Moving a pool table?

[MysticLlama]

Is this just a don't do it yourself situation? Or doable with enough help and some instructions for reassembly?

[IROC]

I would say it depends on the pool table. Some are light enough that they can be carried and moved intact. Others I have seen disassembled and moved that way. Even in one instance, the slate segments (3, I think?) were removed and crated separately.

My experience comes from my illustrious days working for United Van Lines...I moved these more often that I care to admit.

[MysticLlama]

Yeah, if light enough no big deal, it's more if it ends up being a beast and the slates need removed how hard it might be to get put back together correctly.

Seems that professional moving and setup is around $400, tables themselves can be had for $500-1500 used, so it adds a fair amount, but may also be totally worth it.

[IROC]

When we used to move them, we had a guy who would come in and assemble/level/set them up. I forgot about that. I was just the "strong back/weak mind" part of the process.

[pwd72s]

Do you know the table make? If it's a good brand, I would suggest using a good table mechanic and a couple of helpers. I'd also suggest going new cloth as a "while you're in there" thing. If it's a cheap krap table, break it down & haul it to a landfill, then buy a good table.

Give these folks a call. I've never been there, but they are rated highly on a pool site I visit...they'd know who to use in the Seattle area.

http://billiardsforall.com/content/free-pool-lessons

I watched a nice old Brunswick being recushioned and given new cloth @ the cue ball. It's very much a tricks of the trade thing. Wouldn't try it myself.
These two guys were amazing...each having their own chores to do, not much talking. Experience...

[Rickysa]

If it's a full size table and you want it to play true, hire it done.

[MysticLlama]

There are various table options, Brunswicks, Western Billiards (Tacoma builder), Olhausens, etc.

It wouldn't be for serious playing, and at first it'd be to figure out if we used it much at all, so I don't want to go too high end, but I also understand the frustration if it really sucks and just isn't fun to play on.

While I like the idea of picking up an early 1900s Brunswick and having it rebuilt, I don't want to do all of that and have it just sit. An inexpensive table can always be replaced later.

[Rickysa]

Olhausens

That's our table (with new Simonis cloth) and we love it.

[Sooner or later]

Originally Posted by NotaBRG

I just bought a used table a couple of years ago and moved it myself.

When I got it they had it in their garage with the legs off so that's how I brought it to my house. But to get it in I disassembled it and reassembled.

It's not hard, but it is time consuming when you don't do it every day. I replaced the felt on the playing surface but left the rails as they were in pretty good shape.
I spent a lot of time getting the three piece slate level and then filling the seams with bees wax. Still any time anyone missed a shot they blame the table for not being level.

You'll need a deck of cards, a good machines level is very helpful, and if you can find The Green Book it's worth it.


Filling the seams:


Laying out the felt:


Rails back on:

I have the exact same model of Golden West. (7ft).

Nice table

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by NotaBRG

Paul described my 'Golden West' from Portland as a 944 of pool tables.
I think that's a good thing?

Not necessarily. If I were to buy a new pool table today, it would be a diamond brand. An old table? A nicely restored (40's-50's) Brunswick anniversary or centennial. Here's a restored centennial pic I lifted. Well into 5 figures to replicate this... Olhausens are okay for family/kids play. And less money than Brunswick (think Chinese made these days) or Diamond..(all USA) Sounds as if Rob has his criteria straight, so I'd say go Olhausen, but if anybody in the family gets serious, be prepared to want to move up to Diamond, the table preferred by pros today. As an aside, Ohausen pocket cuts and shelf depth make for difficult rail shots...

All that said, wish our home had room for a table. That's why I made 85-90 miles round trips to play on one of Jim's beautiful old Centennial or anniversary 9' tables. Today's Brunswick Gold Crowns are okay, but they don't build 'em like they used to.

[MRM]

I have an older 9 foot pool table that's decent but hardly very good. Maybe the 924 of the pool table world. I've had to move it three times. I tried to do it myself and it was just way too heavy, even with friends. It's from the 1960s, so maybe it's heavier than today's (antique tables are much heavier that modern ones) but it's well over 1,000 pounds. Just for kicks I got under a corner on my hands and knees and pushed up with my back. It didn't budge and I almost killed myself. It can be done with enough effort and help, but it's something I think is very much better left to the professionals.

[MBAtarga]

It took 3 pro's when they delivered my table - and almost 3 hrs to assemble it (3 piece slate) and get it level on a tile floor.

[MysticLlama]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

It took 3 pro's when they delivered my table - and almost 3 hrs to assemble it (3 piece slate) and get it level on a tile floor.

That's some good perspective. I expected 4-5 people that are definitely not pros and the better part of a day of fiddling, so I guess I wasn't too far off.

Also seemed like if we got it moved and mostly in place that it'd be less expensive for a set up / tune up than an entire breakdown and move process, but might not be worth it at that point.

[MBAtarga]

Also, Rob, in order to get the table "level" - they used a machinists level, not your standard contractors level.

[mepstein]

I saw two guys instal one at my parents house years ago. $400 is so worth it.

[MysticLlama]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

Also, Rob, in order to get the table "level" - they used a machinists level, not your standard contractors level.

But that part sounds like an excuse to buy a tool that will be way overkill in the future for hanging pictures.

[pwd72s]

Rob, you weren't clear. Buying a new or used table? Size? If new, you can trust most legit dealers to have a good installation crew. The hauling is the easy part.
Give Golden (aka Golden fleece) a ring...there you'll learn more. Actually, maybe rent some table time there on a Diamond...see what you think. I know I suggested Olhausen, but that might be penny wise...not sure of he price difference between Olhausen and Diamond, once delivered and installed.

[MysticLlama]

It'd be a used table, 8' probably, 9 is too big, 7 might work, but might be cramped to play on. The question was along the lines of "if I bought one of these in decent shape on Craigslist, could myself and some friends successfully get it set up 95% and playable in the basement?"

Also, if I hauled one with a trailer, could I pull it with a V6 Mustang, or would I need a Bullitt?

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by MysticLlama

It'd be a used table, 8' probably, 9 is too big, 7 might work, but might be cramped to play on. The question was along the lines of "if I bought one of these in decent shape on Craigslist, could myself and some friends successfully get it set up 95% and playable in the basement?"

Also, if I hauled one with a trailer, could I pull it with a V6 Mustang, or would I need a Bullitt?

LOL! If I had the space, and since I prefer drop pockets over a ball return, I'd go with this:

The Professional Drop Pocket Table

But since I don't, I just wish.

Seriously, since many area tournaments and league play is mainly on 7' tables, I'd suggest going that route. 8' tables are kind of an orphan these days. 7' Diamonds are used for the Western BCAPL amateur championships. What ever you do, avoid a Valley brand bar box like the plague.

If a table is too old, it may need cushion replacement. That isn't cheap...so when looking at used, check for dead rails. If I were looking used, I'd probably hire a good table mechanic to do a PPI. It would be money as well spent for a table as it is for a used car.

It's entirely possible in an area as large as Seattle, you could find a nice used 7' Diamond...be patient.

I won't say you couldn't set one up yourself, but if you've never done it, I'd very strongly suggest calling a pro.

[MysticLlama]

Hm, interesting, didn't know that the 7's were more popular than 8's, and it'd certainly fit better. I'll keep an eye out.