Replacing pool table felt can be somewhat difficult since it requires working with a large piece of fabric and the table must be mostly disassembled. However, it is definitely not an impossible task and can be done with the right tools and a bit of elbow grease! First, you’ll need to acquire the proper cloth and tools to complete the job.
Once you have these items, you can start to disassemble the table, salvage any existing staples and loosen any bolts from the cabinet or legs. You will then need to remove the slate and prepare the bed for the new felt, which includes checking for any irregularities and patching any holes.
After the bed is prepped, the new felt is spread and drawn tautly over the slate, then firmly stapled. Finally, you must reverse the disassembly process, reattach the cabinet and legs, and make sure everything is properly aligned and levelled.
With the right preparation and care, replacing pool table felt doesn’t have to be as daunting of a task as it may seem. It can be a rewarding experience, and the best part is that after it’s all said and done, you will have a brand new and improved playing surface!.
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How often do you replace felt on pool table?
It is recommended to replace the felt on a pool table every three to five years, depending on the amount of regular use the table gets. In general, high-quality billiards felt should be replaced once it starts to show signs of wear and tear, such as fading color or irregular games (balls not rolling straight).
Also, if the felt becomes too pitted or worn, then it’s time for a replacement. Aside from regular wear and tear, stains and water damage can also cause felt to become too worn out for continued use.
Finally, you should also take into account the type of felt you are using and its warranties. For example, some manufacturers offer different warranties for different felt types, which could factor into when to replace the felt.
What is underneath a pool table felt?
Underneath the felt on a pool table is a thick, specialized wooden material called slate. It is usually a 1-inch or 2-inch thick slab of slate, which is weighed down with a sturdy wooden frame. The felt itself helps to create an even surface, allowing the cue ball to roll naturally with only a minimal bounce or deflection.
Beneath the cloth, the slate is polished to a perfect flatness and is often designed with a pattern that is designed to reduce the amount of speed that the ball will have over long distances. The edges are usually beveled for added protection, so that the balls do not catch on them during play.
Can you reuse felt when moving a pool table?
Yes, you can reuse felt when you are moving a pool table. The felt is usually glued down to the table and is not easily removed. If you are able to carefully remove the felt from the table without damaging it, you can save some money by re-using the same felt.
However, it is important to make sure that the felt is still in good condition and is not too worn or torn. Additionally, make sure to inspect the areas underneath the felt to check for any water damage and wood rot.
If any damage is found, you may need to replace the felt instead.
What is the difference between pool table felt and regular felt?
Pool table felt is a specialized form of felt used primarily on billiard tables. It has a much tighter weave than regular felt and is usually made of a blend of wool and nylon. This blend helps the felt remain durable and provide a smooth surface for balls to roll across.
Regular felt is usually much thicker and less tightly woven than pool table felt. It is often composed of wool or a blend of wool and other fibers, and is often found in crafting projects such as making felt figures and items.
Regular felt is also used to line drawers and can be used for sorting items such as coins and jewelry. Regular felt does not provide the same smooth rolling surface as pool table felt, hence its use for crafts and other utilitarian applications.
Does felt matter on pool table?
Yes, felt matters on pool tables. Different kinds of felt have an impact on ball speed, spin, and grip on the table. Pool tables typically have cloth felt that is designed to provide friction, preventing the cue ball from slipping and sliding too quickly.
The felt also affects how the balls move on the table and how resistance is met when the balls hit each other. Different felt materials will provide varying levels of speed, spin, and control. Higher-end felt will provide more consistent results and potentially higher-quality play.
It’s important to find the best kind of felt for the game and ensure that it’s properly stretched and in good condition before each game. Additionally, if the pool table has seen a lot of wear and tear, felt should be replaced or at least patched up regularly to ensure proper ball motion.
Can you move a pool table without removing the felt?
Yes, it is possible to move a pool table without removing the felt, although it is not recommended. Removing the felt is the best way to ensure the table is moved safely and without sustaining any damage.
If you must move the pool table without removing the felt, there are several steps that need to be taken to do so safely.
First, you will need to make sure that the pool table is completely level. Making sure the legs are evenly positioned and tightly secured will help to ensure the stability of the pool table during the move.
You should also inspect the felt for any rips or tears that could make the process more difficult.
Once the pool table is leveled and checked for damage, you may begin to disassemble or break down the pieces. If the pool table is small or the room is large enough, you could attempt to move the table in sections.
This will ensure less stress will be put on the felt while it is being moved. Alternatively, if the pool table is large and the room is too small, it will need to be moved in one piece. Doing so will require more people in order to ensure the table remains stable throughout the transport.
In either case, the right equipment is needed in order to safely move a pool table without removing the felt. When attempting to move the table in sections, it is recommended to use furniture dollies and blankets to help secure the felt.
If the table needs to be moved in one piece, heavier equipment is needed. Professional movers or pool table technicians are likely to have the tools and equipment you need to complete the move safely.
Overall, it is not recommended to move a pool table without removing the felt since it could cause damage to the felt or the table itself. If you must move the table without removing the felt, make sure to take all the necessary precautions to do so safely.
What tools do you need to Refelt a pool table?
In order to Refelt a pool table, you will need a variety of specialized tools. To start, you will need a utility knife, scissors, a straightedge, stapler, hammer, drill, table bradgun, miter saw, and clamps.
You will also need pool table felt, sandpaper, masking tape, felt block, spray adhesive, latex caulk, and felt stretcher.
The first step in Refelting a pool table is to take off the outside cushion and remove the old felt from the playing surface. This is best done using a utility knife and a straightedge, ensuring that you take off only the felt – not the slate.
Once the old felt is removed, use sandpaper to make sure the surface is as smooth as possible.
Next, you will need to attach the new pool table felt to the playing surface. This is done by using spray adhesive, masking tape, felt block, and a table bradgun to secure the felt to the slate surface.
Once the felt is in place, use a miter saw to cut any excess felt away. You will also need to use the felt stretcher to pull the felt tightly across the playing surface.
The last step is to attach the outside cushion, which can be done using clamps and a stapler. Make sure to secure the cushion tightly to the playing surface, and if necessary use a silicone bead of latex caulk to ensure a snug fit.
Finally, you can enjoy your Refelted pool table.
How do I know if my pool table felt needs replacing?
Tears, leveled spots, pool ball tracks, and excessive warping. Discoloration may occur if the cloth has faded or if objects such as beverage spills have stained the felt. Tears may occur from normal wear and tear or from an object being dragged across its surface.
If the pool table cloth has leveled spots it may be because of worn areas on the playing surface. These spots will reduce the speed of the balls, so you may actually see the balls not rolling as fast in those areas.
Additionally, you may be able to notice pool ball tracks from the repetition of shots. Excessive warping may occur if the surface of the felt is old and has been exposed to certain elements such as moisture or humidity, which might have caused it to lose its shape.
If you notice any of these signs then it may be time to replace the felt of your pool table.
