A Guide For Buying A Used Pool Table
The best thing about buying a used pool table is the fact that most of them were
installed from a dealer and usually there is no damage or wear to a used pool table besides the felt wear. A pool table stays in good condition because it has no moving parts to wear and is not generally subject to abuse.
Everyone is hoping to find an attractive, good quality, low priced used pool table. Unfortunately, the tables which meet those criteria are usually sold by the owner to family, friends, neighbors or coworkers.
That generally leaves the over-priced, worse for wear and the least desirable pool tables to be advertised in the local newspapers for sale. It is also easy to overpay for a used pool table.
Pool pockets are a very important aspect of purchasing any pool table. Snooker pockets are smaller, the balls are smaller, the cues are lighter and the cue tip sizes are smaller.
In most cases it can be done for just under $2,000. It is important to remember to purchase a pool table with pool pockets.
Avoid pool tables with snooker pockets, as they are not true "pool" tables and you will have trouble reselling them at a later date. The best way to determine the size of a used pool table is to actually measure the inside playing area.
Make sure you are not measuring the outside of the table since it does not indicate the playing surface - rail widths can vary in size. Measure the inside where the ball comes to rest against the cushion.
You will be able to see if the billiard cloth is in good condition and if the color suits your home decor. If it doesn't, then budget at least $150 just for the cloth alone - this does not include the installation.
What is not so easy to see is the condition of the slate and the rubber cushions beneath the cloth. Rubber cushions deteriorate and may need replacing if they have lost their bounce. The slate may be warped or cracked.
Cushion and slate condition is difficult to determine prior to disassembly. Often tables with impressive names on them or even many brand name tables are in reality a cheap import from the Orient.
They will have thin slate, poor quality cushions and mediocre quality. It is important to ensure that the table was actually built in North America using quality materials and not just an off shore import sold by a North American company.
The slate in addition to being screwed to the body around the perimeter should also be screwed in the middle of the two joints where the three pieces of slate fit together.
Used pool cues will usually have some warping and often need new tips. Budget on replacing the cues with new straight ones.
Some of the balls may be chipped - it isn't necessary to replace the full set, you can always purchase individual balls and save some money that way. Sometimes the pool table cover needs replacing. If it is a quality fitted cover, budget $100 for a new one.
Taking the table apart to move it is not technically difficult. Be aware that there are three pieces of slate, each weighing over 150 pounds, and you must be very careful when carrying it.
Even if only one piece breaks, all 3 will probably have to be replaced due to mismatching - a very expensive proposition. Carrying slate is also awkward, especially when stairs are involved - it is very easy to hurt your back when carrying a heavy and awkward item that does not provide anything to grip onto.
Reassembling the table is far more complex than taking it apart. Proper leveling and cloth installation is of paramount importance.
The table is only as good as the installation. Be careful when re-stretching the bed cloth - it is easy to have the cloth tear when it is being stretched.
The older the cloth, the more likely it is to rip apart, so using qualified billiard table mechanics makes quite a bit more sense. Not only can you save yourself possible injury, you will also end up with a properly installed pool table.
by: Jack Landry
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