selling Brunswick, Olhausen, etc. Here are a few sites I found with decent prices on slate tables.

http://billiardex.com/
http://www.kgibilliards.com/
http://64.49.225.54/Default.asp?Redirected=Y (pool tables direct)

I have never dealt with any of them, nor am I affiliated. Should at least give you a starting point.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[maxparot]

There is differences in the same species of wood grown in different environments. As we know there are also difference in how wood can be dried. And then there is the differences in craftsmanship. Further even manufacturers that offer outstanding hardwood tables also offer less expensive tables that are made using plywood and MDF.
Do the they play the same if they both have good slate tops properly installed? The answer is at first yes. The environment can effect them both in different ways but a high quality table is built to withstand the indoor environmental changes without drastic changes in play.
Then there is the issue of recovering and moving a table. Again a high quality table will last longer. (a couple of lifetimes) The more you play the more often you'll recover the table. Want to change carpet in the room with the table it needs to be moved.
Real hardwoods are nice furniture and can be taken care of like high quality furniture they age nicely.
Imports may be cheaper but be sure of what you are getting. IMHO a table made by an experienced, reputable company, of domestic hardwoods is worth the extra money.
I have a 7' Olhausen made of solid oak with Mahogany finish. Purchased 3 years ago and consider it a high quality furniture investment.

[Tom Slick]

I worked for a guy that sold/moved/setup pool tables.

There is absolutely no reason not to buy a used table in good shape. as you have noticed you have to sped alot for a good new table and a 30-40 year old table might be built better. a 100 year old table is almost guaranteed to be built better.

have it professionally moved or at least learn how to correctly dissassemble it and have it professionally setup. a most 3 piece slate tables will fit in the bed of a mini truck when properly dissassembled. We moved a couple with an isuzu pickup if that means anything. you can mess up the table by not moving it correctly. setup would take 3+ hours by a pro.

thicker slate is considered better, 3/4" is bare minimum, 1.5" is better.

[Russianwolf]

Go with a good quality table. Period. I tried several times to grab one off ebay, but missed out each time. Finally took the plunge and bought a cheaper Brunswick new. $3k, but no regrets.

If you can find a used Brunswick, go for it.

[Ed62]

I bought a used one years ago. It was some of the best money I ever spent. 3 piece slate, and heavy. We eventually sold the house, and moved 150miles away. The table stayed with the house. Now I'd like to have it back.

Ed