Tag Archives: After

Pool Table Leveling After Assembly: A Comprehensive Guide A perfectly level playing surface is the single most important factor in ensuring a fair and enjoyable game of pool

February 14, 2026   Matt

While modern pool tables are engineered for precision, even the slightest deviation from level can dramatically affect ball roll, shot accuracy, and the overall integrity of the game. Leveling your table after assembly is not a suggested step—it is an absolute necessity. This guide will walk you through the professional process of achieving a tournament-ready playing surface.

Why Leveling is Non-Negotiable

Before beginning, understand the stakes of an unlevel table:
* Ball Roll-Off: The most obvious symptom. Balls will consistently drift toward the low end of the table, making any strategic play impossible.
* Inconsistent Play: Shots that should be straight will curve, speed control becomes erratic, and bank shots are rendered unreliable.
* Damage to the Table: Over time, an uneven surface can cause undue stress on the frame, seams, and slate, potentially leading to permanent damage.

Tools You Will Need

Gather these tools before you start:

  • 1. A High-Quality Machinist’s Level::

    • This is your most critical tool. A standard carpenter’s level is not precise enough. Your level should be at least 24 inches long and sensitive to at least 0.0005″ per foot.

  • 2. Shims::

    • Professional-grade plastic or metal shims. Avoid wood, as it can compress over time.

  • 3. Wrenches::

    • Typically an adjustable wrench or specific socket set that fits your table’s leg levelers or frame bolts.

  • 4. Assistant::

    • Leveling is a two-person job. You’ll need help to place the slate, adjust legs, and check measurements.

    —

    Step-by-Step Leveling Procedure

    Phase 1: Foundation and Frame

  • 1. Prepare the Location::

    • Assemble your table in its permanent location. The floor itself must be as level and solid as possible. Use your level on the floor to identify any major irregularities. A table on a sloping floor is fighting a losing battle.

  • 2. Level the Frame (if applicable)::

    • Before the slate is installed, place your level across the table’s wooden frame or cabinet in multiple directions. Use shims under the legs or base to get the frame as level as possible. This provides a stable foundation for the heavy slate.

    Phase 2: Slate Leveling (The Core Process)

    This is the meticulous heart of the operation. Most quality tables use a three-piece slate bed.

  • 1. Position the Center Slate::

    • After the frame is prepared, carefully place the center slate section. Do not tighten it down fully yet.

  • 2. Establish Your Reference Point::

    • Place your machinist’s level in the center of the slate, both lengthwise and widthwise. Identify which corner or side is the highest. This high point becomes your reference; you will not lower it, but instead raise everything else to meet it.

  • 3. Check Diagonals::

    • Place the level on the diagonal from one corner to the opposite corner. Note the bubble position. Repeat for the other diagonal. This helps identify twist or “wind” in the slate.
    4. Begin Shim Adjustment:
    * Access the adjustment points, which are typically bolts or leveling screws located at the slate edges or on mounting brackets underneath.
    * To raise a low area, you insert shims between the slate and the frame (or turn a threaded leg leveler clockwise). Work in tiny increments. Even a shim the thickness of a business card can make a significant difference.
    * Constantly re-check your level in all directions—lengthwise, widthwise, and diagonally—after every single adjustment. The process is iterative and requires patience.

  • 5. Join and Level the End Slates::

    • Once the center slate is perfectly level, bring the two end slate sections into position. Align the seams perfectly. The goal is to make all three pieces act as one perfectly flat plane.
    * Level each end section individually to the center section.
    * Pay extreme attention to the seams. There should be no “lip” or height difference where the slates meet. You can check this by placing the level directly over a seam. A slight gap underneath the seam is acceptable and will be filled with wax; a height difference is not.

  • 6. Final Check and Lock Down::

    • Perform a comprehensive “grid” check. Imagine a tic-tac-toe board on the slate. Place your level in all nine segments, both directions. The bubble should read identically in every position. Only when this is achieved should you fully tighten all slate bolts to their specified torque, being careful not to shift the slate as you do so.

    Phase 3: Final Verification and Cloth Installation

  • 1. Re-Check After Tightening::

    • The act of tightening bolts can sometimes pull the slate out of level. Do one final complete grid check after everything is secured.

  • 2. Seam Filling (for Traditional Tables)::

    • The seams between slate pieces are filled with a beeswax or proprietary compound, which is melted and smoothed flush with the surface. This is a skilled step; if unsure, consult a professional.

  • 3. Install the Cloth::

    • Once the slate bed is confirmed level and the seams are flush, the felt can be installed. A level slate ensures the cloth will be stretched evenly, completing your perfect playing surface.

    Professional Tip:

    The “Roll Test”
    After the felt is installed, a classic test is to slowly and gently roll a cue ball from one end of the table to the other, along various paths (rails, center, diagonals). Watch and listen closely. It should roll smoothly in a straight line without any deviation or change in speed. Any curve or hesitation indicates a remaining low spot.

    When to Call a Professional
    If this process seems daunting, or if your table lacks accessible adjustment points, hire a certified table mechanic. They possess the specialized tools, experience, and expertise to level a table efficiently and to exacting standards. Considering the investment a pool table represents, professional leveling is often money well spent.

    Conclusion
    Leveling your pool table is a detailed, patient task that forms the bedrock of your gaming experience. Rushing this process undermines the quality of the table itself. By methodically using the right tools and following these steps, you can transform your assembled table into a true centerpiece for competition and enjoyment, where every shot relies on skill—not a hidden slope.

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    Pool Table Leveling After Assembly: A Comprehensive Guide A perfectly level playing surface is the single most important factor in ensuring accurate gameplay on a pool table

    February 07, 2026   Shane

    Even a slight incline can cause balls to roll off course, turning a game of skill into one of chance. After the complex process of assembling your slate-bed table, proper leveling is the final, critical step to transform it from furniture into a precision instrument. This guide will walk you through the professional methods for achieving a perfectly level playing field.

    Why Leveling is Non-Negotiable

    Before diving into the *how*, understand the *why*. An unlevel table causes several issues:
    * Ball Roll-Off: The most obvious problem. Balls will consistently drift toward the low point of the table.
    * Inconsistent Bank Shots: The angles of your banks and kicks will be unpredictable.
    * Speed Distortion: A downhill shot will play faster, while an uphill shot will play slower, disrupting your feel for the game.
    * Professional Standards: For tournament or serious recreational play, a level table is the foundation of fair competition.

    Tools You Will Need

    Gather these tools before you begin:

  • 1. A High-Quality Machinist’s Level::

    • This is your most important tool. A 24-inch or 48-inch level is ideal. A small carpenter’s level is insufficient for this task.

  • 2. Shims::

    • Professional installers use metal or durable plastic shims. For DIY, brass or stainless steel shims are excellent. In a pinch, high-density plastic or even old playing cards can be used temporarily, but they may compress over time.

  • 3. Wrench or Socket Set::

    • To adjust the leg levelers (if your table has them).

  • 4. Notepad and Pen::

    • To record your measurements.

  • 5. Assistant::

    • Leveling is much easier with a second person.

    The Step-by-Step Leveling Process

    Step 1: Initial Placement and Stability
    Ensure your table is in its permanent location. The floor itself must be as level and solid as possible. On carpet, use a plywood base under each leg for stability. Check that all frame bolts are tightened securely and the slate seams are filled and smooth.

    Step 2: Establish Your Baseline
    Place your long level along the center of the table, running from the foot spot to the head spot (the long way). Note the bubble’s position. Mark the “low” end. Now, place the level across the table at the foot spot, center spot, and head spot (the short way). You are creating a mental map of the table’s topography.

    Step 3: The “Star Pattern” Method (For Tables with Leg Levelers)
    Most modern tables have adjustable leg levelers. The goal is to raise the low corners/sides without twisting the frame.
    1. Identify the lowest corner.
    2. Place your level on a diagonal from that low corner to the opposite high corner. Adjust the leg leveler at the low corner until the bubble is centered *along that diagonal only*.
    3. Move your level to the other diagonal (forming an “X”). Check the reading.
    4. Now check the long center and short center lines again.
    5. Repeat this process—checking diagonals, then lengths, then widths—making tiny adjustments. Raising one corner will affect the others. Patience is key. This is an iterative process.

    Step 4: Shim Method (For Tables without Levelers)
    If your table has fixed legs, you must shim from the bottom.
    1. Identify the low leg(s) using your level.
    2. With an assistant’s help, slightly lift the leg and slide one or more shims underneath. The shim should be placed to fully support the leg’s foot.
    3. Lower the leg and re-check with your level.
    4. Continue shimming incrementally, re-checking after each adjustment, until level is achieved across all axes.

    Step 5: The Final Check – The Roll Test
    After your level indicates perfection, perform the ultimate test: the roll test.
    1. Place a ball on the *foot spot* (where the second rack ball sits).
    2. Give it a gentle, smooth push toward the center of the head rail, with no English.
    3. The ball should roll in a straight line, hit the head rail, and return directly back to your cue tip (or very close to it).
    4. Repeat this test from the *head spot* to the foot rail, and from *side spots* to the opposite side rail.
    5. If the ball veers consistently in one direction, minute adjustments are still needed.

    Pro Tips and Common Pitfalls

    * Slate Seams: Your level must bridge the slate seams. A seam that is not perfectly flush can throw off your reading.
    * Cloth Stretch: New cloth can have slight wrinkles or tension variations. The roll test is more reliable than the level alone on a freshly clothed table.
    * Temperature & Humidity: Wood and slate can shift slightly with environmental changes. It’s good practice to check your table’s level seasonally.
    * Don’t Chase Perfection: The goal is a perfectly level *playing surface*, not necessarily a level *frame*. Sometimes the frame may be slightly off, but if the slate plays true, your job is done.

    Conclusion

    Leveling your pool table after assembly is a meticulous but deeply rewarding process. It requires patience, precision, and the right tools. By methodically following these steps—using a quality level, adjusting incrementally, and trusting the final roll test—you will create a table that performs predictably and professionally. The satisfying *thwack* of a perfectly executed shot on a perfectly level table is the ultimate reward for your careful work. Now, rack ’em up and enjoy a true test of skill.

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    Get The Bright Smile You Have Been After (2)

    November 15, 2022   Matt

    Get The Bright Smile You Have Been After

    White teeth are important to many people. In fact, the condition of your teeth can determine how other people view you and how you view yourself. Getting teeth that are white is actually simple. By using the tips provided in this article, you will be able to make sure your teeth are white all the time.

    A great tip that can help you whiten your teeth is to listen to your body. Ease off of whitening products if you start noticing that your gums are bleeding. Irritated gums and teeth are a common symptom of whitening products. Listen to your body and discontinue use if you notice these symptoms.

    Approximately half of all patients who try some sort of whitening treatment, especially those at home, will experience some level of tooth sensitivity as a result. If this happens to you, try lowering the concentration of the product that you are using, and see if that corrects the problem.

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil could be the key to getting your teeth whiter. The oil has been proven to contain ingredients that whiten your teeth. To use this method, begin by brushing your teeth with normal toothpaste. Then, pour a tiny amount of the olive oil on a washcloth and scrub your teeth.

    When using over-the-counter teeth whitening products it is important to read and follow the directions very carefully. Don’t leave the strips or gel on longer than the instructions dictate, as this could lead to sores and problems in your mouth. Avoid drinking or eating acidic foods or beverages for a couple of hours after treatment.

    The best way to whiten teeth is to prevent their discoloration in the first place. Flossing is a helpful technique in getting rid of plaque, which causes teeth to lose their color. Floss after any meal or snack you eat. If you can, take floss with you to restaurants. Be especially sure to floss before bed, as plaque forming bacteria will cause teeth to lose their white color while you are sleeping.

    Visit your dentist regularly. Sometimes, the regular cleaning a dentist can provide will remove stains from your teeth and you may not need to have them bleached at all. This deep-down cleaning will help get the stains out of micro-cracks in the enamel in your teeth.

    Your eating habits are a big key to maintaining a white smile. Processed food and fast food contain chemicals and preservatives that can leave staining residues on your teeth. Try to incorporate fresh raw vegetables and fruits and eat salads which contain beneficial vitamins and minerals that help promote stronger, healthier teeth.

    Change your toothbrush at least once every 2 months. If you fail to do this you can cause more bacteria in your mouth which can cause problems with the color of your teeth. This can also cause other problems with your teeth and mouth which can lead to problems in the future.

    Getting teeth that are white is actually more simple than it seems. Since this determines how you feel about yourself and how other people feel about you, it’s important to have white teeth. Using the tips above you will be able to make sure your teeth are always white and pretty.

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    Giggle And Grin About How White Your Teeth Are After Using These Tips (2)

    October 16, 2022   Matt

    Giggle And Grin About How White Your Teeth Are After Using These Tips

    If you’re doing everything you can for whiter teeth and still aren’t happy with how your smile looks, you may need some information on new methods to try. There are many methods to whiten teeth, and you’ll find the best of them right here.

    The best way to whiten teeth is to prevent their discoloration in the first place. Flossing is a helpful technique in getting rid of plaque, which causes teeth to lose their color. Floss after any meal or snack you eat. If you can, take floss with you to restaurants. Be especially sure to floss before bed, as plaque forming bacteria will cause teeth to lose their white color while you are sleeping.

    Try not to drink water that contains fluoride or using any toothpaste that contains it. Contrary to the popular belief that it is good for your teeth it has been shown to have a staining effect! Other countries have all together banned the use of it in their water because of dangers.

    Visit your dentist regularly. Sometimes, the regular cleaning a dentist can provide will remove stains from your teeth and you may not need to have them bleached at all. This deep-down cleaning will help get the stains out of micro-cracks in the enamel in your teeth.

    Watch for tooth sensitivity when using tooth whitening products. Many of these products can irritate the gums or cause your teeth to become unusually sensitive to cold. If you notice these effects becoming troublesome, stop using the product. You may not tolerate it well, and it could even be damaging your teeth.

    When you want whiter teeth, do not be fooled by the different kinds of toothpastes available. Toothpaste that claims to whiten your teeth is frequently more expensive than normal toothpaste. When trying to remove stains from your teeth, regular toothpaste works just as well and is often cheaper than whitening toothpaste.

    Reduce or eliminate consumption of beverages that typically stain teeth in order to brighten your smile. Beverages such as coffee, tea or red wine can stain teeth, especially if the liquid stays on the teeth for some time. Either brush soon after drinking these beverages or use a straw to reduce staining and discoloration.

    Drink less tea and coffee. Tea and coffee are both horrible for your teeth. They stain them, leaving them slightly brown or dull. Try to cut down on your tea and coffee consumption. If you do not want to cut back, rinse your mouth out thoroughly after you are done drinking.

    As you age, teeth will naturally yellow so it is important to have preventative care and whitening done. Maintain proper dental visits and cleanings as well as your regular brushing habits. Minimize sodas, teas, coffees and avoid excesses of sticky foods. These things will prolong the natural white color of your teeth.

    You can see that you don’t have to settle for a dull smile if you have the know-how to get your teeth as white as they can be. Use the information above to develop a teeth whitening plan that you can live with, and you will be on your way to a permanently brighter smile and whiter teeth.

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    Four Critical Tips for Cleaning Up after a Flood Strikes

    September 11, 2022   Matt

    Four Critical Tips for Cleaning Up after a Flood Strikes

    The value of knowing how to respond to an emergency has never been so clear, with one of the worst hurricane seasons ever behind us. Educating yourself on what to do in a flood, therefore, is one of the key disaster preparedness issues. Here are some valuable tips homeowners should be aware of when cleaning up damage left behind by a flood.

    Don’t Go Near the Water: Floodwaters can be some of the most contaminated water you will ever come in contact with. Seek medical attention right away if you or a family member has been exposed to flood waters for any length of time. Topical floodwater contact could lead to serious infections. If you believe you or anyone else has drunk floodwater, seek medical care at your local hospital or clinic as soon as possible, as the dangers of infection are even worse.

    Tread Lightly: Stay out of any buildings or structures that still have floodwaters encircling them. Don’t underestimate structural damage floodwaters can cause. A structure’s foundation can be significantly weakened by floodwaters in relatively short periods of time, especially in older structures. Foundations can sink and become unstable, causing cracks and gaps in the flooring, even a house’ total collapse without warning. An apparently sound structure may also have suffered gas leaks, electrical damage, or water line damage, so you should steer clear of such buildings until local officials have declared them safe .

    Wait Until the All-Clear: Just because the rain has stopped and the floodwater seems to be withdrawing, doesn’t mean its safe to go home and start cleaning up. Of course you’ll be anxious to find out what damage if any has been done to your property, but sometimes, floodwater damage creates many a hazard that requires professional clean up before the area is cleared as safe to local area residents. Keep watching for information on the weather if you have access to local radio or television stations, which will inform you of any threat from incoming storms, or other floodwater-related dangers in your area.

    Handle with Care: You should inspect flood-damaged buildings cautiously once local officials have judged the area safe. Start with examining your house carefully. Tread carefully; flood damage can weaken structures. Do not smoke inside the building. (gas leak hazard) Bring battery-operated flashlights or lanterns as electricity may be cut off. Study the floors, walls, doors, staircases, and windows closely to make sure the house is not in danger of collapsing, using the flashlight to look at the foundation for cracks or other signs of damage.

    After you’ve examined the structural integrity of the building, check for damage to the utility systems. Find and note down damage to the building’s gas, electrical, and sewage system. Check for gas leaks by listening for a small hissing noise and smelling the gas in the air. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off the main valve immediately and contact the gas company.

    Scrutinize the building’s electrical system. Any broken, frayed, or loose wires are spots for worry. If you see any sparks or smell any burning, immediately turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker or fuse box.

    You will also need to check out your home’s sewage system. Avoid using the toilet and call a plumber if you believe the sewage lines have been damaged. If fresh water pipes have also been damaged, call your water company and don’t drink water from the tap.

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    Tips on Cleaning Up After Pets

    August 12, 2021   Matt

    Tips on Cleaning Up After Pets

    Between muddy paws, fur on upholstered furniture, odors and occasional accidents, we can spend quite a bit of time cleaning up after our furry friends.

    The experts at Merry Maids offer pet owners the following tips for keeping a clean home and tackling the most common problems.

    * Minimizing the mess: Cleaner pets mean a cleaner house. Bathe and brush your pets regularly to minimize the amount of pet hair and dander and to help eliminate odors. Keep a lint brush or damp sponge handy to quickly pick up loose pet hair.

    * Removing pet hair: On carpeting, use a vacuum with a good beater brush or brush roll to remove pet hair. On upholstery, use velour brushes, tape rollers or even the rubber bottom of a clean tennis shoe and remove the fur using light, even strokes.

    * Lifting stains: Dilute spots using a damp cloth, then clean the area with one quart of water mixed with one teaspoon white vinegar. Cleaning solutions from your local pet store or supermarket also work well in lifting stains and odors. Be sure to follow the label directions and allow them to work for the full amount of time indicated.

    When your pet has stomach problems, clean up these accidents quickly, as the acidity can stain your carpet. Treat the affected area using a professional carpet detergent and rinse with clean hot water. Extract the soiled solutions away from the carpet.

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